Mark Wolters – Page 29 – Wolters World

Visit Lithuania: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Lithuania. It’s a great travel destination that many travelers tend to overlook. Therefore, there’s not a lot of Lithuania tourism information out there. We feel that there are a few facts about Lithuania you should know before you visit, which will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Where Is Lithuania?

Lithuania is one of the three Baltic countries that separate Poland from Russia, along with Latvia and Estonia. Lithuania is bordered by Russia, Belarus, Latvia, and the Baltic Sea.

Are There Things to Do in Lithuania?

Expect a nature-based vacation in Lithuania. Lithuanians really love to be outdoors enjoying nature, and there are plenty of places to do so in Lithuania. Many people have a summer house on one of the thousands of lakes in Lithuania. Between the lakes of Lithuania and the Baltic Sea, there are some really great beaches in Lithuania. (Don’t forget the bug spray; the bugs can be pretty bad, especially in the forests!)

Other things to do in Lithuania include the Nemunas River Valley, which has lovely castles and scenery. The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania claims to have over 100,000 crosses set upon a small hill. Along the coast, you have the Hill of Witches, with fairytale characters carved out of the woods.

Are There Cities in Lithuania?

Yes, although there is a lot more natural area than urban areas in Lithuania, there are some cities worth checking out. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and the largest city, with over half a million residents. Vilnius has several museums, a palace, cathedrals, and loads of bars and restaurants. Trakai is a smaller “castle town” about 30 minutes from Vilnius.

Money in Lithuania

Lithuania is part of Europe, therefore they use Euros. Because Lithuania is one of the more affordable countries in Europe, the prices are quite low and you won’t have much use for bills larger than 50 Euros. Transportation, hotels, and restaurants in Lithuania are very affordable.

Communication in Lithuania

Yes, Lithuania was part of Russia many years ago. That is ancient history by now, and Lithuania has its own language: Lithuanian. Some of the older residents may still speak Russian, but the younger and middle-age Lithuanians speak Lithuanian, and a lot of them also speak English. However, they really love when travelers speak a few words of Lithuanian. Even if you butcher the language, it shows that you tried. The people of Lithuania are super friendly, and they love sharing their local favorites with travelers.

Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

Lithuania Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels throughout Lithuania, including out in the natural areas. It’s super fun to rent a cabin in the woods near a lake and enjoy some downtime in Lithuania. In the cities, apartment rentals are also a great option, especially if you are traveling with kids.

tourist information on lithuania — Nature abounds in Lithuania.

Getting Around Lithuania

The bus is an easy way to get around Lithuania. If you do take a bus for a long-distance trip in Lithuania, make sure you take the express bus, or you might be in for a long ride. If you stay in Vilnius, you can use the bus system to take day trips around the country. You can also get a bus to Riga, Moscow, and many other nearby countries. Lithuania does have a train system, but it does not run frequently, so we usually take the bus instead.

Within the cities, there are public buses and trams to get around. Just make sure you validate your ticket before boarding; they are sticklers about it, unlike in other countries. If you want to take a taxi, call one from your hotel. You’ll get a better rate than flagging one down on the street.

Is Lithuania Safe?

Lithuania is generally pretty safe. The low prices and easy access tend to make Vilnius popular with weekenders and stag parties, so you might run into groups of drunk revelers from time to time. Lithuania today feels much safer than when I lived here ten years ago, so we haven’t been on high alert during our visit to Lithuania.

Honest Travel Safety Advice

Outlets in Lithuania

If you’re visiting Lithuania from the United States or the UK, you’ll need a power adapter for your electronics. The plugs in Lithuania are the standard European plug, with two round prongs.

Lithuania attractions — Hill of Crosses, Fun People, Trakai, what is there not to love?

Lithuanian Food

The food in Lithuania is very hearty, and they serve up large portions. There are a few traditional Lithuanian foods that I recommend you try. Cepelinai is a giant dumpling with a meatball inside, and it’s all covered in a sour cream sauce and bacon bits. In the summertime, you’ll see a lot of cold soups, including cold herring soup and Saltibarsciai, a beetroot soup. Kept Duona is fried garlic bread, with mayonnaise and cheese sauce. It’s a popular snack to have when you go out for a beer. Sakotis is my favorite dessert in Lithuania, but you can only get it at a bakery as it’s not usually served in restaurants. The food was probably the biggest surprise for Jocelyn on her first trip to Lithuania.

Beer and vodka are the main adult beverages in Lithuania. Beer is “alus” and there are some pretty good national brands made in Lithuania. Arbatos is tea, which is another common drink in Lithuania.

Tipping in Lithuania

Service in Lithuania isn’t bad, but it’s not the fastest. We try to order everything at once, rather than ordering drinks, then appetizers, then the main meal. Tipping is customary in Lithuania, around 10% is sufficient. When you tip, you should leave it as cash, not added on to your credit card bill.

There’s a reason I stayed in Lithuania for 3 ½ years! The people are amazing, the food is fantastic, and it’s a relaxing, affordable place to visit in Eastern Europe. It’s been great returning with my family to see it again through their eyes. I hope these facts about Lithuania encourage you to plan your own trip! If you want more tips on traveling in Europe, check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do On Your Outer Banks Family Vacation

Posted on April 22, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, or OBX as you will see in the stickers in people’s back windows. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the Outer Banks, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Don’t Underestimate the Ocean

The water around the Outer Banks can be dangerous; riptides can happen and you should always be on alert for them. Also, it probably goes without saying, but don’t leave your kids unattended on the beach. The tides can come in pretty quickly and catch you off guard, so keep an eye on the kids, and on the water.

Also, pay attention to which sand dunes you can climb. Some are protected for restoration, while others are open for climbing.

Don’t Miss Sunrise and Sunset

Because the Outer Banks is surrounded by water, you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the water. So, whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, make sure you make your way down to the beach. Sunrise is particularly magical as you just might have the beach all to yourself.

Don’t Forget Sunblock & Bug Spray

Obviously, a beach vacation requires a lot of sunblock. But you also need bug protection as there can be a lot of bugs that bite during the summer season. It’s also nice to have a hat and long-sleeve rash guard to help keep your skin out of the sun; many of these items are pre-treated to block UV rays, which also means you won’t have to reapply sunscreen as often. If you do forget any of these things, there are plenty of shops where you can buy them.

Don’t Bring Glass to the Beach

Conveniently, OBX has pretty relaxed liquor laws, so you can bring your cocktails or beer to the beach. It just can’t be in a glass container. If you’re stocking up for the week, you don’t have to worry about crazy liquor laws like in some Southern states. You can buy booze pretty much anywhere; they even have drive-thru liquor stores!

Don’t Underestimate Traffic

Some of the smaller roads may seem pretty safe, but you have a lot of tourists driving through and it can be dangerous. Pay extra attention when crossing the street, even the small frontage roads that seem like they don’t have much traffic.

Also, sometimes the main road going through the Outer Banks can be really busy. If you are visiting with friends who are staying in a different area, it’s not super easy to go back and forth to different sides of the highway. Try to book your accommodation near each other to minimize the time you spend in the car.

Don’t Assume the Outer Banks are Easy to Reach

It’s totally worth it once you arrive, but it’s not necessarily easy to get to the Outer Banks. The nearest major airports are in Norfolk (80 miles) or Raleigh Durham (190 miles) so you will have to drive to the Outer Banks. There aren’t many entry points, so as you enter the Outer Banks, you’ll see a lot of stores and chain restaurants, but once you get past those main entry points, the commercialism thins out and leaves you with quaint beach towns.

Top Ten Road Trip Essentials

Don’t Forget to Book OBX Accommodation in Advance

There are a few hotels around the Outer Banks, but this is primarily a destination with home rentals. You’ll find lots of apartments, condos and beach houses to rent, but in order to get the one you want, you need to do this well in advance, especially if you visit the Outer Banks during high season.

OBX attractions — Lots of family fun on the Outer Banks.

Don’t Visit Outer Banks From Mid-July to Mid-August

This is the peak time for tourists to visit the Outer Banks, so prices will be the highest during those last few weeks of summer before school starts. Beaches and local restaurants will also be the most crowded and you’ll need to book your Outer Banks rentals way in advance. Early summer or early fall are the best times to visit the Outer Banks, as you’ll have great weather and fewer crowds.

Don’t Miss Out on Outer Banks Activities

While the beaches of the Outer Banks are the main draw, there are many more things to do in the Outer Banks. There are some National Park Service sites where you can get your National Park passport stamps. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are also lots of family activities, like waterparks and mini-golf.

Don’t Miss All the Lighthouses of Outer Banks

While you can tour some of the lighthouses in the Outer Banks, not all of them are open to the public. Some of them are privately owned and can only be admired from afar. You can climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, to name a few. If you are really into lighthouses, you can easily spend a full day driving around to the different lighthouses.

Don’t Drag Sand All Over Your Rental

After a day at the beach, don’t forget to rinse off all the sand before you come back to your Outer Banks rental home. A lot of rentals have outdoor showers for this purpose. This isn’t just a courtesy to your homeowners, but the sand will get everywhere in the house and drive you crazy.

Don’t Drive on the Beach (Unless You Know What You’re Doing)

In some areas of the OBX, you can actually drive on the beach. Don’t ruin your vacation by getting your rental car stuck on the beach. You can’t drive on every beach, so make sure you know the rules.

family attractions on the outer banks — OBX is well worth the visit.

Don’t Miss Out on the Wild Horses

There are wild horses at the northern end of the Outer Banks near Corolla. If you want to see them, you need to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are tours you can take if you don’t have the right vehicle. When you’re there, don’t approach the horses. They are wild.

Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide

Don’t Think You Can Camp on Any Beach

Camping on the beach sounds a pretty cool thing to do; falling asleep to waves lapping on the shore. But you can’t just camp on any beach in the Outer Banks. There are designated campgrounds in the Outer Banks, so make sure you are following the rules and camping where it’s allowed.

Don’t Miss Out on Great Food

There are some great places to eat in the Outer Banks, so make sure you don’t miss out on some of these classics:

North Carolina BBQ – it’s all about the sauce. North Carolina BBQ sauce is a thin sauce with a hint of vinegar
Seafood – you’re at the ocean, don’t miss out on the fresh seafood!
Duck Donuts – imagine a Chipotle of donuts – you pick the toppings when you order! (Don’t freak out about the line to get in; it moves fast)

Don’t Feed the Wild Animals

It might seem cute to feed the gulls and the pelicans but you really shouldn’t. They keep coming back for food and become a nuisance. It’s also not good for the animals as they aren’t getting their natural diet and can become dependent on humans to survive.

The Outer Banks is really a great family beach vacation destination. Just remember what NOT to do on your Outer Banks vacation! Looking for more tips on family travel in the United States? Check out these blog posts:

What to Eat in Chicago

Posted on April 21, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Chicago Illinois, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Chicago, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. There are so many great Chicago food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat in Chicago.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago Deep Dish is not like the “pan pizza” you’ve had from Pizza Hut or Domino’s. Chicago Deep Dish is on a whole other level. My Italian friends thought it looked more like a cake than a pizza. The crust is super thick and then filled with toppings. It is more like a pie than a pizza! Pizza this thick takes a long time to cook, so don’t wait until you’re hungry. In fact, at places like Giordano’s in Chicago, they’ll have you put in your order and then go walk around town a bit while your pizza cooks. Be warned that you will be lucky to finish two pieces of pizza; this stuff is super heavy and filling!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting Chicago

Some of the best places for Chicago deep dish include:

Giordano’s
Pizzeria Uno (and their 2nd location, Pizzeria Due)
Lou Malnati’s
Gino’s East
Pizano’s (local’s favorite alternative to Lou Malnati’s)
Pequod’s (a local favorite on the north side!)

Chicago Hot Dog

Hot dogs are a favorite of Chicagoans. A Chicago dog, usually Vienna Beef, is a beef hot dog. A “Chicago dog” comes with tomatoes, pickle, mustard, pepperoncini, and celery salt on a poppyseed bun. That’s right, no ketchup on a Chicago dog! It’s considered a sacrilege to put ketchup on a Chicago dog, and you might be ridiculed for it. Try it Chicago-style, you just might love it!

What Not to Do When You Visit Chicago

Some of the best places to try a Chicago hot dog include:

Wrigley Field
Wiener Circle (open until 4 am!)
Superdawg Drive-In
Portillo’s
Any Vienna Beef hot dog cart along the lakefront path

Italian Beef Sandwich

Another popular Chicago food is the Italian beef sandwich. The sandwich is made of a hoagie roll filled with shaved beef and green peppers on top. Then you’ll get a side of “au jus” to dip your sandwich; it’s like a taste of heaven. This isn’t a sandwich to eat with your hands; you’ll need a fork and knife to take down an Italian beef in Chicago.

Some of the best places in Chicago to try an Italian Beef include:

Portillo’s
Luke’s Italian Beef
Al’s Italian Beef
Tony’s Italian Beef
Mr. Beef

Garrett Popcorn

Another famous Chicago food is Garrett’s popcorn. There are several Garrett’s locations in Chicago, including the sports arenas and airports, but you will typically see a line down the block at the Michigan Avenue and State Street locations where most tourists are. (Hint: the location in Ogilvy train station is usually quick!) Garrett has several flavors of popcorn, but you really need to try the Chicago Mix. It’s caramel popcorn and cheese popcorn blended together. The combination of sweet and salty makes this some of the best popcorn you will ever have! With their decorative tins, Garrett popcorn makes the perfect Chicago souvenir if you’re looking to take something home!

Ethnic Restaurants Around the City

Now that we’ve mentioned the popular “Chicago-style” foods, we have to mention all of the ethnic enclaves around the city. There are huge populations of immigrants throughout Chicago which means you can get some amazing food from all over the world, right here in the Midwest. Each ethnicity in Chicago has an area where the restaurants and businesses are concentrated. This is also a great way to see some other parts of Chicago that aren’t the downtown tourist area. A food tour is a great way to explore some of these areas. Some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for ethnic food include:

Greektown – just west of the loop, tons of great Greek restaurants
Little Italy – just south of Greektown, near the UIC campus
Chinatown – south of the loop, several spots for weekend dim sum
Pilsen – Mexican neighborhood on the west side
Little India – along Devon Avenue on the north side near Rogers Park
Portage Park – traditionally Polish neighborhood on the north side

Chicago Beer

While you’re filling up on Chicago style food, don’t forget to try some local Chicago brews. Goose Island is probably the most famous as it’s nationally distributed. I like Half Acre, Two Brothers Brewery, and Revolution Brewing. You’ll see these beers all over town, from the grocery store to the ballpark.

what to eat in chicago — They even have a huge bean you can(NOT) eat 🙂

Chicago has so much to offer as a Midwest travel destination! You won’t be bored, and you definitely won’t go hungry with all of the tasty Chicago food. If you’re traveling with a family or a group, there are several food halls popping up in Chicago where you can each order from a different food stand so everyone gets their favorite Chicago food! Check out the French Market, Eataly, FoodLife, or the Revival Food Hall.

Looking for more tips on travel in the Midwest United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go

Posted on April 20, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Costa Rica. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s a great travel destination. Whether you’re planning a Costa Rica honeymoon or a family trip to Costa Rica, you’re going to love it! We feel that there are a few things you should know before your trips to Costa Rica, which will make your trip much more enjoyable!

Language of Costa Rica

Spanish is the main language spoken in Costa Rica. However, with such an emphasis on tourism, there are many people who speak English in Costa Rica. It’s always helpful to know a little bit of Spanish so you can attempt to speak with the locals. They will appreciate it, even if they speak English.

Costa Rica Currency

The money in Costa Rica is called colones, or the colon. The bills start at 1,000 colones and go up to 50,000 colones. Most places will also accept US Dollars, although you’re likely to get your change back in Costa Rican currency. If you plan to spend US Dollars in Costa Rica, make sure you have small bills. Most places won’t accept anything larger than a $20 bill. To get cash in Costa Rica, I recommend the ATM over going to the bank as that can take a long time.

Prices in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a very affordable travel destination. It’s significantly cheaper than traveling in Western Europe or the United States. The biggest part of your vacation budget will be spent on excursions such as zipline tours, kayaking, or surfing lessons. It’s easy to save money in Costa Rica by eating at the mom and pop restaurants rather than the tourist restaurants.

Getting Around Costa Rica

You can rent a car to get around Costa Rica. The roads aren’t awful, although they’re not great, either. The roads are bumpy and very curvy, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get where you are going. Traffic rules are treated as a suggestion, not a rule, so be extra cautious around other drivers. I don’t recommend driving at night in Costa Rica.

If you aren’t comfortable renting a car, there are a few buses to get around the tourist areas. Many hotels will offer transfers to nearby attractions, and it’s also pretty easy to hire a driver to take you around.

ziplining in costa rica — You will not run out of adventure tourism in Costa Rica.

Electrical Outlets in Costa Rica

The electrical outlets in Costa Rica are the same as in the United States, so you won’t need any kind of adapters to charge your electronics. It does seem like devices don’t charge as fast, and the internet is a bit slower, but everything works the same as back home. Just slower.

Safety in Costa Rica

Some people wonder if it’s safe to visit Central America. Costa Rica is actually very safe for visitors. Of course, there is the usual petty crime of pickpockets and car looting, but use your common travel sense and you’ll likely be OK. Tourism is a major industry in Costa Rica, so they make sure that tourists feel safe when visiting.

Honest Travel Safety Advice

You should also know that it’s safe to drink the water in Costa Rica. When you go to a restaurant, they’ll offer you tap or bottled water. You will be fine if you drink tap water.

Costa Rica Accommodation

When it comes to finding accommodation in Costa Rica, there are lots of options. You can find mom and pop places that are relatively inexpensive. There are also big resorts and bungalows around the beaches where you can relax and enjoy modern amenities. Budget travelers and luxury travelers will each find something to suit their needs.

costa rica family attractions — Costa Rica is great for the whole family.

What to Eat in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has an ocean on both sides of the country, so seafood is fresh and plentiful. Plantains are an important part of Costa Rican cuisine, as are beans and rice. Rice and beans are served with almost every meal in Costa Rica. The fruit in Costa Rica is also really great. You’ll have fresh pineapple, mango, and papaya. For dessert, I recommend having tres leches cake; it’s awesome!

Ticos in Costa Rica

The locals of Costa Rica are known as Ticos, and they are so friendly! They are great with tourists, and many of them speak English, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. Costa Rica family vacations are made extra special by the Ticos.

The Don’ts of Visiting Costa Rica

Tipping in Costa Rica

When you go out to eat in Costa Rica, you will see a 10% service charge added to your bill. You’re always welcome to leave more for your server, but know that the tip is already included in your check. If you hire tour guides or drivers, then you should tip them at the end of the day. Tipping isn’t really a Costa Rican custom, but it’s become a frequent practice in the tourism industry.

Best Month to Visit Costa Rica

You might hear that Costa Rica has a wet season and a dry season. However, it’s a tropical rainforest, so rain is possible at any time, meaning there really isn’t a best month to visit Costa Rica. September and October tend to be the rainiest months in Costa Rica. The high season is around Christmas and New Year. If you visit over the holidays, be prepared to start making reservations up to six months in advance as it’s a very popular time to visit Costa Rica.

Bug Spray & Sunscreen Are Essential

Even during the rainy season, the sun in Costa Rica is very strong, so make sure you have adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats and long-sleeve shirts. Rash guards are great as they usually block UV rays and you can wear them in the water. If you are going into the rainforest at all, you will need bug spray!

We have really enjoyed our Costa Rica family vacations and hope that these travel tips help you enjoy your Costa Rica trip as well. If you’re looking for an affordable and safe family vacation destination in Latin America, Costa Rica is perfect! If you want more tips on traveling in Central America, check out some of our other blog posts:

Quarantine Day… Who the heck knows anymore?

Posted on April 19, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Captain’s log April 19, 2020

I think it is Quarantine Day 38, probably. I am guessing we all have lost track by this point. It has been a long and crazy week here at the Wolters house. From an almost 16 hour marketing marathon to homeschool frustration to wrapping presents for a certain someone’s 9^th birthday, it has been quite the week.

It’s Mark writing this week’s quarantine update. I thought I could help out and share how the week has gone. I am sure Jocelyn will write up a better summary of the last week, but I thought I would give my perspective on the past week. It was full of highs and lows and tears and frustrations and love and snow and sun and well… a lot of things happened.

The Highlights

Jocelyn filmed a cooking video! Yes, the improbable just happened. She filmed advice on making roasted leg of lamb, Greek potatoes, and Brazilian mousse de maracuja. It is for a new series we are hoping to do which is going to be a Food Friday on the First Friday of every month.
We started Pause for the World. A fundraiser for small businesses and creators to hopefully help them financially get through these tough economic times. Who doesn’t like fun shirts for a good cause?
I spoke for 15 hours and 43 minutes and raised $1630 for students in need at the University of Illinois.

The Lowlights

Homeschooling is becoming a detriment to our family dynamic. Too much work, and too little guidance does not make for a good educational experience for anyone.
Lost my voice after talking for almost 16 hours, but it was for a good cause. Though anyone that knows me knows I am not happy unless I am talking and talking and talking.
We had snow and the kids had no desire to go out in the wet and cold, which meant a lot of bent up energy that they took out on each other, and our house. Honestly, if our house just ups and collapses, I wouldn’t be surprised. Those two have so much fun, but I just worry about the structural integrity of our home.

The Marketing Marathon

So, the biggest thing I did this week was organize and run a marketing marathon. No, I didn’t run at all. I stood and sat in front of a computer teaching my entire Principles of Marketing course from Chapter 1 to Chapter 15 straight. I thought it might take me about 12 hours, but when it was all said and done it went for 15 hours and 43 minutes. It was so much fun to have people pop on and say hi. I did it to raise money for the University of Illinois Emergency Dean Fund which helps out students in need.

YouTube only recorded the first 12 hours. So if you have the time here it is.

The idea came to me a couple weeks ago when I was trying to think of ways to show my students that their professors still care and are thinking about them. I ended up reaching out to my university and a bunch of professors to see if they would want to put together a Business Marathon where different professors would hop on and teach a fun topic for an hour and then another professor would hop on and so forth. I was really happy to find about 12 professors who were willing to take time to take part in a business marathon, even our Dean said he would hop on. After waiting over a week to hear back from the technology people about the possibilities of them putting together a marathon I decided I would go ahead and do one on my own, then share my ups and downs and advice with them. So, this past Tuesday was the day. The marcom team at the Gies College of Business were nice enough to let some of our local media outlets know about what I was doing and we had a nice article in the local News-Gazette newspaper and the local CBS station WCIA did a nice piece on it as well. We ended up raising $1630 for the fund which I was so thrilled with as in tough times like these that we could get people from all over the world to donate was just awesome.

The actual marathon was a combination of stand-up comedy, education, fending off online trolls, and learning what I need to do next time I decide to talk for almost 16 hours straight. Some notes I have…

Have multiple computers ready. You never know if your computer will have an issue, and my original computer decided Tuesday morning that it would not hold a charge, so last minute I had to switch to my older laptop.
Have a partner who will help you when you have to go potty. My wife was awesome. She would bring me lunch, snacks, dinner, tea, water, drinks. She would pop in and talk to the live feed while I would go to the bathroom or need a minute to hack up a sunflower seed or two.
Have the right drinks and snacks. So we had hot tea, water, Gatorade, and Coca-Cola. They all served their purposes. The tea and water kept my throat from giving out. The Coca-Cola gave me a caffeine and sugar boost about 4pm which I needed. And it kept me going until we finished almost at midnight. I will say thought Jocelyn hooking me up with healthy food and snacks helped a lot too. Though, next time I am going nut and seed free as they kept making me cough.
Start early if you aren’t sure how long it will take. We told the newspaper and TV station that it would take us about 12 hours, it ended up going 15 hours and 43 minutes. Glad I started at 8am instead of 10am.
Be ready for trolls. We ended up making onto the front page of YouTube and that brought in a bunch of people and a bunch of trolls. Thank you to my buddy Mark who was helping moderate the whole thing. He was a life saver.
Remind the audience often how to donate and where to go. Between every chapter I would remind people where to donate, but now that I think about it I needed to remind them more often.

Overall, it was a great experience and I am really glad I did it. We raised a nice bit of money to help out my students and we got to bring attention to the U of I Emergency Dean Fund when a lot of students are truly in need.

Pause for the World

As one fundraising event in a week was not enough, we also launched the Pause for the World campaign. This initiative will help small businesses, organizations, creators, anyone that needs help during these tough economic times. Organizations or people can sign up and when they use their links to sell shirts they raise $10 for every item sold.

We saw so many businesses and artists in trouble we tried to find a way to help them out. We have only been going a couple days, but we have raised almost $1000 so far. We are donating our $10 per item to our local Meals on Wheels as there are a lot of families that are going to need help in our community. If you want to grab a shirt or sign up for your business you can visit www.pausefortheworld.com to find out more.

Pause for the world shirt — We have all kinds of fun shirts to choose from.

Live Feeds Galore

We had a couple fun live feeds with our favorite fellow travelers on Wednesday and Saturday. I also taught live classes on Thursday. So it was just a live feed YouTube kind of week.

Liam’s Birthday is This Week

So, Liam was upset when the pandemic started that he would not get to have a birthday party with his friends or with his family. Over the past few weeks he really has shown me that he is growing up. He is at the point now that he knows it would be a bad idea to have a party and get all the family together. It is always a wonderful thing and a sad thing when you see your children “move on” to another stage of their lives. He is becoming more aware of others and their needs. I was proud of him for that. He also thinks that since there is a pandemic he is not getting any presents, so tomorrow should be fun. We had picked up his birthday gifts before the shelter in place started, so little man will have a nice surprise when he heads down for breakfast on his big day. Any parent can tell you the emotions we all have has our kids get older and those birthdays have very different meanings for the kids versus the parents. I am writing this so as not to think about it myself.

And now it gets a bit more real…

So, you made it through the nice stuff. And honestly this was a great week for helping people out and it was just an awesome week. But let’s be honest, we are all at our wit’s end with the quarantine and shelter in place. It is getting harder and harder to get the kids to focus on their homeschool work. It is getting harder and harder to get the kids to go to bed at a reasonable hour. How do you say, go to bed you have school in the morning, when it is actually easier if the kids sleep in and give me a few hours to work every morning? It’s tough.

Switching my classes to online classes has been OK. I have been giving students YouTube videos from www.youtube.com/professorwolters and some quizzes to go along with it. For my advanced class I have been teaching live on YouTube a couple times a week. But honestly, teaching online is not the same as a face to face class. Having your students there in front of you inspires you to teach, when you are staring at a computer screen or a camera it is hard to determine where students could need help or when students are lost. I miss having that interaction with them.

My capstone course has some excellent students and they would ask me excellent questions in class that would get me thinking more deeply about marketing and business. Now, I may receive one or two comments a week and those are asking for references or just a clarification on a topic. It just isn’t the same. And I realize this is an incredible situation we find ourselves in and to all those teachers and educators who had to switch from a face to face class to an online only class in one week I say AWESOME JOB! Developing an online class from scratch is very different than having your class switched to online from one week to the next. I think we all should realize that online education is NOT what is happening right now. We are all just getting by until the end of the academic year. Once that is over then educators can focus on the fall and developing a real online educational experience. I know I have learned a lot about what would make a real online course versus this “online” education we are all going through now.

Right now, as a parent I am frustrated with the online education that students are getting. Some students are getting grade A online education. Teachers and professors using Zoom or YouTube Live to give classes and help students learn. Other students are getting some worksheets and assignments. Other students are completely at a loss because their families do not have the resources to do online classes. It is just a horrible time in education. One good thing is that the first month of the school year where all the kids do is review what they learned last year will be used to actually teach students.

I know I can teach my 7^th grader math, but what about that single parent with a junior in AP Calculus? Or the family with both parents working trying to make ends meet. Not every child is getting an education right now, and I am not sure if all educators realize that. I know my kids feel overwhelmed with the amount of work and self-education they are going through. I know I feel overwhelmed at times trying to be a good professor to my students, run all the YouTube channels, homeschool the boys, and try and find five minutes to chat with my wife about life. This has been an incredibly hard time for so many people, families, kids, I feel like when this is all over everyone needs a vacation from being on pins and needles. It reminds me of a slogan from a mental health awareness campaign I saw. “It’s OK to not be OK.” And I think that just knowing that can help get through these messed up times.

mark wolters university of illinois — Not Jocelyn.

Sorry I am not Jocelyn

I know Jocelyn is a very eloquent writer. Her prose are incredible. Her way of summarizing the day/week/quarantine really hits home. I am not Jocelyn to say the least. This is the lamest quarantine write up out there, but it is out there. We are all trying to figure out what tomorrow holds, when honestly, we know what it holds. Another day of trying to get the kids to do their homeschool work, get our own work done, and keep a smile on our face and stay positive, because each day is a day closer to when this is over.

I hope you and your family are healthy and safe where ever this blog finds you.

Mark

What Not to Do When Visiting Buenos Aires

Posted on April 19, 2020April 19, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Buenos Aires, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you are visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Don’t Be Afraid to Give the Finger

No, not that finger! The “finger wave” comes in really handy if someone is bothering you. It’s an easy way of saying “no thanks” to beggars or persistent shopkeepers. Simply wave your index finger while shaking your head “no” and that will get the message across. And don’t be surprised if you get the finger wave for wearing the wrong soccer jersey!

Don’t Go to the Superclasico Soccer Match

Attending a soccer match in Buenos Aires can be a lot of fun, but I do not recommend going to the Superclasico. This is the match between local rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate. It can get a bit rowdy, and unless you’re super invested in one of these teams, it’s not worth it.

Don’t Be Put Off By the Service

Service in Buenos Aires can sometimes be a little smug. Argentinians are generally a bit more “posh” than other parts of South America, so it can come across as haughty. You’ll see this in the service as well as with some taxi drivers who may not want your business. Therefore, it helps to just be patient and go with the flow. Don’t get upset and don’t take it personally.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Buenos Aires

Don’t Be Afraid of Public Transportation

Buenos Aires is huge, and although taxis and Ubers are readily available, they can take a while due to traffic. The Subte is the local subway in Buenos Aires, and it goes to most of the Buenos Aires attractions that you would want to see.

Don’t Miss Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most popular things to see in Buenos Aires. The tombs are really incredible. Many famous figures from Argentinian history are entombed here, including Eva Peron. But don’t expect anything elaborate for the tomb of the beloved actress and First Lady. It’s tucked down a side alley and is quite simple in comparison to some of the others. When you hear the bell ring at the end of the day, don’t ignore it! Head to the nearest exit right away.

Don’t Stay in Boca After Dark

Boca is a great neighborhood in Buenos Aires, with colorful buildings and lively streets full of people. It’s a bit touristy, so you can expect to pay a bit more for your meals here. However, don’t linger after dark in Boca. There are some “less desirable” areas of Boca that you are better off skipping. For that matter, you shouldn’t really wander around anywhere at night in Buenos Aires. Get a taxi to and from your destination.

Don’t Assume it Will Be Hot

Many people think Buenos Aires is warm all the time. Our last visit was during July and August, which is winter in Argentina. I definitely could have used a winter coat on that trip as it was quite chilly in Buenos Aires. June, July and August are the coldest months for visiting Buenos Aires.

Don’t Miss Out on the Steak & Wine!

Sorry vegetarians, but the best thing to eat in Buenos Aires is the meat! You’ll be able to find salads if you want, but they eat a lot of meat in Argentina. They’re pretty famous for steak. The food in Argentina is so good that we have a separate post all about it! The wine in Argentina is also fantastic, so make sure you try a few local varieties to go with your steak. Don’t forget to tip your waiter; about 10% is customary.

What to Eat in Argentina

Don’t Skip the Ice Cream

Somehow, when ice cream came to Argentina, they found a way to improve it! The ice cream, or helado, in Argentina, is so delicious. From little mom-and-pop ice cream shops to chains like Freddo, I recommend having as much ice cream as possible when you visit Buenos Aires.

Don’t Bring Large Bills

You can use US Dollars in many places throughout Buenos Aires, but it will be really hard to spend large bills. Try to bring 5’s and 10’s and you will be glad you did. I brought mostly five-dollar bills on my last trip and they were perfect for getting around in taxis. ATMs aren’t as common as you might expect for a large city, so having some cash on hand is definitely the way to go.

Don’t Miss the Museums

With all of the free things to do and outdoor fairs and markets, you might be tempted to skip the museums, but that would be a mistake. Buenos Aires has some amazing museums. The National Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Latin American Art, and the Natural Science Museum are a few of our favorites. Check the hours, as some don’t open until the afternoon, but they will be open in the evening.

buenos aires attractions — That in the middle. that is the finger I was talking about.

Don’t Plan to Get Far with High School Spanish

Although they speak Spanish in Buenos Aires, many locals have their own dialect and accent, which can make it difficult to understand. The conjugations are a bit different than the Spanish you are used to, so even if you think you know a bit of Spanish, you might have trouble communicating with the locals.

Don’t Tempt Fate in Traffic

Drivers in Buenos Aires are crazy, so you have to be really careful as a pedestrian. Always look both ways before crossing, and never assume a car is going to stop, even if they have the red light. I’ve actually seen a lot of people get hit by cars trying to cross the street, so please be extra careful when walking around Buenos Aires.

Don’t Interfere with the Dog Walkers

You’ll see dog-walkers with up to a dozen dogs walking around Buenos Aires. It’s a funny sight that we’re not used to in the United States. But be aware, they do not like you to try and pet the dogs. It’s hard enough to keep them together and behaved without someone trying to come in and pet them. (On that note: don’t forget to watch where you walk; they don’t do a great job of picking up after the dogs!)

Don’t Expect Taxi Drivers to Take You

Taxi drivers in Buenos Aires have a lot of leeway in which passengers they pick up. They may not feel like driving to where you want to go, or they just might decide they don’t like the way you look. We’ve been refused taxi service several times in Buenos Aires. If you are in a hurry, you can try Uber or have your hotel call a taxi for you. Also, you don’t have to tip the taxi drivers here.

Don’t Flash Valuables

People in Buenos Aires dress very well, so it’s not the place to dress like a slob in sweatpants and t-shirts. However, the last thing you want to do is to flash expensive jewelry or accessories around. Leave the valuables at home so you don’t become a target.

Don’t Open Your Door to Strangers

This is especially for those of you in an apartment rental, as it’s not so much an issue in hotels. If you rent an apartment or stay with a family, do not open the door to anyone you don’t know. This is an easy way to get robbed.

Don’t Be Early

In Argentina, it’s pretty normal to show up 20 to 30 minutes after the agreed meeting time. Tours and transportation run on time, but generally social gatherings will have a late start. Even dinner is pretty late in Buenos Aires; expect to eat dinner around 8:00. 10:00 is normal dinner time in Buenos Aires. If you go to a nightclub, don’t go before midnight because nobody will be there; they’re still eating dinner!

Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s affordable and there are a ton of cool things to do. I went to college here for a bit and I really love it. I really hope you will decide to visit Buenos Aires because it’s worth it! Want more of our South America travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts:

What Not to Do On Your Orlando Florida Vacation

Posted on April 18, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Orlando, Florida. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Orlando, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your Orlando trip.

Don’t Expect to Find a Beach

A lot of my European friends have mentioned this one. Florida is a state with many beaches, but Orlando is pretty much land-locked. The only water around Orlando is swampy retention ponds and lakes. The beaches closest to Orlando are at least one to two hours drive from Orlando. One of the best beaches in Florida is Clearwater Beach; it’s a two-hour drive from Orlando. If you want to visit the beach during your Orlando trip, you’ll need to set aside a full day and rent a car to get there.

Don’t Mess Around Near the Water

As I mentioned, the water around Orlando is swampy. It’s also prime alligator habitat, so don’t mess around near the water. They are not domesticated and they will eat you or your pets. There are stories every year about alligators coming out of the ponds at golf courses and parks. Don’t feed them and don’t go near the water. Don’t let your kids play near the water.

Don’ts of Visiting Florida

Don’t Assume Orlando is Just Disney

Yes, Orlando is famous because of Disney. But there are so many things to do in Orlando that aren’t Disney-related. You can easily fill a week or more just visiting the Disney and Universal theme parks, but if you need a break from theme parks, there are more options. There are water parks, nature preserves, day trips to the beach, zoos, and more.

Don’t Skip Disney

That said, if you’re coming to Orlando, you have to experience the magic of Disney at least once. Disney really is for all ages. Even if you aren’t visiting Orlando with kids, you’ll find something on the Disney properties to entertain you. Epcot has some really great international restaurants, and the Downtown Disney District is full of entertainment options, including nightclubs, shows, and restaurants.

The Don’ts of Visiting Disney World

Don’t Expect Disney-Level Service Everywhere in Orlando

Disney Magic is all about customer service and making sure everyone who sets foot on Disney property has a magical day. It’s really pretty incredible how they do this. But once you leave Disney and set out into Orlando, don’t expect that same level of service. Outside of Disney, Orlando is like any other overly-touristed town where the locals are used to churning tourists in and out of their establishments.

Don’t Stress Out While Driving

You will need a car to get around Orlando, and it can be stressful. You’ve got locals who are in a hurry and tired of tourists, and you’ve got tourists who have no idea where they are going. Always give yourself some extra time to get where you need to go as traffic jams can and do pop up throughout the day. Also, don’t text and drive!

Don’t Blow Through the Tolls

Florida has toll roads, and you do have to pay the tolls. Even if you are from out of state, or out of the country, they will find you. They will bill the rental car company, and the rental car company will pass that bill along to you, with an added “service fee” on top of the toll fees. Most rental car companies give you the option to rent a Sun Pass to pay the tolls; this is the easiest option.

disney world wolters world — Yes, even we spring for the ears when we go.

Don’t Forget About Free Transportation

There are also free transportation options in Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you won’t need to drive to any of the Disney parks; they have free shuttles that run continuously. They aren’t necessarily fast, as they make a lot of stops, but they are convenient.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Airport Code

There are several airports in the Orlando area, and you don’t want to find out that you’re at the wrong airport when your flight is about to leave. This also means you have a few different options when buying a flight to Orlando. Don’t forget to check some of the nearby airports, as you could end up saving a lot of money.

Some of the airports around Orlando include:

MCO – Orlando International
SFB – Orlando Sanford International
MLC – Orlando Melbourne International
DAB – Daytona Beach International
TPA – Tampa International
PIE – St. Pete / Clearwater International

Don’t Forget to Search for Deals on Your Orlando Vacation

Now, you won’t find many deals or discounts for Disney World, but you can find some good deals on other attractions and accommodations in Orlando. You can save money by booking early and searcing online for options. A lot of hotels also have coupons for local attractions. Ask the front desk, or browse through the rack of brochures to find coupons and discounts.

Don’t Rule Out Staying on Disney Property

Yes, you will probably spend more on a Disney hotel than you would at an off-site hotel. But there are other factors to consider beyond the room rate. Staying at a Disney hotel is super convenient; you have free transportation to the parks, you get early entry to the parks and early Fast-Pass access. Staying at a Disney hotel makes it easy to go back to the room for a mid-day break. Rather than driving to your hotel and back to Disney again, you just hop on a shuttle. In fact, staying on Disney property may save you the expense of renting a car, as many hotel packages also include airport pickup.

what tourists should know about orlando — Remember, everyone has different dreams in Orlando.

Don’t Try to Do Everything

If you try to do everything there is to do in Orlando, you will be exhausted. Remember, this is supposed to be a vacation. You don’t want to be stressed out and rushing around the entire time. Plan a down day to enjoy your hotel pool or go relax on the beach. Prioritize what you really want to see and save the rest for your next Orlando trip.

Don’t Forget to Pack Good Walking Shoes

You will be doing a lot of walking when you visit the parks in Orlando. You can end up walking five to ten miles in a day without even realizing it! Everyone in the family needs to have good, comfortable walking shoes. Flip-flops or new shoes probably aren’t going to cut it. A blister or sore feet can really ruin the rest of your day.

Don’t Forget the Sunblock, Bug Spray, and a Rain Poncho

The sun in Orlando can be pretty intense. You’ll be outdoors the majority of the time in Orlando, and even in the winter, you can still get a pretty bad sunburn. The hot, humid weather of Florida is also very conducive to bugs; be prepared for mosquitos, especially if you are doing any swamp tours or nature hikes. You’ll also want a rain poncho as Florida tends to get a little bit of rain every day. It doesn’t last long, but you’ll be glad to have a poncho when those afternoon thunderstorms hit.

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Along with the strong sun, you really need to make sure you stay hydrated when you are visiting Orlando. The heat and humidity can really zap the moisture right out of you; you’ll probably be sweating quite a bit, so make sure you are also drinking a lot of water. Most of the parks offer free ice water, so bring your refillable bottle!

Don’t Think Every Season is the Same

While there’s not really a “low” season in Orlando, there are better times to visit than others. The week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest time to visit Orlando. Followed by Spring Break and Summer Break as the next busiest times. Obviously, anytime school is in session, you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with in Orlando. You’re also more likely to save money on flights and accommodations during those times. October and March are our best times to visit Orlando.

Don’t Dwell on the Prices

An Orlando vacation is not cheap. Do your research and budget accordingly. If you dwell on the prices throughout your trip, it can really ruin your Orlando vacation. If you’ve planned ahead and know what to expect, you can enjoy your Orlando trip without letting the high prices stress you out.

Orlando is really an American icon and someplace that everyone should visit at least once. We’ve taken an Orlando family vacation several times, and there’s always something new to see, in addition to our old favorites. Just remember what NOT to do on a visit to Orlando! Looking for more tips on family travel in the United States? Check out these blog posts:

The Best Food in Kansas City, Missouri

Posted on April 17, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Kansas City Missouri, talking about food! There are so many cool things to do in Kansas City, and all that sightseeing will definitely help you work up an appetite. Kansas City has some amazing food. There are so many great KC food spots that it would take ages to try them all. So we’re going to tell you the top five things to eat when you visit Kansas City.

Kansas City BBQ

Kansas City is known for its amazing BBQ. There are so many Kansas City BBQ restaurants around town, and every local has their favorite. Some of the best BBQ in Kansas City is at Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Q39. Once you choose a restaurant, you still have to choose what kind of BBQ you want. There’s burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and more.

KC BBQ is mostly famous for the “wet” style of BBQ, which is smothered in a sweet BBQ sauce. You can get a dry rub in Kansas City, but the sauces are what set Kansas City BBQ apart from other places, like Memphis. Each Kansas City BBQ restaurant will have its own lineup of sauces, from sweet to spicy. I recommend trying them all and a bottle of Kansas City BBQ sauce makes a great souvenir! If you go during lunch or dinner, expect to wait a while to get your BBQ because these places are popular!

What NOT to Do When You Visit Kansas City

Kansas City Strip Steak

Once you’ve had your fill of Kansas City BBQ, it’s time to try another local fave. Kansas City Strip Steak is this amazing tender cut of beef. It’s similar to a New York strip, but the KC strip still has the bone attached on one side. The marbling and the flavor is to die for. It’s not hard to see why Kansas City is still called cow town!

Pan-Fried Chicken

Sorry, vegetarians, we’re still talking meat and we’re halfway through the list! Head over to Stroud’s for their pan-fried chicken. With your chicken, the side dishes are served up family-style, so you can share with the whole table. It’s one of the best places to eat in Kansas City that isn’t BBQ!

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Visiting the Midwest

Joe's BBQ in KC — Great BBQ & you can fill up your gas tank.

Boulevard Beer

You need something to wash down all this tasty Kansas City cuisine. I recommend Boulevard Beer, which is a local beer brewed right in Kansas City. They make several excellent beers, including a great lineup of seasonal beers. They’ve got a great pale ale, unfiltered wheat and the Tank 7 has a little extra kick to it. If you have time, take a tour of the brewery. You’ll get great views of Kansas City and get to sample some delicious beer.

Kansas City Sweets

After all this savory food in KC, you’re going to want to satisfy your sweet tooth. LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee is a great local chain with yummy donuts. They have lots of varieties of donuts, but I thought the glazed donut was perfect. If you want some sweets to take home as a souvenir, check out Christopher Elbow, a local line of handcrafted artisan chocolates.

what to eat in KC — It will be a non-stop eating fest in KC.

Kansas City has so much to offer as a Midwest travel destination! You won’t be bored, and you definitely won’t go hungry with all of the food in KC. Besides all the yummy food I’ve already listed, Kansas City is a melting pot of international cuisines, so don’t be afraid to try Italian, Croatian, or Argentinian food in Kansas City! Looking for more tips on travel in the Midwest United States? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Argentinian Food: What to Eat in Argentina

Posted on April 16, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow foodie travelers! Today, we’re in Argentina, talking about food! There are so many amazing cuisines around the world, and trying the local food is a big part of travel. But as travelers, we don’t always have the time, or the money, to try all of the local foods in a new destination. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the list for you, to tell you the best Argentina traditional food to try!

Argentinian Beef

When people think of Argentina cuisine, they tend to think of steak. There are a million different ways to eat steak in Argentina. You’ll have Asado, BBQ, lomo, lomito, and chorizo. You’ll see lots of parrillas, which are the steakhouses, and most of them have an open kitchen where you can see all the different cuts of meat being prepared. When you order your steak, you order your side dishes separately, and they are usually served family-style in portions large enough to share. Also, just a head’s up that they like their steaks well-done in Argentina, so let them know if you like your steak with a bit of pink in the middle.

What to Know Before You Visit South America

Choripan

Choripan is basically chorizo sausage, in bread, with a chimichurri sauce on top. This is one of the Argentinian foods you’ll see at fairs and festivals all over the country. It’s a staple takeaway food in Argentina.

Super Pancho

Another common street food in Argentina is the super pancho, which is really just a hot dog. If you buy a super pancho on the street, make sure you try the mustard before you put it on the hot dog. It might be different than what you are used to!

Dulce de Leche

When it comes to Argentina desserts, nothing beats dulce de leche. It looks like caramel, but it’s actually condensed milk (leche) and sugar boiled down into a syrup. Dulce de leche is often served as a topping for pancakes or your morning pastry. For a more portable dulce de leche, try alfajores, which is dulce de leche sandwiched between cookies and then dipped in chocolate.

Helado

Another of my favorite Argentina desserts is helado, also known as gelato or ice cream. Yes, ice cream is good everywhere, but somehow Argentina ice cream is even better. When I studied in Argentina, I pretty much ate steak and ice cream non-stop. There are good chains, like Freddo, but there are also lots of good mom-and-pop ice cream shops to check out. My personal favorite is banana split ice cream…it’s so good!

what to eat in argentina, eating steak — Everyone was eating steak like it was going out of style.

Italian Food in Argentina

Believe it or not, Italian food is a big part of Argentinian cuisine. You usually choose your pasta and then choose your sauce and/or toppings. I really like gnocchi in Argentina. You can get pizza in Argentina, too, but it’s a bit different than Italian or American pizza. It’s got a thicker dough base than traditional pizza.

Argentinian Wine

Argentina is also known for its wine. The area around Mendoza produces really great red wine, especially syrah and malbec wines. It’s really excellent wine, and I highly recommend spending an afternoon enjoying a bottle at a local cafe, watching the world go by. If you’re not a wine drinker, Quilmes is one of the most popular local beers in Argentina.

Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Buenos Aires, Argentina

Empanadas

Empanadas are a great snack to try in Argentina. If you haven’t tried them, empanadas are the Latin version of calzones. It’s a doughy pocket with meat, cheese, and sauce inside. You can get sweet empanadas, too. It’s a great food to take on the go and eat in the park.

Omelets & Quiche

More snack options in Argentina include omelets and quiche. These are usually available all day long, making them a great snack in the middle of the day.

Medialuna

One of the most common snacks in Argentina is the medialuna, which is shaped like a half-moon, hence the name. It’s a croissant, but with a very sweet glaze and a sugar coating. These are often eaten for breakfast, or for a snack during the day.

what to eat in buenos aires — The boys were a bit tired having an 11pm dinner, but they were good the next day for Helado.

When Do You Eat in Argentina?

Dinner time in Argentina is pretty late. Some restaurants don’t open until 8 pm. If you are visiting Argentina with kids, you might need to plan accordingly as you’re probably not used to eating that late. Fortunately, you can usually grab some snacks at a cafe, or pick up some street food to tide you over until dinnertime.

I studied in Argentina and have always loved the food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also very affordable, so you can eat really well in Argentina, without spending a fortune. I hope you get the chance to visit Argentina and try some of the amazing Argentinian cuisines! Looking for more tips on South America travel? Check out some of these other blog posts!

Moroccan Food: What to eat on your vacation in Morocco

Posted on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 by Mark Wolters

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Morocco, talking about food! When we visited Morocco, we had the opportunity to take a cooking class at Faim d’Epices. Thanks to our chef, Ilham, we learned so much about Moroccan cuisine. Because trying local cuisine is one of the best parts of travel, we wanted to share with you the best Moroccan food to eat when you visit Morocco.

Couscous

The most popular Moroccan food in Morocco and in Moroccan dishes around the world is couscous. Couscous is similar to rice or pasta in that is is a starchy base for your Moroccan meals. It is made of tiny balls of wheat that are steamed or boiled. On top of the couscous, you add seven vegetables and meat, which can be chicken, beef, lamb, or whatever you have on hand. This is NOT the instant couscous you might buy in your local American or European grocery store! A Moroccan couscous dish cooks for about three hours. Because of this, couscous is prepared in larger batches once a week.

Tajine

Tajine is a style of cooking that is done in a terra cotta pot. The name tells you how it’s prepared, but not necessarily what is in the dish. Think of it like “BBQ” or “casserole.” A tajine usually contains some kind of meat and vegetable, although you can also get vegetarian tajine.

Tajine is served with bread, which is used to eat the stew without using spoons or forks. It is similar to a stew and is usually served mid-day for lunch.

The Don’ts of Visiting Morocco

Seafood

If you are in Morocco near the coast, make sure you take advantage of the fresh seafood that is available. In many restaurants near the sea, you can buy your seafood directly from the market and have the restaurant prepare it for you. Sardines are a particularly popular fish to eat in Morocco. And yes, you can even have seafood tajine!

Harira

Another common Moroccan food you might see is Harira. This is a tomato-based soup that is thickened with chickpeas and/or lentils. Beef or lamb is also usually added to harira for extra heartiness.

food in morocco — Moroccan food is just so good.

Moroccan Desserts

Moroccan desserts are usually fruit-based, using dates, figs, or oranges. Moroccans don’t typically make cakes or cookies, but crepes with jam are a popular dessert. Many Moroccan desserts are just a sweet take on traditional Moroccan food, like couscous. Many times, fruit is served at the end of a meal for a simple, sweet ending.

Moroccan Beverages

One of Jocelyn’s favorite things to drink in Morocco is mint tea. Mint tea is served throughout the day in Morocco, and is also used as a “welcome drink.” It’s a social drink, similar to having a glass of wine with friends in the States. Although Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not widespread, you will find some Moroccan wines and beers in some areas. Since fruit is so prevalent in Morocco, fruit juice, especially orange juice, is also a popular drink in Morocco.

Moroccan Flavors

Some common Moroccan flavors you’ll find include cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and orange blossom. Pears, prunes and other fruits are also used frequently in both sweet and savory varieties of Moroccan cuisine.

moroccan cooking class — Making our Tajines outside of Marrakech

When Do You Eat in Morocco?

You may wonder when to eat when you visit Morocco. Breakfast is typically very early; in the countryside, they eat breakfast at around 5 am. In the city, breakfast is served around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning. In the afternoon, there is usually tea time with light food such as bread, jam, and tea. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is often a tajine with bread and salad. Dinner in Morocco is served after the last prayer, which is at 8:00, and tends to be a lighter meal.

Want to make Moroccan food at home? Follow Faim D’Epices on YouTube!

Morocco is a great place to visit, with a unique cuisine to experience. Taking a cooking class in Marrakesh is definitely a cool way to learn about local cuisine and sample a ton of great food! As they say in Morocco, Besseha! (Bon Appetit!)

Looking for more tips on what to eat while traveling? Check out some of these other blog posts!