It's Vacation Time!

Well, my hubbie and I are off to England tomorrow. It's a quickie trip -- we'll only be gone for 8 days, but we are definitely excited. We are going over for some concerts -- I know it sounds crazy, but my husband's idol, Gary Moore (blues guitarist) hasn't toured in the states since the 80's, so when this tour came up, we knew we had to go. He is double headlining with BB King. It's King's farewell Europe tour (gosh, he's only 80!). Music and concerts are a passion for us -- if you ask people where we spend our money, it's there. Who needs to update the house, anyway? WE are believers in building great memories together. Anyway, we are really looking forward to it, and it is definitely a dream come true for my husband. We are also going to sneak in a day trip to Paris, which will be great. So, I am worried about the eating while we are there. The last time we visited, we did a lot of pub eating, and I'm sure it will be more difficult to find things that aren't fried and carb-loaded. I'm taking some protein bars and nuts as snacks, and I'm sure I'll find things over there--will just have to be a sleuth about it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Angie

Only suggestion I have is to have a fantastic time.... Im sure eating will be okay.. Taking snacks is a great idea. have fun Karen

I don't know about England, but Paris will be easy. They have amazing outdoor markets with great fresh fruit and veggies, seafood, etc. Try a Croques St Jacques from a local vendor - sort of like a grilled ham and cheese. Obviously not something you would eat all the time but they are marvelous and they can't be duplicated - I've tried! Have an incredible time!

How fun!! I used to travel all over the US and Canada to go hear Bruce ****burn, an artist whom many people have never heard of -- but who is an *amazing* guitarist. We'd go to sound checks, after-concert parties, other stuff. You'll be able to do well at lunch, by picking up cheese and fruit at the local market, making a picnic of it. You're right though, pub meals will be tough. You can get a sandwich and remove the bread. Many pubs have 'Ploughman's' which is fruit, cheese, and (sometimes) sausage. Obviously the fish and chips are blowouts -- you could skip the chips and peel off the (greasy) breading on the fish. Corned beef and cabbage. I'm going to Ireland in June and am thinking along these lines too. Ireland is a little different, in that their pub meals are more appetizer-like. But, they have excellent mussels and oysters (not in summer, though) and fish. Their potatoes are to *die* for, and I'm going to indulge a bit, because the "Queens" (new potatoes) will be just coming on. Have a great time. Eileen

Cool! Thanks for the great ideas. AND . . . my husband does know of Bruce ****burn! He's the true guru (or sometimes geek) in the house. I just learn by marriage. I will definitely be bypassing the which I will miss, but the atmosphere will still be great. Looking forward to buying a bunch of great tea -- I love tea now, after surgery. Have a great trip yourself! Angie

Angela, No suggestions on eating, but have fun, fun, fun! Sounds like a terrific time! Wanda

Angie, Enjoy. A little bit of anything won't hurt. Sounds like a great trip. Andrea

Enjoy Angie, I know all about spending my money on traveling for concerts. My big trip this year is to Bellows Falls, VT for a Fred Eaglesmith weekend... It is always very fun! Good luck! Lori

Sounds cool, Lori! I once took a trip to Seattle (Port Townsend - the old Fort Worden which is where they filmed Officer and a Gentleman) for a weekend retreat seeing Michael Tomlinson. Are you familiar with his music? I've heard of Fred Eaglesmith. In fact, I believe he played here in the past few months - don't remember what venue - we have a few here that book acts like him (The Birchmere, The Barns of Wolftrap, Jammin' Java, Wolftrap Center for the Performing Arts). Other musical favorites of mine (lets see who you know) : Tuck & Patti (more jazz than folk), Tish Hinojosa, Susan Werner (though I like her older stuff better than the new jazzy stuff), Saffire the Uppity Blues Women, Patty Larkin, Christine Lavin (she painted my nails at a concert once), Darden Smith, Maura O'Connell, and many more... Kathy

3 years ago I went to England (London) and was low-carbing. I did eat at pubs and ate things like salmon, chicken and such. I managed okay. It wasn't easy but it was certainly doable. London has tons of Indian restaurants... something like Tandori Chicken, Salmon or Shrimp would probably work well. It is slow cooked, tender, flavorful without heavy sauces. Kathy