Travel – personal breathing space

During the quarantine, I’ve been watching A LOT of competitive baking shows on Netflix; Sugar Rush, Nailed It!, The Great British Baking Show, Zumbo’s Just Desserts, they’re all lusciously fantastic and I can’t get enough!

But why do I love these shows so much?

Do I really need a reason to love competitive baking shows? No. But there are definitely clear indicators as to why I find so much enjoyment from these shows.

1. I’m a sucker for reality television.

Even growing up, I loved shows like Unsolved Mysteries, American Idol, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Cash Cab, Deadliest Catch, So You Think You Can Dance, What Not to Wear, Say Yes to the Dress, Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, Pawn Stars, the list goes on (and on). Even if the show was predicable, worthless, or otherwise a waste of time, I still loved following the stories, witnessing (and sometimes experiencing) the cast’s emotions, and being able to talk about it with friends who enjoyed similar programming as much as I did.

2. Food is LIFE.

I. Love. Food. Textures, flavors, all of it. I am in no way a professional (or even good) cook, but I appreciate the creativity and unique flavor combinations culinarians incorporate when crafting clever and delicious dishes. Not only that, but I also adore humble, stick-to-your-insides, homegrown grub. With really good food, you’re senses are not only flooded with the physical attributes of the food, but you can taste the passion, patience, and love put into it.

There’s a true science behind great food, and the people behind those delectable dishes are magicians, which is why I scour review sites, ask locals for dining recommendations, and try to avoid chain restaurants at all costs when I travel (although seeing how chain restaurants differ depending on it’s geographic location is interesting). I visited Northampton, MA to see a show at the Calvin Theatre and dined at a highly reviewed and recommended Italian restaurant, Mulino’s. I was too busy enjoying the absolutely incredible food that I didn’t even take photos!

3. Food is a gateway to learning about people and cultures.

I look for dishes unique to a particular area, region, or country in an attempt to experience what the natives get to enjoy regularly. In New York City, you can’t skip pizza or a hot dog from street carts, and you are required to go to Anchor Bar or Duff’s Famous Wings in Buffalo for (the best) buffalo chicken wings. In Australia, I tried a kangaroo burger. In Italy, it was all about the pizza and pasta (FYI – spaghetti and meatballs are not a thing in Italy, and neither is alfredo sauce). In Ireland, I made sure to indulge in traditional Irish scones, cocktails, and Guinness (of course, even though I’m not a beer drinker). With each new dish and flavor, I learn more about the area’s culture and the people residing there. Just sitting in a coffee shop listening to the locals is intriguing and stimulating in itself.

I learn so much about the competitors and their cultures while watching baking shows, even though I’m not physically in attendance (but how awesome would that be?!). For example, The Great British Baking Show and Zumbo’s Just Desserts take place in Great Britain and Australia, respectively. Often, competitors pull inspiration and flavors for their dishes from where they’re from (like India, from the latest collection I’ve been watching) or where they’ve been. Competitors use ingredients I’ve never heard of and use terminology that is unfamiliar to me, and I love it.

4. I have a GIGANTIC sweet tooth.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s ice cream, a fruity cocktail, cake, cookies, fruit, or any other delectably sweet treat, you will never need to ask me twice if I’m interested. In my opinion, the sweeter the better! Bonus points if it has dark chocolate, which is not only my favorite chocolate, but arguably the best one for you, right? I swear I read that somewhere 😉

Naturally, my aptitude for sweets makes my mouth water that much more while watching these baking shows. The sad parts though: There’s no deliciously sweet aroma floating through the air, and there is no taste testing (this is the part when I get envious of the judges!). Where’s Willy Wonka’s WonkaVision when you need it?

5. I love these shows because they make me happy.

Ultimately, I watch competitive baking shows because they make me happy, and there is no need for any other reason. I allow myself to completely immerse into the show and into the places of the competitors. Their dreams, passion, creativity, and determination are palpable; it’s fascinating, terrifying, and inspiring all at the same time. I share in the elation of those who successfully complete a challenge or win the competition, and in the sorrow and defeat of others as they must walk away. I look forward to what I will learn during each episode, whether it’s vocabulary, a technical skill, or a new person to follow on Instagram (if you haven’t already, give my blog a follow on Instagram). Mostly though, I delight in seeing the competitors’ creations come to fruition, following their process, cheering them on, and watching them grow.

I’m saddened when a season or show comes to an end. Thankfully though, there are many more seasons and episodes of competitive baking shows to help satisfy my sweet tooth and my appetite. Bon Appétit!

I bought a pair of earrings when I was in Reykjavík, Iceland last November from the Rammagerdin gift shop inside Perlan. I loved the contrast between the cool silver hoop and the raw lava rock, and how it reflected Iceland’s landscape. I thought the accessory was sweet, delicate, and it totally complemented my sense of style. There was no question, I had to have them.

I wore them as often as I could until the inevitable happened, I lost one (I bet this isn’t the first time you’ve heard that, and I can almost guarantee that it won’t be the last).

I was distraught. I retraced my steps. I called the offices and businesses I visited that day hoping that someone might have found it and turned it in. I combed through receipts from my time in Reykjavík looking for a clue to find another pair. I looked online for another set to purchase. Every effort came up short.

As I put the lone survivor in my jewelry cabinet I tried to accept that I wouldn’t find its partner and wrestled with the idea of not wearing the set again. I thought about my Motivation Monday post from earlier this week and what I loved about the accessory. Then it hit me: It wasn’t the earrings themselves that I loved.

I loved the earrings because of how they made me feel and how they reminded me of how special my trip was.

Those earrings represented an extraordinary trip with my mother, grandmother, and family friend. We laughed, got lost, and enjoyed each others’ company as we experienced the wonders of Iceland (and Ireland) together. Thinking about the experiences we had, the people we met, and (of course) the food we ate brought me happiness, and every time I wore those earrings those feelings returned.

This photo was taken at Blarney Castle in Ireland, another stop on our trip together.

I realized that I didn’t need to have a pair of earrings to remind myself of the trip and continue feeling that happiness. I decided to take my own advice and redirect my energy into something creative and productive.

Instead of obsessing that I no longer had a pair of earrings to wear, I added a chain to the remaining earring and made it into a necklace.

It still reminds me of my travels and gives me the same feelings of excitement and happiness I had when it was an earring. It still represents Iceland, I can still wear it as often as I’d like, it still complements my style, and I still love it. Let’s just hope I don’t lose this, too!

Tag: Travel

Why I’m addicted to competitive baking shows