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The Oude Kerk (Old Church) of Amsterdam

In an odd quirk, Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk, or old church, stands right in the middle of one of the world’s most famous red light districts… CONTINUE READING >> 

Amsterdam's oldest church is surrounded by the red light district
The Old Church is oddly surrounded by the Red Light District.

In an odd quirk, Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk, or old church, stands right in the middle of one of the world’s most famous red light districts.

Beginning in 1213 as a Catholic church, then expanded a century later into the huge stone building it is today, making it not only the city’s oldest church, but the oldest building of any kind.

Originally the church was dedicated to St. Nicolas, the patron saint of sailors, so perhaps that explains the proximity of the prostitution… shore leave and all.

No matter how it happened, it was strange to see sex workers in windows right across from a church.

Ship at a window in the Old Church in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Old Church has the largest medieval wooden vault left in Europe

After the Reformation in 1566, Holland became predominantly Protestant, and the Oude Kerk followed suite.

The interior was nearly destroyed by angry mobs in a melee that broke out when the people revolted against the excesses of the Catholic Church.

Luckily some of the stained glass windows survived, as well as the amazing wooden roof, the largest medieval wooden vault left in Europe.

Amsterdam's Old Church has the largest medieval wooden vault left in EuropeAnother quirk that struck us as odd was that the entire floor is covered with graves.

The church was built over a cemetery, and the practice of burying people continued inside the building.

Twenty-five-hundred graves, containing around ten thousand souls, were laid here before the practice stopped in 1865.

The entire floor of Oude Kirk, Old Church, in Amsterdam is covered with graves

The mirror room in the Old Church of Amsterdam

Around the outside of the main hall there are several smaller rooms available for private functions, often weddings.

Our favorite of these, the mirror room, was originally used as the office of Marriage Commissioners, but now has found life as popular place for smaller ceremonies.

The grave of Rembrandt's wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, at the Old Church in Amsterdam, Holland

This was the church Rembrandt attended, had all his children christened in and, in 1634, signed his marriage registry in the Mirror Room.

In 1642, his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, was laid to rest in one of the tombs on the floor but, by the time Rembrandt passed away in 1669, he was completely bankrupt and couldn’t afford to join her.

He was instead buried in a multiple grave at Westerkerk near the Anne Frank House.

Brass hand fondling a woman's breast in the cobblestones near the Old Church in Amsterdam, Holland

As we walked out of the Oude Kerk we got one last odd surprise, a brass hand fondling a woman’s breast embedded in the cobblestones of the walkway next to the church.

The story is that an anonymous artist placed it in honor of the local profession in the middle of a February night back in 1993.

Interesting.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Delve Deeper:
See where we stayed in Amsterdam – hint – it’s a houseboat!
Find out how it feels to visit Anne Frank House
Experience the must-do cruise of Amsterdam’s canals
Follow us into the oldest building in Amsterdam – Oude Kerk (Old Church)

See all of our adventures in Amsterdam!

Which Car to take to Visit Morocco

Whether you choose a compact car for city explore, an SUV for off-road adventure, or a convert for a scenic coastal drive, your choice of vehicle will contribute significant to the overall success of your Moroccan journey… CONTINUE READING >> 

A road trip through the captivating landscape of Morocco is a dream for many travelers. The country’s diverse terrain, ranging from the golden dune of the Sahara Desert to the bustling market of Marrakech, promises a unique and unforgettable experience. The most important decision you have to make before setting off on your Moroccan adventure is to select the right car for your journey to explore Hertz Morocco services. Whether you plan to explore wind mountain road, or a traverse arid desert, or navigate city street, tp choose the appropriate vehicle is important to ensure a smooth and enjoy trip.

The Ideal Vehicle:

Morocco’s varied terrain, and city to remote desert, call for a versatile and reliable vehicle. Choose the ultimate blend of comfort and functional, an SUV or crossover is often recommend. These vehicles provide ample space for both passenger and luggage while offer the necessary ground clear for navigate through Morocco’s diverse landscape. A car with good fuel efficient is also benefit for the long stretch between destinations, ensure you can explore the country without frequent refuel stop.

Considerations for City Travel:

If your itinerary focus on explore the vibrant city of Morocco, such as Casablanca, Fes, or Marrakech, a smaller and more maneuver car may be prefer. Navigate the narrow street of the medina and find park in busy marketplace can be easier with a compact car. Additional, smaller cars are often more fuel-efficient, an essential factor when explor urban area with frequent stop-and-go traffic.

Car Rental in Morocco:

As you delve into the type of car suitable for your Moroccan journey, it is important to the option of car rental. Morocco has establish network of car rental agency that cater to the need for tourist. Major city, airport, and popular tourist destination offer a variety of rental option, which allow the traveler to choose a vehicle that suit their preference and requirement. It advise to book your rental car in advance to secure the best rate and ensure available, especial during peak travel season.

Choosing the Right Car:

    • Compact Cars:

For traveler explore the narrow street of Morocco historic medina or navigate crowd urban area, compact car are an excellent choice. They offer easy maneuverability and are well-suite for tight park space.

    • SUVs and other Crossovers:

If your are planning a trip include to off-road adventure, such as you want to explore the Atlas Mountain or venture into the Sahara Desert, then you should consider rent an SUV or crossover. These vehicle provide better ground clearance and stabile on uneven terrain.

    • Convertible Cars:

Experience the freedom of Morocco scenic coastal road to rent a convert. With the wind in your hair and the sun shine, convert cars are perfect for a leisure drive along the beautiful Atlantic or Mediterranean coastline.

    • Minivans or Larger Vehicles:

Travel with a group or carry a significant amount of luggage? Opt for a minivan or a larger vehicle to ensure everyone travel comfortable with ample space for belonging.

    • Eco-Friendly Options:

For environmentally conscious travelers, some car rental agency in Morocco offer hybrid or electric vehicle. These option are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective in term of fuel efficient.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right car is important step to ensure a memorable and enjoy road trip through Morocco. Consider your itinerary, the size of your travel party, and the type of terrain you’ll encounter when make your decision. Whether you choose a compact car for city explore, an SUV for off-road adventure, or a convert for a scenic coastal drive, your choice of vehicle will contribute significant to the overall success of your Moroccan journey. With the convenience of car rental service read available, you can hit the road and explore Morocco at your own pace, create last memory along the way.

Glacier National Park in the Wintertime on Amtrak’s Empire Builder

Catching the Empire Builder at the picturesque Whitefish Depot, our snowy early morning trip had us glued to the windows of The Sightseer Lounge as we snaked our way through the The Lewis Range… CONTINUE READING >> 

Sunrise over the train depot in Whitefish Montana

Catching the Empire Builder at the picturesque Whitefish Depot, our snowy early morning trip had us glued to the windows of The Sightseer Lounge as we snaked our way through the The Lewis Range along The Middle Fork Flathead River.

Other than snowshoes or cross-country skis, this really is the optimal method of Glacier Park winter exploration.

Not surprisingly we, not being big on the idea of walking the icy wilderness with tennis rackets or two-by-fours strapped to our feet, or icicles hanging from our noses, chose the comfort and luxury option of Amtrak.

Click here for our full trip on Amtrak’s iconic Empire Builder

Glacier was designated a National Park on May 11, 1910, after lobbying efforts by The Great Northern Railway. Most all of the park’s early development was directly related to the railroad, in fact The Great Northern built several lodges to increase their tourist traffic.

Glacier National Park from Amtrak's Empire Builder!

The train skirts along the southern border of the park, and we wore the shutters out on our cameras while climbing up to 5,213 feet to cross the Continental Divide at Marias Pass. From there one could truthfully say, “it’s all downhill from here.”

Click here for our full trip on Amtrak’s iconic Empire Builder

Glacier National Park from Amtrak's Empire Builder!

Glacier National Park from Amtrak's Empire Builder!

Click here for our full trip on Amtrak’s iconic Empire Builder

Glacier National Park from Amtrak's Empire Builder!

Glacier National Park from Amtrak's Empire Builder!

The Empire Builder rounds a bend through Glacier National Park

Click here for our full trip on Amtrak’s iconic Empire Builder

Glacier National Park through the Dome Car on Amtrak's Empire Builder

Glacier National Park from the Sightseer Lounge on Amtrak's Empire Builder

Click here for our full trip on Amtrak’s iconic Empire Builder

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Our Favorite Winter Getaways (without going too far away)

With the weather starting to turn chilly we think now is a good time to take a look at some ideas for for a winter getaway and begin planning that escape. So let’s take a look back at a few of the places that we found the best for lifting our spirits over the past few winters… CONTINUE READING >> 

With the weather starting to turn chilly we think now is a good time to take a look at some ideas for for a winter getaway and begin planning that escape. So let’s take a look back at a few of the places that we found the best for lifting our spirits over the past few winters.

Glacier National Park is certainly a year-round destination, and much more popular in the summer months.

Unfortunately, most of the glaciers in the park are long gone, but by visiting in the winter we were still able to get a feel for the once icy landscape.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder travels along the southern edge of the park and is an amazing way to see it in the snow, but we wanted to venture in a little deeper.

So we rented a car and drove through Hungry Horse to the western entrance of the park and up the famous Going to the Sun Road.

Staying in the nearby town of Whitefish, Montana made the trip all that much better. Not only did we get to experience some real Wild West hospitality, including a dogsled trip through the Rockies, but there were not too many other people crowding up the place.

Probably because most travelers are looking for warmer climes this time of year, duh!

Hawai’i is wonderful any time of year, but when temperatures drop and the wind chill is brutal a tropical paradise moves to the top of almost everyone’s list.

Whether it is a day on the beach or visiting a volcano, our fiftieth state is perfect for a winter escape.

We’ve done both, so here’s a look at a few of the wildly colorful and unique beaches on the Big Island.

Most of those colors come from volcanic activity so we felt like we had to takea look over the edge of a volcano while it was erupting!

Even with the incredible power that lies deep within our planet on display only a few hundred yards away we still felt perfectly safe.

As if that wasn’t enough, we decided to go inside. Yup, we walked inside the lava tubes of an active volcano and lived to tell.

Actually, so far as we know everybody who has done it has also survived.

Skiing is always a popular winter pastime, but we stumbled upon a particularly peculiar variation in Arizona.

It’s not something that can always be done, but when the weather cooperates it is possible to ski all day and then hang out by the pool afterward. Just outside of Tucson lies the southernmost ski area in the United States, Mount  Lemmon Ski Valley.

The drive up the mountain was gorgeous, going from sizzling arid desert to frigid alpine winter wonderland in less than an hour. It was like passing through all of the seasons in one day, and at the top the views were nothing short of spectacular.

Not much further down the road we discovered one of our all-time favorite spots, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.

This little fishing village on the northern shore of the Gulf of California just might be the ultimate snowbird destination. It may be only an hour’s drive south of the border, but it’s a million miles from the hustle and bustle of life back home.

The landscape is mesmerizing, with arid mountains dropping into the crystal blue Sea of Cortez, and here in the heart of the Sonoran Desert temperatures are in the eighties even in the dead of winter.

Mexico is home to many other fantastic destinations all across the vast country. A great way to see the Pacific coast is to pick up a Car Rental in Puerto Vallarta. From majestic mountains to beautiful beaches the region has it all.

Another of our top choices, Cancun and the Riviera Maya. This area along the Caribbean coast is so jam packed with things to do and places to go that we could easily spend the entire winter here, and Cancun airport transportation makes it so easy to get to and from the airport.

From the historic and mind blowing Mayan ruins in Tulum and Chichén-Itzá, to Rio Secreto, a river that flows for miles underground, this mystical region never ceases to amaze.

Taking the extra time to really explore led us to another gem, Valladolid. This inland hideaway on the Yucatan Peninsula has been named by the Mexican government as the best preserved colonial city in the entire country.

And of course the incredible food from the region makes it so we never want to leave.

But then summer will come along and we will certainly be looking for places to cool off by then.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

An Ode to the Home of Vidalia Onions

To paraphrase Shakespeare, would an onion by any other name taste as sweet?

We think not, since most onions are hardly sweet at all. So what’s in a name? Vidalia, Vidalia, wherefore art thou Vidalia?

The only way to know for sure was to go directly to the… CONTINUE READING >> 

David and Yumion, the Vidalia Onion Mascot. High five in Georgia

To paraphrase Shakespeare, would an onion by any other name taste as sweet? We think not, since most onions are hardly sweet at all. So what’s in a name? Vidalia, Vidalia, wherefore art thou Vidalia?

The only way to know for sure was to go directly to the source. We headed to southeast Georgia, halfway between Macon and Savannah to find out.

Vidalia Georgia

Vidalia Georgia Onion Water Town

There was no mistaking our destination, all of the town’s water towers are decorated with giant onions. In fact, onions dominate almost every aspect of the city of just over ten thousand.

We mounted up on our trusty bikes and cruised around on a quest to find out just how many layers of onion we could find.

We found signs, slogans and even a mascot, Yumion, prominently displayed throughout the town. Of course there were also several eating establishments proudly proclaiming the fame of their onion rings, but how could we know which of these were truly ring royalty?

We asked around.

Vidalia Onion Rings in Vidalia, Georgia

The consensus winner seemed to be Steeplechase Grill & Tavern, and it must be good because folks around Vidalia do not take their rings lightly. But the breading was light — and crispy, and plain old delicious. Served up with a sweet onion dipping sauce, yessiree, these were some mighty fine rings.

Yumion's story in books!

Having been steered right by the townsfolk so far, we decided to take some more advice and check out The Vidalia Onion Museum.

Everyone said not to miss it, and once again they were absolutely correct.

Vidalia Onion princesses

We learned the entire onion saga through the little museum’s displays and videos, from the accidental beginnings, right up to the modern marketing that has sent Vidalias to every corner of the globe.

Turns out that the world-famous onion came about completely by luck.

Shrek loves Vidalia Onions!

Area farmers were struggling to get by raising cotton and tobacco during the depression.

Then Mose Coleman decided to try his hand at growing onions. His onions turned out sweeter and milder than any anybody had ever tasted before.

Soon several other farmers also switched over, and their onions were uncommonly sweet too.

Just so happens that the soil around Vidalia has very little sulphur, and that makes for a one-of-a-kind onion. Soon tourists were stopping through and asking for the sweet onions that became known by the town’s name.

Sweet Vidalia Onions Baby!

But it still took one more bit of good fortune to make the Vidalias truly famous.

The Piggly Wiggly chain of grocery stores are headquartered in Vidalia and when they began stocking the unique onions word soon spread.

Their fame grew until the name Vidalia Onion had to be legally defined and protected.

Only onions grown within a specific area near the town can bear the name. Then, in 1986, the State of Georgia proclaimed Vidalia Onions as the official state vegetable.

Vidalia Onion Art

In addition to all of the great history we found at the museum, we also learned that we could take a tour of an actual onion farm and packing plant.

We knew where our next stop was going to be, Vidalia Valley.

Vidalia Onion fields and Georgia Pines
Vidalia Onion fields and Georgia Pines

Vidalia Valley onion farm and packing plant

They do a lot more than just grow and box up onions at the Valley, as we learned when our gracious guide, Lauren, led us into the processing area.

As soon as we opened the door we were nearly knocked back by the overwhelming aroma of onions being chopped — and this was the slow season.

Lauren explained that during the peak of the harvest the chopping goes 24/7 and the smell is so strong that her hair will smell like onion for months — her stylist refuses to cut it! Wow, just think if these weren’t the mild variety.

Vidalia Valley onion factory

But no one at the plant is shedding a tear, because all of that chopping is done to supply the fastest growing part of Vidalia Valley’s business, creating and distributing all sorts of onion products.

They make relishes, salsas, salad dressings, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, and even jams and jellies, all prominently featuring Vidalia onions as a main ingredient.

Vidalia Police Supply

In fact, the versatile Vidalia is so sweet and mild that many people claim to eat them raw, like apples. We weren’t sure if we were quite ready for that, leaving us with a dilemma.

To bite, or not to bite, that was the question.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

ECO-FRIENDLY EXPLORATIONS: SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FOR CONSCIOUS WANDERERS

Sustainable travel considers the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism and details measures that tourists, the tourism industry, and locals can pursue to ensure that travel is safe and beneficial to everyone… CONTINUE READING >> 

More people have embraced travel in recent years. And rather than stick to the tried and tested vacation destinations, tourists have embarked on lesser-known regions, eager to see what they offer. This open-mindedness has boosted tourism across the world. However, it has also prompted debates regarding the effects of travel and what tourists can do to ensure they leave destinations better than they found them. We look into what sustainable travel entails, regions that support this travel style, and how you can also be a conscious tourist.

What Counts as Sustainable Travel?

For anything to be sustainable, measures must be in place to ensure that people can continue using that resource without depleting it or affecting its availability adversely. For example, sustainable farming practices ensure that we can continue producing adequate food without harming animals, land, and all other resources used in the production.

How does this work when it comes to travel? It’s pretty much the same. This kind of travel considers the economic, social, and environmental effects of tourism and details measures that tourists, the tourism industry, and locals can pursue to ensure that travel is safe and beneficial to everyone. What does this look like? Let’s consider examples:

      • The Economy: When tourists eat at local restaurants, they inject money into the local communities and thus make travel beneficial to the locals.
      • The Environment: Tourists can engage in environmental conservation by recycling and reusing their litter. They can also opt for train travel instead of planes for short distances.
      • The Society: Preserving local customs is essential for the continuity of tourism. Tourists should respect local communities by following the norms, e.g., dress codes.

These are but some examples of sustainable travel. You can learn more by following sustainable travel communities and learning how you can be part of this incredible movement.

Which Destinations Have Embraced Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel has gained traction, with more governments doing their best to ensure that tourism grows without harming their social, economic, and environmental progress. And when traveling through the following destinations, this investment in the future will be evident:

1. Iceland

Anyone who has been to this country can attest to its cleanliness. From the minute you land in Reykjavik, you can tell that the local community cares a great deal about the environment. Everything is pristine, from the baths to the roads to the glaciers to the hills. You can get lost in nature and reconnect with Mother Earth quite easily when everything falls into place so much. As an added perk, the country invests a lot in renewable energy and has the highest green energy per capita production in the world.

2. Costa Rica

The diversity in this tropical destination calls many travelers. After all, you can immerse yourself in nature by enjoying rafting, zip lining, hiking and other adrenaline-filled activities in its jungles and rivers. But how does the country ensure travel sustainability? Besides its tourism policies, which protect its biodiversity, it relies on renewable sources to generate >90% of its electricity. Moreover, the tourism sector encourages travelers to embrace cycling and other low-emission activities. To get in on all this fun, you should have a valid passport that meets the entry criteria and is in good condition. Fortunately, obtaining a passport quickly is simple through expedited passport renewal services, enabling you to acquire your passport within a matter of days!

3. New Zealand

The breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand is truly unparalleled, offering travelers an extensive array of choices that span from lush vineyards to majestic glaciers and towering mountains. This diverse landscape not only captivates the senses but also serves as a testament to the remarkable productivity and ecological diversity of the land.

Yet, New Zealand’s allure extends beyond its stunning backdrops. The country is at the forefront of progressive green energy initiatives, proudly generating a substantial 20% of its energy from geothermal sources. This commitment to sustainable practices reflects a harmonious coexistence between modernity and environmental consciousness.

Moreover, New Zealand’s tourism policies exemplify a dedication to responsible travel. These policies extend a protective umbrella over the pristine landscapes, ensuring that tour operators, visitors, locals, and various stakeholders collectively contribute to conservation efforts. This united front aims to safeguard the delicate ecosystems, preventing any inadvertent harm and preserving the remarkable beauty that draws travelers from around the globe.

In essence, a journey through New Zealand is not merely a visual feast for the eyes but a holistic experience that celebrates the delicate balance between human exploration and environmental preservation. The country’s commitment to green energy and sustainable tourism underscores its dedication to maintaining the natural splendor that makes it a haven for those seeking an unforgettable and environmentally conscious travel experience.

Slovenia, Bhutan, Botswana, Peru, and Vietnam are also great options for eco-friendly travel.

What to Consider Before Your Next Eco-Friendly Adventure

Embracing sustainable travel might sound challenging, but it is pretty easy to implement. It comes down to the following decisions:

a. Where to visit: Start by listing eco-friendly destinations and choosing one among them. Examples include Iceland and New Zealand.

b. How to travel: Find sustainable travel means, e.g., using public transport instead of hiring a car or taxi, walking/ cycling where possible, and opting for trains instead of planes.

c. Where to spend money: Focus more on local tours, restaurants, accommodation, travel options, and products.

d. How to behave: Learn about local customs before traveling and follow them, e.g., not taking photos in prohibited areas.

Also, conserve water and energy as you move by avoiding unnecessary energy consumption, such as leaving the AC on all night.

Getting Down to the Meat N’ Bone of the Holiday and Bowl Seasons

This is the time of year for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, holiday parties, and festive feasts. Yes, if your loved ones are anything like ours mass quantities of incredible food will definitely be involved… CONTINUE READING >> 

This is the time of year for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, holiday parties, and festive feasts. Yes, if your loved ones are anything like ours mass quantities of incredible food will definitely be involved.

And if you have been following along with our Gypsynester adventures over the years, then you know how we love meat. Maybe even too much, if this episode in Argentina is any example:

So this year, with a little help from our friends at Meat N’ Bone, we decided to step things up a notch and go for some seriously delicious dishes featuring their Premium Quality Meats from the best suppliers in the world.

When our package arrived, still perfectly frozen fresh, we decided to thaw a couple Teres Major Wagyu steaks. These are considered to be second only to Filet Mignon for tenderness. Luckily I took a minute to check out their website and found a recommendation to pair the steaks with Gourmet Argentinian Chorizo, which we also just happened to have. One thing I should point out, don’t think of Mexican spicy chorizo here, these are 100% pork, made with garlic and white wine. Absolute excellence.

In another stroke of good luck, we happen to live on a boat in Southern California, so it is pretty much always grilling season for us. But I can say with certainty, this meal was right near the top of our very well-worn grill’s lifetime barbecue achievements. The steak with the sausage, along with some fresh, grilled asparagus was absolutely out of this world.

It was right about then that it hit us, why are we still racking our brains over what to get for gifts for all of our family and friends? Last minute shopping problem solved!

Then a couple days later it was time for our annual holiday boat parade. Sure sounded like another good excuse to fire up the grill if I ever heard one. And since the lights, parade, and fireworks are a casual, outdoor affair, it also seemed like the perfect time to try the Dry Aged Brisket Burgers and Steak Hot Dogs that came in our Meat N’ Bone box.

The burgers are made from high quality brisket (Prime/Wagyu) and have been dry aged for at least twenty one days, and the hot dogs are made with the same high-quality beef as their prime steaks. Both grilled up great, and tasted even better, and the all-American menu made our December evening feel like the forth of July.

Then, with the sun setting low and the grill still aglow, we were more than ready for a procession of decorated maritime vessels followed by a blow out fireworks finale.

Our next culinary adventure will be coming up soon because for Christmas dinner with family we are going to try the G1 Certified Picanha, also known as a Top Sirloin Cap, Fat On. This is hands-down the most popular beef in Brazil, and if, like us, you’ve been to a Brazilian Steakhouse, you have certainly seen the mighty tasty semi-circles of meaty goodness on the skewers, and hopefully tried them too.

Picanha is a favorite for grilling over an open fire, but since we are going to spend the day at our relative’s house, and I don’t want to outside tending to the barbecue, we are going to try roasting it in the oven. I am hoping for a sensational aromatic similarity to the way a Thanksgiving turkey makes the whole house smell incredible. Who knows, it might be even better with beef!

It also occurred to me that if there is any open fire around I’m guessing that chestnuts might just take precedence on Christmas.

While we were planning all of these gourmet holiday get-togethers, it hit me that as much as a box from Meat N’ Bone makes a great gift this time of year, there are a whole bunch of other very good reasons to treat yourself over the next few weeks. That’s right, it’s bowl season and that means plenty of big games that are perfect for laying out an exceptional spread featuring the very best meats.

What could be better than a New Years Day all-day football and meat feast featuring the best chicken wings ever, or mouth watering brisket sandwiches? These delectable goodies are guaranteed to make everyone a winner no matter what happens on the field. In fact, we might be so engulfed in the food that we don’t even notice what the score is.

Then of course, the big one, the ultimate day for an eating and football frenzy, the Super Bowl, finishes off the season. This calls for something special like kabobs made with USDA Prime/Choice Tenderloin and a variety of the best sausages to be found anywhere. Now that would be a definite game winner.

We certainly hope that these ideas help everyone with creating great gastronomic gatherings for the holidays and all of the big games coming up. And if you want to find us, you know where to look.

We’ll be on the sun deck firing up the grill.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

A big thank you goes out to Meat N’ Bone for providing the meats and compensation for this incredible culinary adventure! As always, all opinions are our own.

Great Ideas for Expanding our Outdoor Living Space

We found beautiful outdoor furniture that is built to be durable and hold up in all kinds of weather, while also being eco-friendly and sustainable (Hint, that’s not it in the picture, that’s the old stuff.)
CONTINUE READING >> 

Every now and then a coincidence will happen that makes us go “hmmmm.” Today was one of those days. Just a couple of days ago we were talking about the lounge chairs on or sun deck on the back of our boat.

Oh, for those who don’t already know, when we are not gallivanting across the globe on our GypsyNester adventures, we live in a harbor on a boat in Southern California.

So anyway, our deck chairs are getting a little ragged from being out in the elements for the past few years and so Veronica said, “I’m not loving these anymore, we should look at something different, maybe a sofa or a love seat.”

Then today, out of the blue, we were contacted by Expormim, https://www.expormim.com/us/outdoor-furniture/sofas/, and asked to check out their outdoor furniture to see if we would like to write about it. It only took one look for us to know that the answer was yes.

Not only is the furniture beautiful, but it is all built to be durable and hold up in all kinds of weather. It is also made to be eco-friendly and sustainable. But that doesn’t mean that there is any trade off on quality and dependability, as they like to say at Expormim, “Without durability, there is no sustainability.”

And they should know because, after all, they were named as the Sustainable Brand of the Year in 2022. And this is not a title that they take for granted, so they look to live up every step of the way when comes to securing their materials and in all of their and manufacturing processes.

As a company, they are deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility, all while pursuing beauty and achieving excellence. And they make sure to focus on accomplishing this without forgetting to care about our environment as well as staying conscious of economic growth.

While we certainly agree with that philosophy and definitely want to support companies who pursue these lofty goals, we are still looking for good looking, sturdy, and long lasting furniture. So we took a bit of a tour through their website and found several items that caught our eyes. The Twins Sofa by MUT Design could be a perfect fit for us.

In fact, the more we looked through the site at https://www.expormim.com/us/outdoor-furniture/, the more really great options we found. As we continued to browse we found the Liz Sofa designed by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba that also seemed to be a very good possibility.

And we couldn’t help but notice that there is a whole lot more than just sofas to choose from, such as tables, tables, and more tables. An almost endless array of other pieces are available, and any one of them would be a wonderful enhancement to our sun deck.

There is also a huge variety of chairs to consider too, with several that go great with the sofas we looked at. It’s enough to make us wish we had more room out there on the deck.

Oh, and just to make sure it is clear, there is absolutely no reason that anyone would need to live on a boat to appreciate and enjoy this wonderful furniture from Expormim. Any land-locked backyard or patio would do just fine.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com