The Celebrated Oysterfest of Fulton, Texas

We didn’t head for the Gulf of Mexico with oysters on the brain. In fact, we had no idea Oysterfest was about to kick off until after we arrived. We just heard the sound of the sea and followed it. The rest was good old-fashioned dumb luck. When it comes to finding fests, we seem to have a lot of that sort of good fortune.

But first, we wanted to see the “real”…  CONTINUE READING >>

We didn’t head for the Gulf of Mexico with oysters on the brain. In fact, we had no idea Oysterfest was about to kick off until after we arrived. We just heard the sound of the sea and followed it. The rest was good old-fashioned dumb luck. When it comes to finding fests, we seem to have a lot of that sort of good fortune.

But first, we wanted to see the “real”…  CONTINUE READING >>

Texas Raw Oyster Eating Contest


enlarge video
For the contestants, there is only one rule — no barfing. Anyone who hurls during the five minutes of frantic oyster ingestion is disqualified, but the regulations go one step farther. An additional… CONTINUE READING >>


enlarge video
For the contestants, there is only one rule — no barfing. Anyone who hurls during the five minutes of frantic oyster ingestion is disqualified, but the regulations go one step farther. An additional… CONTINUE READING >>

Let Us Run This Bayou

In Louisiana, the area south of I-10 and west of New Orleans is a “whole ‘nudder t’ing.” Over the years we’ve made periodic pilgrimages and would be hard-pressed to come up with a part of this great country that we are more fond of. Through hardship and isolation, a society singular to this region has developed with its own food, music and unique language. We love spending time in amongst it all…

CONTINUE READING >>

In Louisiana, the area south of I-10 and west of New Orleans is a “whole ‘nudder t’ing.” Over the years we’ve made periodic pilgrimages and would be hard-pressed to come up with a part of this great country that we are more fond of. Through hardship and isolation, a society singular to this region has developed with its own food, music and unique language. We love spending time in amongst it all…

CONTINUE READING >>

Pleasing the Palate in Puerto Peñasco

A huge part of how we acquire knowledge about new locales is by exploring their culinary fare. On our expedition to Mexico’s Puerto Peñasco we continued in that tradition.

As is often the case, we found that the typical food of an area is not what we Americans expect when we think of “ethnic” food. Italian pizza is not even remotely comparable to the Dominos version and real Mexican food ain’t no Taco Bell. In fact, “real” Mexican food varies drastically depending on the region in which the meal is prepared. In Puerto Peñasco real means …  CONTINUE READING >>

A huge part of how we acquire knowledge about new locales is by exploring their culinary fare. On our expedition to Mexico’s Puerto Peñasco we continued in that tradition.

As is often the case, we found that the typical food of an area is not what we Americans expect when we think of “ethnic” food. Italian pizza is not even remotely comparable to the Dominos version and real Mexican food ain’t no Taco Bell. In fact, “real” Mexican food varies drastically depending on the region in which the meal is prepared. In Puerto Peñasco real means …  CONTINUE READING >>

Making a Rocky Point About Mexico

Everyone in the United States has heard the horror stories about Mexico, especially the border region, but the idea that our southern border is an open, unchecked thoroughfare for illegal activities is patently absurd.

Driving along the US-Mexico border from California to Texas, we never went more than a few minutes without seeing the United States Border Patrol doing what they do best, patrolling…  CONTINUE READING >>

Everyone in the United States has heard the horror stories about Mexico, especially the border region, but the idea that our southern border is an open, unchecked thoroughfare for illegal activities is patently absurd.

Driving along the US-Mexico border from California to Texas, we never went more than a few minutes without seeing the United States Border Patrol doing what they do best, patrolling…  CONTINUE READING >>

Italian Riviera Romp

Just a few kilometers down the Ligurian Coast from the bustling burg of Genoa –and at least a million mental miles away — is peaceful Camogli, Italy.

Jet-set types like Charles Dickens, Lord Byron and Percy Shelley have been slowing down and kicking back along these shores of the Italian Riviera for nearly two centuries, back when they were “jetting” about in carriages and … CONTINUE READING >>

Just a few kilometers down the Ligurian Coast from the bustling burg of Genoa –and at least a million mental miles away — is peaceful Camogli, Italy.

Jet-set types like Charles Dickens, Lord Byron and Percy Shelley have been slowing down and kicking back along these shores of the Italian Riviera for nearly two centuries, back when they were “jetting” about in carriages and … CONTINUE READING >>

Going Coastal

While traveling, periodically preconceived notions are blown totally out of the water once a place is visited in person.

Our most recent notion deconstruction locomotion occurred along a rocky stretch of the California coast just south of San Francisco.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, as anticipated, is a … CONTINUE READING >>

While traveling, periodically preconceived notions are blown totally out of the water once a place is visited in person.

Our most recent notion deconstruction locomotion occurred along a rocky stretch of the California coast just south of San Francisco.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, as anticipated, is a … CONTINUE READING >>