Archives for 2012

From the Hip Friday

Love locks.

Today’s photo from the hip comes from Nicole at La Vie en Rose.  She recently spent four weeks studying abroad in Tours, France. I think I will forever be jealous of people who took advantage of their study abroad opportunities!

Nicole submitted this photo that she took from a fence above the Seine in Paris. I wonder how Patrick and Basia are doing these days?

Thanks, Nicole!

xo, jill

From the Hip Friday features photos taken without the use of a viewfinder. If you have a photograph that was taken from the hip you’d like to share here, please contact me!

Jet skiing between the bridges

Awhile ago.Way back in November, Mike and I rented a jet ski and took it for a spin in the waters surrounding Abu Dhabi. It was fun to get out and do something different, and to see the city from a different perspective. I used my underwater/waterproof camera, just to be safe.

Although we joked about knocking each other off the back, we both happily stayed dry. The water was not very enticing… more like, yucky.

It was a fun afternoon… even though Mike asked me to tone down my wild driving (which wasn’t even that wild!).

xo, jill

A local snack

Not gourmet.Probably the most frequently asked question I received while living in Abu Dhabi went something like, “What’s the food like?” or “Do you like the food?” It’s a tricky question to answer.In general, the local food is not something you’d be served in a restaurant. To get some true Emirati food you need connections. All of my experiences with local foods came during school potlucks, visits to local homes, or once at a wedding. I’d love to tell you that it was delicious, but in my opinion, it’s not. Some dishes I did like, however, a lot of the food involves meat or dates… I’m not a fan of either.

A certain dish in particular churned my stomach and that would be harees. It consists of boiled wheat and meat and looks like sticky porridge. I’ve never been so glad to be a vegetarian than during those moments at school potlucks when Sarah’s plate was being piled high with the stuff.

But there was one local snack that I did enjoy.

One day at school I joined some teachers eating at a table. Immediately they prepared a snack for me as well. I did my best to keep a straight face because the concoction was kind of ridiculous. It was like something a middle schooler would prepare when he or she got home from school. But strangely, it was pretty good. In fact, I got a hankering for one awhile ago and went to the store to get the ingredients.

I’ll teach you how to make it.

Ingredients:
hotdog buns
Puck cheese spread
Chips Oman, chili flavor

Directions:
1. Spread the cheese on the bun.
2. Smash up the chips and pour them in.

See what I’m saying? Kind of gross, strangely good… and pretty funny that this is my take-home recipe from three years of living in the UAE. Not that I’m planning to make this again…

xo, jill

P.S. Forgive these blurry photos. I borrowed Molly’s camera and did not come out triumphant.

Instant Catamaran

Secretary’s DayAfter I stopped working in January, I had a lot of extra time on my hands. I also needed some place to be a few days a week while the housekeepers came to clean Mike’s apartment. I solved the problem by volunteering my ex-teacher services to Molly. I got to hang out at her apartment, cook in her kitchen, and do the “fun” things that teachers never have time for… like making posters or class books. It was pretty enjoyable. I mean, I got to cut out laminate while watching movies and still feel helpful and productive.

To thank me, even though she didn’t need to, Molly took me on a catamaran tour. She insisted on treating me by saying, “The boss always pays on Secretary’s Day!” and then we both started giggling.

Here are a few instax shots from Molly’s camera. The film was exposed to the sun so the color is off in a few shots.

World’s best boss.

xo, jill

Intermission

The summer of Canada.

I’m back from the stunning Banff National Park. I mean, if the view from the highway was this good, just imagine what you can see after hiking in for a few miles. Very impressive scenery.

I have about two weeks until I head back to Canada, but this time I’ll be visiting Ontario and Quebec with this babe I know. I would love to get suggestions from any Canadian readers (or Canada aficionados) for cool places to see or good veggie places to eat in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, or Quebec City.

Also, while I was gone, Em from Ice Cream Cone Life posted a little interview with me. Check it out here.

xo, jill

From the Hip Friday

Cash transaction.

Today’s photo from the hip is by Molly. She sneaked this shot while in the market in Hoi An, Vietnam. I like how she managed to capture the vendor handing back change. I also like to think the vendor might be friends with this lady.

Thanks, Molly!

xo, jill

From the Hip Friday features photos taken without the use of a viewfinder. If you have a photograph that was taken from the hip you’d like to share here, please contact me!
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