The journey begins...

One of my many dreams - as I'm sure many people can relate- is to travel the world.  Italy, first and foremost, and then Ireland, France, Australia, Greece, the list goes on and on.  I wish I could tell you that I am pursuing my dream and embarking on a month, 6 months, or even a year of traveling the world, backpacking through Europe, cruising the Mediterranean, and hiking the rainforests of South America, but alas it is not to be.  I am broke and recently unemployed.  Given the current economic state of our nation traveling the world is not exactly a viable option at the moment.  So what is a girl to do? Well, I got to thinking.  While enjoying a glass of wine at a whimsical Mexican restaurant (all good plans are born over wine and food it seems) that while I might not have the financial means to up and travel the world I do have an imagination, and more importantly...I have a kitchen.  Think about it, food is a huge part of a nation's culture.  It speaks about the history of its people, what they find important, how they live their daily lives, and how they came to be what they are. 

One day I will travel to all the wonderfully diverse places this world has to offer and learn about each culture firsthand, but in the meantime I can improvise.  Every week for 6 months I will travel- from my kitchen!  I will create, for better or for worse, an authentic meal from a different place/country/culture.  With a bit of research, a quick trip to the supermarket, and imagination I will have everything I need to experience my favorite parts of traveling. 

Who says because I don't have money I can't t enjoy some of the wonderful joys each of our world's cultures has to offer? Bon-appétit!