Gastronomy: Merken in Food & Wine Magazine

While perusing through the August issue of Food & Wine the other week I was delighted to find that not only was Minneapolis (Jordan and I’s hometown) featured as a foodie’s paradise, but Knowmad’s favorite spice, Merken, from Chile got a mention as well. I’ve of course been throwing it on everything since…roasted tomatoes (yum), hard boiled eggs (why not?), or cereal (alright, now I’ve gone too far!). It’s an excellent substitution to paprika, adding just the right amount of smoky flavor.

Un beso, Tara

(Image via Food & Wine Magazine, August 2012 Issue.)

Parting Shots: Chile

Overjoyed to be visiting their son in Chile after not seeing him for months while he studies abroad, Larry and Betty Oestenstad returned with great travel tales and photos. Helping plan the Oestenstad’s trip to discover the country their son Trevor had fallen for was especially gratifying to me, as a study abroad experience in Chile nearly 15 years ago kindled what has proven to be a life-long love affair with Latin America.

Book Review: Death in the Andes

The high Andean Cordillera of Peru is where Mario Vargas Llosa weaves this tale. Tomasito, a young Lieutenant, finds himself stationed in Naccos – a desolate and dying town commenced with a now closed mine and surviving by building and rebuilding a road that’s continuously buried by landslides but leads nowhere anyways. Lituma, the Corporal, listens night after night to Tomasito’s lamenting and memories of his lost love Mercedes, a dark beauty from the coast. That is, until the disappearance of three men distracts his attention. Were they murdered by the terrucos? Maybe their bodies were made to shrivel up so that a pishtaco could boil their fat. Or was the coca-leaf-reading Dona Adriana and her lush of a husband Dioniosi involved? Only the “bowels of the earth” where the “bulls, serpents, condors, and spirits lived” may ever know the truth…

Read Full Post

Peruvian Textiles

 
The tradition of producing textiles is still very much alive in the Andes. Their vibrant colors and geometric designs are displayed in every artisan market you’ll find. Not to mention, the traditional garb of which belts, satchels, and skirts are made from these textiles are still worn by native women daily.

Knowmad News: Published in Frommer’s Again!

It was rewarding last year when Frommer’s Budget Travel made our Northern Patagonia Odyssey itinerary their Featured Real Deal Trip as it’s an innovative and authentic itinerary that makes the Patagonia more accessible. Far more rewarding however, the magazine recently interviewed the Seviers who found us by way of the Frommer’s accolade, took the trip, and were blown away by how well it facilitated them being a part of the diverse cultures of the region.

GOING OFF THE GRID
(as published in Frommer’s Budget Travel, May/June 2012)

“My wife, Sarah, and I live in Manhattan. As lifelong big-city dwellers, a trip to Chilean Patagonia was a 180-degree change for us. We wanted to be immersed, not pampered. Only twice did we eat in restaurants – instead, we ate with our hosts in local homes. We stayed with a couple in Cochamo Valley – at one point we were eating fresh salmon the husband had caught the day before from the river that runs through their property. What I remember most: the wood stoves. There’s one in everybody’s kitchen, going 24 hours a day. The coffee’s always on, and you can smell the wood smoke all throughout the house. I’m desperate to find a way to import those stoves to New York—I just don’t know too many landlords who would allow it.”

–Ben Sevier, New York, NY

The related nine-night itinerary starts at $1,550. Call to talk to your trip specialist 1-877-616-8747. Or visit us online at www.KnowmadAdventures.com

Winner, Winner, Heck-of-a-lot more than Chicken Dinner

Michelle Gedney is the lucky winner of a free 3-day stay at the lush Amazon jungle lodge Reserva Amazonica in Peru.
She was picked randomly among over 300 hundred entries who stopped by to talk travel with us at the 54thMidwest MountaineeringExpo this past weekend. The event brought thousands of people from the outdoor community together and we can’t thank Midwest enough for putting on such a special event.
Hope to see you all at this fall’s expo November 16th– 18th; it could be your turn to win adventure.

Parting Shots: Possibilities of Patagonia – Four Friends’ Custom Chile Trip through Northern & Southern Patagonia!

Knowmad Adventures Travel South America

Travel alongside Nancy, Jeff, Mary, and Kevin as they embark on an unforgettable custom Chile trip to Patagonia and Valparaíso. They explore both Southern and Northern Patagonia, venturing to Torres del Paine and Puerto Varas to discover the breathtaking sights and possibilities of the region.

Read Full Post

Advice for New Moms With Wanderlust

Advice for New Moms - Knowmad Adventures

We welcomed Belén Scot Harvey into the world just under three months ago on July 27th. It had been a hot and humid month in the land of lakes, and I had spent many afternoons with our son Trey, now three and a half, in the backyard: him, up to his toddler antics and me, soaking my swollen ankles in the kiddy pool thinking how much better life would be if I didn’t have to pee every ten minutes, or could tie my own shoes, or better yet, had a gin and tonic in hand. Needless to say, by the end of my pregnancy I was miserable and over it and I was so ready to meet the little one in my belly.

Read Full Post

Join Us This November for The Midwest Mountaineering Twin Cities Outdoor Adventure Expo

Twin Cities Outdoor Adventure Expo

Fellow adventurers, sightseers, and wanderlusters, the time has come again for the best gear and travel event in the Twin Cities, the Outdoor Adventure Expo! Hosted by Midwest Mountaineering, the Outdoor Adventure Expo has over 60 exhibitors and more than 100 presentations by experts in a multitude of fields: parks and trails, high-adrenaline adventure, nature conservation, and of course, travel.

Read Full Post