About Lainie Liberti

Recent Posts by Lainie Liberti

Oman/UAE Border Crossing: Off the Beaten Path by Car

We as travelers give up a lot of personal freedom in exchange for a different kind of freedom. While this may sound incongruous , it is a simple fact. We adhere to bus schedules, train schedules, ferry schedules, airline schedules and all other schedules to simply get where we want to go.

Having a car of one’s own is an incredibly freeing part of traveling. It allows for spontaneity and an increased number of choices. My husband and I have traveled to and lived in many parts of the world, sometimes with a car of our own, but more often we have done without.

Currently, we live in Abu Dhabi, and have recently purchased a car. It is shiny and gray and perfect, but the things that it lacks are the things that make it so wonderful. It lacks a rental agreement, a lease expiration date, and that nagging knowledge that it belongs to someone else.

Our first trip in our new car was to be a visa run to Oman. Visa runs are nothing new to our lives, but this one was different. It was to be our first visa run that involved a land-border crossing, and the first such border crossing in our own car. In addition, even though we’ve traveled all over the world together, this was to be our first real road trip together, and, as such, came with its own sense of excitement.

Even though the Oman/UAE border is only about 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, we simply could not just cross the border and turn around. Our destination was Muscat, Oman’s capital city, which is 300 miles from Abu Dhabi. We set out early in the morning and headed out through the desert.

The highways were mostly deserted until we neared the border town of Hatta. As is usually the case, crossing a land border requires a number of steps. First there was the UAE exit stamp to obtain at the hut on the side of the road. Then there is the search of the trunk. After that we stop at another shop to buy car insurance. Finally, we stop at Omani immigration to officially enter the country.

Once the formalities were taken care of, we continued on our route to Muscat. The map we had used indicated that the highway would follow the Arabian Sea coast all the way to Muscat. It soon became clear that was not the case. Our first turn toward the ocean led us to the fishing pier, which, as usual, smelled like a fishing pier and warranted a hasty retreat.

We resumed our southerly course and reached the city of Muscat a few hours later. The city is lovely with beautiful mosques, wide roads and lush, green foliage that was delightfully unexpected. The sun was setting over the Arabian Sea as we finally found a lovely beach park. We watched the locals swimming, picnicking and strolling along the promenade as the waves rolled in. It was a good end to a great day.

We planned our return trip to take us through the mountains of north central Oman to the border crossing at Al Ain, UAE. The day began hot and grew hotter by the hour. The sun seems to bounce from every surface, tricking the eye into thinking that everything is beige. However, as the day wore on and I looked more closely, I began to see the intricacies and nuances of the desert. The colors of the sand actually vary by grain, the ridges of the mountains morph from brown to gray to black to red, and the green of the palms at the oases is staggering in its intensity.

We passed small towns, roadside mosques, and camels nibbling the bushes beside the highway. We stopped for gas, ate strange, sweet snacks, and talked for hours. We spotted a mountain in the distance and, before we knew it, the border was looming ahead. After a quick stop at immigration, we were back in the UAE and an hour from home.

Few of us are strangers to the road trip. We compile the playlists, consult the maps, load the coolers, check the oil, fill the tires, charge the phones and pack our bags. We seek out information on things to do and see along the route. We try to anticipate all the things we need and all the things that could go wrong. However, when all is said and done, the road trip is essentially the same as any other type of travel. We plan as much as we can, leave the rest up to the universe, put on our seatbelts and go.

But I really like going in my own car.

Who Knew? There are 4,000 Types Of Potatoes In Peru

Peru is well known for many things, including archeological ruins, ancient cultures, and beautiful landscapes, but did you know it was also famous for   growing the most varieties of potatoes?

Over four centuries ago, potatoes were first introduced in the Andes region, and have become the fourth largest food crop in the world after maize, wheat and rice. Though there is no a specific place of origin, South America is said to have been the birth place of potatoes.

Peru is said to have over 4000 types of potatoes due to favorable variety of climates and soil that allows tubers to grow. History reveals, potatoes in Peru were domesticated in multiple locations independently. It was thought that genetic manipulation was performed by the ancient farmers on the wide variety of species and cultivars somewhere between 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. Over the years, selective breeding has been done hence a thousand different types of potatoes remain in Peru.

Some of the most popular potatoes are: (don’t worry, we won’t list all 4,000 varieties)

1. Papa Blanca, White Potato which is firm and has a pale whitish color.

2. Papa Canchan, Papa Rosada which has pink thin skin and its meat is pale whitish colour.

3. Papa Amarilla which has yellow or butter color flesh.

4. Papa Negra, Papa Mariva which is dark brown turning black with yellowish flesh.

Besides the obvious (eating), the people of  Peru utilize this crop as:

1.  as source of Vitamin C in food.

2. as a source to make flour, alcohol and dextrin.

2. as anti aging agent when applied on the skin especially the face.

3. as medicine to relieve headaches and use to treat skin rash.

Potato cultivation in Peru will be found in Peruvian Plateau, giving an average yield of 9.4 tons per hectare. Other areas planting the Peruvian potatoes are:

1. Huanuco which is the main potato producer in Peru
2. Junin- Puno (Lake Titicaca) has the largest area cultivated
3. La Libertad mainly supplies to the North
4. Apurimac.
5. Cusco
6. Cajamarca
7. Ica
8. Lima
9. Arequipa

8 Fabulous Traditional Dishes of Peru

Similar to other cultures, Peruvian dishes are a rich combination of several influences, including Spanish  and Chinese cuisine combined with traditional ingredients originating from Peru. Many tourists who visit the nation have the opportunity to try new versions of some old favorites and  may just be surprised by their discoveries. Traditionally,  Peruvian dishes include rice or potatoes (after all, Peru grows 4000 types of potatoes ) combined with different types of proteins like lamb, chicken, fish or pork. Depending on the region, dishes may include locally grown peppers, including the yellow aji or red rocoto variety. Here’s our list of Perus 8 must try:

Ceviche

Ceviche is a simple dish typically made from fresh raw local  fish or any form of seafood which are marinated with the use of citrus juices like lime or lemon. You can opt to add chili peppers and seasonings like onion and salt. The dish is not cooked with heat rather with the citrus marinade. It’s served with avocado, sweet potatoes, lettuce or corn. You can try this dish at any region of the country however they are quite popular in the northern coast of Peru.

 

Chupe de Camarones (Shrimp Cioppino)

On a recent visit to the coast of  Peru I tried chupe de camarones – or shimp chowder. This traditional dish  is stock soup of crayfish mixed with potatoes, chilli pepper and milk. It reminded me a Thai soup and I was certain there was some Asian influence.  This is a classic Peruvian shrimp chowder is indeed  a meal in itself..

 

Papas a la huanciana (huancayo-style Potatoes)

Dont be mis-led by its name, the origins of this popular dish lie in a region called Chosica in Lima and not Huancayo. We were served this almost every meal, when Miro and I stayed with our host Peruvian family when we first arrived in Lima. And we were hooked. The dish is named after a Huancaina (a person who hails from Huancayo) who first made this dish available to the people. (Thank you!!) Its a simple dish made of potatoes boiled, sliced and served on a lettuce leaf. It is then topped with a hearty serving of spicy cheese.

Pollo a la Brasa (Grilled chicken or roaster chicken)

Pollo a la Brasa is a classic Peruvian rotisserie-style chicken that’s quite flavorful. It is one of the most eaten dish in Peru finds  its origins in the capital city, here in  Lima. Pollo a la brasa has been declared by Peru’s National Institute of Culture “a culinary specialty” and is used by Peru’s census agency, the INEI to  calculate the country’s monthly inflation.   Here is Peru, there’s even a  “Day of Pollo a la Brasa” which is the third Sunday in July.   It’s that important.  Pollo a la brasa is  chicken that’s been marinated with many Peruvian ingredients (plus a little  soy sauce), then roasted in a special brick lined rotisserie that is fired up with mesquite charcoal. Simple and oh, so delicious.

Anticuchos

This is Miro’s contribution as I have never tasted this. Anticuchos is food very popular in the streets of Peru, which is where Miro has tasted it. In essence, it’s marinated grilled beef hearts served on a stick. He liked it, that should say a lot, since he’s not a big meat eater.

Meat on a stick, meat on a stick, meat on a stick… say it with me, MEAT ON A STICK!

Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado can be found in every region throughout the country. It is a platter with sautéed onions, tomatoes and beef served with either french fries or rice, or sometimes both. Lomo Saltado a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors, which  in Peru is referred to as “Chifa” cousine. What makes the meal so special is the wine used for sauté which provides a rich unique flavor.

 

Cuy Chactado

Cuy is another traditional dish recommend to try while in Peru.  (Full disclosure: We haven’t tried it. Somehow, Miro and I can’t get over eating a former pet, but it’s a national favorite, so I thought I’d list it here. ) Cuy was believed that this cuisine originated from the Antiplano region. This dish is a guinea pig which I suspect tastes EXACTLY like chicken or rabbit. It’s usually offered barbecued or baked and served with hot sauce. It’s traditionally served on special occasions here in Peru,  so let’s party!!!

 

Causa

And for my absolute favorite (besides ceviche of course):  Causa is one of the most popular dishes all along Peru’s coast, including Lima. Besides being delicious, the traditional causa is fairly economic and easy to prepare. It includes potatoes with local spices, (remember all the potatoes here in Peru?), tuna from the ample Pacific Coast, and Peru’s plentiful supply of avocados. There are many variations both in the purée and in the fillings.

Wonderful step by step guide  & recipe found at Peru’s Delights:

“How could I ever imagine that some mashed potatoes with lemon juice, chili pepper, oil, and salt, molded like a cake, could ever turn into an appetizer of such perfect synergy? Causa didn’t sound extremely promising at first. But I obviously wasn’t acquainted with the one-of-a-kind ingredients of Peru, otherwise I wouldn’t have so readily doubted. This is the kind of dish of which you only need to take a bite, and it suddenly becomes perfectly clear why it is a big star in so many tables.”

For more, please visit Peru’s Delights.

Peruvian dishes can vary according to its geography which has its own distinct taste. But, while in Peru, it would be very much exciting to sample something new and give in to the chance of embracing a different culture.

Lima Peru: Where Street Art Shines and Shouts

Words and symbols are all around us. Sometimes they are part the environment but they always part of the culture. Often times, we find the messages contained universal. Street art has always been my favorite way to get a sense of  the local culture.

Fascinating Lima Graffiti & Street Art

Words and symbols are all around us. Sometimes they are part the environment but they always part of the culture. Often times, we find the messages contained universal. Street art has always been my favorite way to get a sense of  the local culture. I hope you enjoy this series of street shot around Lima, Peru.

Historical Peru: Lima’s Huaca Pucllana Ruins

When you think of Peru and ruins of course you think of the awesome grandeur of the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu. But there are also many other ruins in Peru that are just as exciting and they offer visitors an incredible glimpse into the incredible history of Peru. One such set of ruins are the Huaca Pucllana ruins, located in Miraflores, a suburb of Lima. The ruins at this site were originally constructed by the Lima culture.

The Lima culture was a pre-Inca indigenous culture living in the modern day Lima area. The culture flourished in this area from roughly the years 100 AD to 650 AD. The Lima culture was quite sophisticated, employing irrigation methods to bring water to the desert areas surrounding Lima for agricultural purposes. The culture was also socially complex and had several elite and priest classes, which helped administer their population centers.

They also used cotton and animal hair to weave colorful and sophisticated textiles. Textiles were an important status symbol and many mummies have been found that were wrapped layers of tapestries. The Lima culture is also known for making ornate ceramic pottery.

This culture also practiced a form of religion based on the worship and appeasement of magical gods. They used human sacrifice at certain times of the year as a form of being favorably treated by the gods. For example, when it was time to plant and later to harvest crops, the Lima culture would hold sacrifices in order to have a bountiful harvest. The sacrifices would be conducted by priests in temples, called huacas. One such huaca is found at Pucllana.

These ruins are thought to be about 1600 years old. The ruins are part of what was a ceremonial center, with construction beginning around the 5th century AD.

The Huaca Pucllana ruins are actually pre-Incan and feature a large pyramid made almost entirely of handmade adobe bricks. The Lima culture was sophisticated enough that they laid the bricks in such a way that was resistant to any seismic activity. Perhaps that explains why the ruins are in such fine shape even after years of earthquakes and tremors. The pyramid is an important feature at the ruins because sacrifices to their gods were held there. Also, important people within the Lima culture were buried at this site because of the religious importance it held.

Surrounding the pyramid is a series of clay huts and structures that were used as administrative buildings. Many of these structures survive to this day and can be seen during one of several daily tours at the site.

Unfortunately for the Lima culture, around 600 AD, weather patterns began to shift, making agriculture much more difficult. The result is a general decline of this culture and the rise of other, stronger cultures. The most notable and famous of these is the Inca culture.

The site of the Huaca Pucllana ruins also includes a museum. The museum showcases many of the tools, ceramics and textiles that have been found by archaeologists. It also details the history of the Lima culture. The museum and surrounding ruins are open to tourists daily and are easy to get to by taxi from within the Lima metropolitan area.

Addressing Fear in our Lives That Stop us from Living!

I’m not a fearful person. I view the world as a safe place. Therefore, we experience the world as a safe place. We follow the common sense rules of safety but we do not tend to put ourselves in dangerous situations. But we do trust humanity, trust our place in the world is secure, and it is. I think this is the most valuable lesson for my son, as we experience humanity as our family.

So, how do you get there?

How do you gracefully break out of your comfort zone?

1.) Get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s really the first step. Go on, it’s not all bad, just a little uncomfortable. Once you get used to it, it actually feels good, exhilarating, really.

2.) Listen to your inspiration. It’s there. Sometime your voice of inspiration is screaming loudly. Other times is a quiet feeling. But it’s always there. And regardless of the intensity right now, do know that you are naturally equipped with inspiration. Your first task in regards to inspiration, is identifying what inspires you. Then you hand over your inspiration to become action. Then you move on to your next step….. trusting your inner guidance system.

3.) Trust your inner guidance system. Born and ready to go, turned on and inside of each and every individual is this fabulous system designed to be constantly checking that you are ok. How do you know it’s working? You feel it… Does this decision feel good? (Yes? No? Regardless, that’s your inner guidance system hard at work and in action.) If the answer is yes, then do it. If the answer is no, don’t do it.

Did you hear that?

TRUST YOUR INNER GUIDANCE SYSTEM

It works.

Here’s some tips on changing your beliefs, because sometimes that’s the only way:

Trust. Trust..

TRUST!

• Trust everything will be ok.
• Trust the world will support you and your family.
• Trust that things will always work out.
• Trust that the world is a safe place.
• Trust you will find a way to support yourself and your family.
• Trust things will happen in it’s own time.
• Trust yourself.

But back to the fear…. how do you overcome the fear and find the courage?

Courage is not required.

Let’s take a look at why you think you need courage in the first place. It’s one reason: FEAR.

Fear is crippling. And from the countless emails I’ve received , it seems the number one thing between you and your dreams of traveling is FEAR. Along those lines, I have been asked more times than I can count, where did I found the courage to choose our lifestyle?

I am going to reveal my secret to you here (in case you weren’t listening….):

Again, courage is not required, all you need is inspiration.

…and the only way I had the freedom to listen to my inspiration was by not buying into the fear. In other words, I had to understand what fear was, comprehend my relationship to it, then renegotiate it’s role in my life.

Do you want fear in your life? Seriously?  If it’s in your life, you are choosing it… Let’s take a look at what it really is.

Fear

Fear cripples. Fear keeps people from their dreams. Fear is what has kept you from anything you want, including a travel lifestyle.

But fear of what?

Fear of travel?

Certainly not.

Fear of suitcases?

I’m certain this isn’t it.

Fear of foreign lands? Fear of cultures, fear of adventure?

I seriously doubt that is is..

Then what?

Let’s take this opportunity to look at fear, straight in the face:

You’re not afraid of the dark. You’re afraid of what’s in it. You’re not afraid of heights. You’re afraid of the pain of falling. You’re not afraid of people around you. You are afraid of rejection. You’re not afraid to love. You’re just afraid of not being loved back. And you’re not afraid of traveling. You are simply afraid of the unknown.

How is not knowing something to fear? It’s not. It’s just a small step out of your comfort zone. And, that’s perfectly ok.

Fear of the unknown.

I have heard that people are people are more afraid of uncertainty than physical pain. Seriously?

Return to the present moment, return to the people who are there with you on the journey right now…

Wikipedia defines fear as

Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger. In short, fear is the ability to recognize danger leading to an urge to confront it or flee from it (also known as the fight-or-flight response) but in extreme cases of fear (terror) a freeze or paralysis response is possible.

 

Peru’s Brüning Museum Captures Your Imagination

Peru continues to  fascinate us. Its rich and diverse culture can easily capture the interest of any traveler. The archaeological remains from the Inca and pre-Inca cultures as well as other pre-Hispanic cultures play a significant role in creating the rich cultural and historical experience in Peru.

A visit to the Brüning Museum, in Lambayeque Peru is a good way to both get an overview of these cultures and to also examine specific aspects of them in great detail.

The Brüning Museum was founded in 1924, and its collections are continually expanded as there are new discoveries and donations. It is also known as Museo Regional Arqueológico Enrique Brüning de Lambayeque. The Brüning Museum is located in the northern coast of Peru near Chicalayo, not far from the site of the Lambayeque pyramids and the Tomb of Sipan.

Along with Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan located just a 10 minute walk from the Brüning, many consider the collections to be one of Peru’s most significant collections.  However it should be noted, the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipan but does not allow any photographs to be taken of their collection, which is why this photo essay focuses on the Brüning Museum .  Visiting both of these museums during a trip to Lambayeque should be enough to satisfy even the most dedicated museum enthusiast.

Hans Heinrich Brüning Brooksted was a famous Peruvian amateur ethnographer and an archaeologist with German roots, and his work formed a major part of the museum’s exciting collections that are still on display today. There are plenty of ceramic, textile and metal artifacts that originated within such ancient cultures and civilizations as the Mochica (Moche), Lambayeque, Wari and Chimu.

The Gold Room is probably the most significant and impressive section of the Brüning Museum. It displays hundreds of works of art that are made of gold. These artifacts are very carefully and intricately designed and they are a testimony to the great gold crafting skills of the Moche culture. Huaca Rajada was the archaeological site from which some of these gold items were found.

The Brüning Museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and the entrance fee is very reasonable. Getting a good English-speaking guide to accompany you during your visit would probably enhance the quality of your experience, as the amount of written information that is made available is not that great.

 

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