2014 August | My Food Odyssey

Aug 31

Coffee break, Portugal | www.myfoododyssey.com

Dialogue

Sometimes silence is golden. I love these two photos taken on our tour round Europe last summer. This was about 2 months into the trip and, being cooped up in the van for several hours per day, we’d had plenty of time for chatting. Here we are taking a well-earned break from conversation. My mind is probably still on our wonderful trip to Porto a few days earlier. Arūnas is fiddling with his phone, sneaking first a picture of me and then a picture of the tree we’re sheltering under. A wonderful little moment of calm – no words needed. Read more

Aug 26

10 Comments

I made the Shortlist!

This morning I was absolutely thrilled to discover that My Food Odyssey had made it to the Shortlist in The Blog Awards Ireland. I’ve been continuously trying to improve the blog since I launched it early last year. It is such a nice feeling to have that hard work recognised by a judging panel of your peers. There are some great blogs in my category (the Diaspora category) and I know that everyone works really hard on their blogs, so massive congratulations to those who make it through to the next stage and genuine commiserations to those who didn’t – I know how that feels as I didn’t make the cut last year. Best of luck to everyone, but those of you in my camp can keep your fingers crossed for me to make through it to the final! Read more

Aug 20

Palanga, Lithuania | www.myfoododyssey.com

5 Comments

Silhouette

There’s something calming about silhouettes. I can’t quite explain it but the lack of detail in the foreground contrasted with a softly light background makes a scene look peaceful. Perhaps it is the lack of facial features or expressions. These photos were taken of the pier in Palanga, where couples & families come to watch the slowly setting sun. Some just sit quietly, some walk gently along the boardwalk. I think the silhouettes really reflect the calm & relaxed atmosphere. Read more

Aug 17

Lithuanian Wedding Food | www.myfoododyssey.com

16 Comments

A Lithuanian Wedding

Everyone loves a wedding. The romance, the rituals, the gathering of friends and family and, of course, the food. Weddings are different the world over. While the end result is the same – the joining together of a couple in love – the ceremonies and customs can vary enormously. Read more

Aug 14

Homemade Cheesy Soda Bread | www.myfoododyssey.com

3 Comments

Texture

There is no smell on earth more comforting and welcoming than the waft of freshly baked bread. The very first thing I baked in our brand new oven was a cake of my favourite cheesy soda bread. This bread is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The texture of the melted cheese on the cracked crust just makes you want to reach for the butter. This is bread that is celestial in both appearance and enjoyment! Read more

Aug 8

4 Comments

Zigzag

During our food tour last summer we got to visit Porto, home to one of my favourite tipples. After a boozy and interesting visit to Cockburn’s Port House we drove out through the Duoro Valley to see where the grapes were grown. I was fascinated to see the vines planned up the steep sides of the valley in a zigzag manner to make best use of fertile land in an inhospitable space. The result is stunningly beautiful. Read more

Aug 7

31 Comments

Creating an Idyllic Life in Adakavas

We recently had an article featured in our local newspaper, Tauragės Žinios. We’ve done our best to translate it for you. Some phrases just don’t translate that well – I hope we haven’t lost any of the original content or sentiment with our translation. Enjoy!

From his native Adakavas a decade ago, like many Lithuanians at the time, Arūnas Vladička decided to go abroad to work. Although he planned to spend only a few months in Ireland, while there he met his future wife, June Molloy, and ended up staying for longer. Now they are creating their idyllic life back in Adakavas. June bravely, albeit with an accent, speaks some Lithuanian. They are about to finish completing their new home beside Arūnas’s parents’ house. It’s easy to sense from the couple how much it all means to them – the house renovation, the fresh Lithuanian air and life without constantly rushing. Read more

Aug 1

19 Comments

Klaipėda Sea Festival

I grew up by the sea and wherever I am in the world I am always drawn back to the coast. So when our neighbours asked if we wanted to go with them to the Klaipėda Sea Festival we jumped at chance. Read more