The Journey.

First glance at the Caribbean from the ocean-to-ocean 
road to Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Sometimes we embark on journeys of self-discovery, whether this involves physically traveling or not. Very often, we ourselves don't acknowledge we did so until the journey has ended, leaving us with answers or perhaps even more questions. Questions different than the ones we had originally. 

Traveling always involves having meals outside of our routine. If the trip is one as I have referred to above, it becomes almost impossible not to associate the food we had outside of that comfort zone with the emotions we were dealing with at the time. You don't even have to have the same meal, or even feel its aromas. A simple mention of it, and the flavors will begin to magically (or chemically!) appear in your senses, and chances are you will be transported to that place, that situation, that feeling, that emotion, that tear running down your cheek, that candid smile in public; the kind of smile that will make a stranger's day when passing you by on the street on their way to work.


Food is ever-present in our lives. It becomes part of who we are; we are touched by meals that awaken our senses by virtue of their flavors and scents, but we are equally moved by meals that could have passed as ordinary had they not arrived in key moments of our lives. More often than not, this happens while away from our usual environs.

 Sunset from a Tall Ship at
Darling Harbour, Sydney

What comes to mind, for example, when you smell pigeon peas (guandúes) hitting the kettle? Maybe when passing by a candy cotton vendor in the middle of a carnival? Or perhaps the taste of a particular spice when you weren't expecting it? Something as commonplace as a pop-corn stand or as specific as an acarajé cart could send us far away to our distant memories or deep within our present. You can actually feel it in your skin, in your pores. Just the same, a familiar scent or flavor can turn an unfamiliar situation or place into home, even if just briefly.

Food, much like music, has this immense power. To be still and travel, to travel while remaining close to home.

This is a mystery we have all experienced, and no matter how many times, it always catches us off-guard, when we are the most vulnerable. And I don't mean vulnerable as a sign of weakness; quite the contrary. Vulnerability is that stage in which we are best equipped to allow our most sublime feelings and emotions afloat, when we open our doors to life, when we experience love most deeply and meaningfully. 

May your journeys be safe and full of life.