Shrooms: Separated at birth?

Posted by Stan
Imagine our surprise to run into these giant mushrooms in Italy earlier this week. (In case you didn’t notice how they inspired Sierra, here is her post.)

We thought immediately of the “hoo doos” we saw in Alberta, Canada, back at the beginning of July (right after leaving Dinosaurland — Sierra’s post). Three-plus months. […]

Sierra’s Mushroom Myth

Posted by Sierra
In the Piemonte area in Italy, there are giant mushrooms. Not real ones. Stone mushrooms. (A photo.)
The Italians call them “Ciciu d’opera,” or “Stone puppets.” I call ‘em giant mushrooms. They are made of gneiss, rocks that have rolled downhill and packed together. But enough scientific talk. It’s time for the part of […]

A Short BOTT Sneak Peek

Posted by Sierra
For those of you who anxiously await our Best of the Trip, Leg 2 (Europe), here is a sneak preview of one winner:
Winner! Best Overall Accommodation: La Four à Sel (”The Salt Oven” in English), outside of Aubas, France. B&B. Run By Dave and Brenda Archer, a friendly English-speaking couple, La Four à […]

The Truth About Cavemen and Art

Posted by Sierra
Prehistory is full of stereotypes. We homosapiens tend to think of Cro-Magnons as “cave people.” This is totally incorrect. They didn’t live in caves. Well, at least not in deep ones. It is impossible to live in a deep cave for three reasons:
1. It’s too humid; you would get sick and die after […]

Gruyère, Just the Facts

Posted by Sierra
Have you ever heard of Gruyère cheese? Have you ever wondered how and where it is made? Well, here are the Answers (A) to all your Questions (Q)!
Q: Where is Gruyère cheese made?
A: Mostly in Switzerland, but also in France.
Q: Why’s it called “Gruyère?” That’s a funny word. “Gruyère, Gruyère, Gruyère, Gruyère.”
A: It […]

My Hour in Vaduz

Vaduz, Liechtenstein, is small. Minuscule. Tiny. And I’m not exaggerating. It’s half the size of Corrales, New Mexico. So we’re talking small here.
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein, which isn’t exactly Miss Big Country itself. Driving from one end to the other is like driving from Corrales to Algodones, or from Millington to Morristown. 2 […]

To Brau or Not to Brau, That Is the Question

Posted by Sierra
Hello, and welcome to the European Restaurant Review! And here’s your host … Sierra Hieronymus!
Thank you, thank you, please hold the applause. Today’s review is Augustiner Brau in Salzburg, Austria. Don’t let the name fool you. This isn’t a dark, dank bar with a sign on the door saying “No minors allowed inside!” […]

What, No Chicken Dance?

Posted by Daria
It’s around 7 on a Tuesday night. We’re at the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart, Germany, observing the mass of humanity partying in the Göckelesmaier (big roasted chicken tent) from our safe vantage point, a standup bar. Twenty-somethings from around the world (but mostly Germany) are up on the tables hoisting heavy beer steins […]

Ooh, La La!

Posted by Sierra
Paris is a dream city. Everyone says so. Everyone dreams of going there someday. But few people who dream of heading to Paris actually head there. If you, the reader, are one of these people, here’s a little overview so you can get an idea of what’s there. I’ll start with orientation.
Paris (pronounced […]