Category: Food

Travel Apps Part 2: Traversing Around Town

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Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Alas, here is part two of the travel apps series. Today, I will be sharing with you what apps I’ve used in the past to get around a certain city. Granted, most of these apps require data, so I will be sharing how to access data while traveling abroad, on another blog post. So, let’s get started!

Google Maps (requires data). I loved using this app in our recent travel to Tokyo. We commuted mostly by train and it tells you what line to get on and if there are any transfers. Most of the time, it also gives you the platform number, to help you while you are transferring between two different train lines. Another nice feature is knowing how much to pay. It tells you exactly the cost of getting to your destination.

I have CityMapper (requires data) too, which is a lot like Google Maps, but I didn’t use it as much during this past trip. But, you can definitely download and see which you like better. You might actually like both.

All Subway (no data required). This app helps you look at the Subway Route Maps in the city you are visiting. It has ALOT of cities… but I’m pretty sure not all. It has Manila, Melbourne, Milan, Miami, Copenhagen, Bangkok, etc. So, if your city is on there, it’s a good download before you leave.

Yelp (requires data). Yelp has been around for a long time in the United States, and is recently going Global. I used it a bit in Italy back in 2012, but didn’t find a lot of reviews in certain places. This year, I used it in Tokyo and found a few gems that were recommended by Yelp reviewers! I love to use Yelp to find highly recommended cafe, restaurants, and breweries. It saves me from having to go through a horrible experience!

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Please note though, that these apps are not foolproof. You still may get lost, get off a wrong stop, or have a bad experience at a restaurant. Sometimes, you just can’t help it. However, these apps may help lessen the painful ordeal of a highly stressful situation. A few other tips I can suggest, if you are staying at a hotel, gather suggestions from the front desk staff or concierge (no data required). Ask them:

  • Is this the right route to take to get from point A to point B?
  • What is a good sushi place (pasta place, cafe, etc.) nearby?
  • What are some activities to do around town?

Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions or for help. Asking for help is half the battle. 😉

Happy Travel Friends!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to get rid of leftovers or things that have been hanging out in your fridge. Like that day old rice, unfinished jar of spaghetti sauce, or sausage that everyone forgot about.

https://instagram.com/p/2VHrADGVeA/

What you will need for this recipe:

  • 4 large Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow, and/or Orange)
  • 1 lb Ground Meat (Beef, Chicken, or Turkey)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped sausage (any kind that you may have lying around in your fridge) for extra flavor and texture
  • 3 cloves of Garlic
  • 3/4 cups of diced Onions
  • 1 to 2 cups of mixed veggies
  • 2 cups of cooked, day old rice
  • 1/2 a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce

This is what you do next:

  • Saute garlic and onions in a large skillet.
  • Brown meat in same skillet with a few tablespoons of oil.
  • Add chopped sausage and cook thoroughly.
  • Add mixed veggies and cook until tender.
  • Add Rice and break up clumps.
  • Pour your favorite spaghetti sauce in skillet.
  • Add Salt and Pepper to taste along with a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.

Meanwhile,

  • Rinse and chop the top off the bell peppers.
  • Clean and remove seeds from the inside.
  • Stuff peppers with the rice mixture.
  • Pop in oven that has been preheated at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.

Enjoy!

Optional: Sprinkle some parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of peppers.