No Meat, Extra Spicy: A Vegan Travel Blog

Temporarily Shifting my Focus

2008-12-22T03:07:00.000-08:00

OK. I decided that it is too difficult to maintain 2 blogs while traveling (as it is, I'm already behind with the 1 blog). But...I'm collecting all kinds of great vegan travel stories and photos and eventually I will post them here.

But for now I will be dedicating all my energy to this site: CircleOurEarth.com
Please check it out and send me your thoughts on how I can make it better:

-Cristen

Vegan Cuban Food

2008-10-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

In Los Angeles, I visited my friend Addie and her boyfriend Pedro. Pedro is from Cuba, so we ended up eating a lot of Cuban food. Luckily, Cuban food is really easy to make vegan (as most of the vegetarian dishes are already vegan and topped with a sauce called "mojo"). There are many variations of mojo, but it's basically olive oil, garlic, salt, and some type of citrus (lemon, lime, or orange juice). Cumin and peppercorns can also be added.

Pablo made me fried plantains, calabaza con mojo, and rice (cooked with saffron, garlic, onions, cumin, oregano, corn and peas.

The next day, we ate at a Cuban restaurant and they made me a great meal (salad, rice, fried plantains, and yucca con mojo).

Vegan T-Shirts

2008-09-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Miguel made some amazing vegan t-shirts. He drew all the pictures, scanned them, then screen printed them.
This way maybe I can communicate what I do eat.

And what I don't eat.

Welcome!!

2008-09-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all.
Well, I'm about to embark on an exciting adventure. Traveling around the world by myself is something I've always wanted to do and I'm happy that I'm finally doing it.

I don't leave for another month, but I thought I should post a brief explanation of why I'm writing a blog about vegan travel in the first place.

Basically, I love to eat. I love to cook. I love to photograph food.

But more importantly, I think vegan travel is an important topic that doesn't get much attention. And frankly, there's a whole lot to say. There are so many different aspects of vegan travel that a person could discuss -- whether it's the politics, ethics, environment and health issues, or simply the logistics of finding a restaurant or communicating dietary needs in other languages.

I don't intend to cover any specific aspect because I'm interested in all of it.

I understand that meat production and consumption means different things to different people.

I enjoy the challenge of creating something to eat when
there isn't much available.

I'm interested in how the meat and dairy industry adjusts its propaganda to target a particular consumer base.

I love to illustrate through my cooking that a meal without meat is not incomplete.

I'm interested in learning how to express my dietary choice in other languages.

I'm amused by the packaging of vegan products in other countries.

I get excited when people are passionate about food.

I think it's weird that some animals are taken to visit Santa Claus while others end up on the dinner table.

I admire business owners who sacrifice a small amount of their profits to choose eco-friendly products.

I'm intrigued by the interesting ingredients available at international stores and markets.

I take pride in growing my own food.

I want to learn how to make veganized versions of regional specialities.

I deeply care about animal welfare.

And I love sharing my newfound knowledge with other people.

This blog will serve as a temporary platform for collecting and sharing my pictures, notes, and thoughts. Eventually I will put all the pieces together to create a solid, comprehensive resource dedicated to vegan travel.

-Cristen