Step-by-step Guide To Jamón Ibérico in Spain

Ultimate Guide to Jamón Ibérico in Spain

You walk into a bar. As you order your drink, you notice, that propped on the counter to your right, is a hoof.  That hoof is attached to a rather large piece of ham.  You watch as the bartender carefully shaves thin slices of ruby-red meat and places them side-by-side on a plate.  You order your round of drinks and ask for a plate of Jamón Ibérico and Pan con Tomate.  You’re in heaven now, and the place you’ve landed in is the Iberian Peninsula. This is your guide to Jamon Iberico or jamon serrano. This is Spanish ham and it is the best!

If you know anything about food from Spain, you know that they are obsessed with one thing: dry-cured ham.  There is no bar, no restaurant or no self-respecting home which does not have a shoulder (paleta) or ham (Jamón) to offer guests.  In North America, we often think of cured ham as Proscuitto but in Spain, it is called Jamón Iberico and it is spectacular. 

As with a fine wine or a delectable cheese, in order to cure the perfect morsel, you need time.  Plenty of time. Cured meat and ham are not unique to Spain, you will find some versions of cured ham throughout Europe. Italian cuisine has the glorious prosciutto, France its jambon de Bayonne and Portugal has presunto ibérico.

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Watkins Glen State Park–19 Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes, NY

Watkins Glen State Park New York TBEX @DownshiftingPRO

What will surprise you the most is how you access this beautiful state park in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.  You don’t drive down a winding country road or veer off a highway in the middle of nowhere. It’s located in the middle of town, across the street from the County Sherriff’s office!  This is not the only thing that will surprise you about this waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.

Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes

Cavern Cascade in Watkins Glen Waterfalls in Finger Lakes of New York @DownshiftingPRO_2018 - Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes
Cavern Cascades in Watkins Glen State Park

You arrive at a brand new Welcome centre and then you will begin climbing 832 steps to see 19 waterfalls. Your journey will take you through a 500 foot elevation via stairs, through stone tunnels, behind at least two waterfalls while crossing both stone and suspension bridges.

Consider this a moderate hike, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Take frequent breaks as you gawk at the natural beauty of Watkins Glens State Park. Take your camera too as there are plenty of pictures to capture.

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What to do at the Quebec Winter Carnival

Quebec Carnival with DownshiftingPRO
Quebec Carnival with @DownshiftingPRO

What to do at the Quebec Winter Carnival

Would you drive 11 hours to go to a winter carnival?  We did!  Last year, we spent a few days in the beautiful city of Quebec to celebrate the best winter carnival in the world.  Full of music, outdoor activities, night parades and a giant outdoor slide, you must make a trip to Quebec City at least once in your life.  The last time I was here for Carnaval I was in University and it was much, much colder with more of a never-ending party.  It was also very different, the current rendition is all about a great family experience and making it memorable for all. Get ready for this year’s REFRESHING! Carnival as this year’s edition will run February 8 –17, 2019.  There is much to see and no reason to stay home.  Be sure and take in these great events. 

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15 Ways to Avoid Holiday Travel Hassles

15 Ways to Avoide Holiday Travel Hassles
15 Ways to Avoide Holiday Travel Hassles

The holiday season can create stress but when you leave things to the last minute.  You will lose out on deals if you wait to get a flight at the last moment but more importantly, you may not have a seat or worse get really bad connections. Lastly, pick travel times wisely, flying first thing in the morning means you’re less likely to get bumped from a flight – and more likely to get on a later flight if you do.

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10 Reasons to Go to Your High School Reunion & Travel Back in Time

2018 BHS Reunion_2

I’ve gotten over the stage fright.  I have overcome the mean girl syndrome and faced my biggest high school fears.  I’m not going to lie, I’m a high school reunion devotee.  I was back for my ‘all year’ high school reunion for the third time in 10 years.  How does that work?  Simple:  instead of having individual years celebrate annually, my high school celebrates every  5 years on the school’s anniversary.  Many people go back for many reasons but I have 10 Good reasons to go to your high school reunion.

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