May 2020
Jordanne Renner’s Creative Journey
Loving Lindey’s
Friends of Schiller Park Sculpture Fundraiser
Contents
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CREATIVE
34
PET
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GARDEN
May
Friends of Schiller Park
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Jordanne Renner’s Creative Journey
Meet Frankie the beautiful wheaten terrier
Spring in GV and the Forbes Magnolia
Editor’s Letter
11 BIZ
Lindey’s new addition to the outside patio, history and more!
19 FAMILY
The Gibson’s Columbus Chief Prosecutor Joseph and Marketing Editor Brittany loving GV Lifestyle
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Cover photo Mark and Shelly Photography
Double Cottage
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HOUSE
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RECIPE
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GO
Lindey’s
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44 GIVE
Friends of Schiller Park fundraiser for fab sculpture art
51 WHO
Villager of the Month Norm Hall and his new residents
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Photo credit John Clark (Lindey’s) Photo credit Jordanne Renner (Norm Hall)
Double Cottage from two centuries
Wild Mushroom Pappardelle with Proscuitto
Tahilti paradise
Kyle Haines Publisher kyle@germanvillagemagazine.com
Mark Thomas Photographer Mark and Shelly Photography
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John M. Clark Editor john@germanvillagemagazine.com
Jordanne Renner Sales Associate jordanne@germanvillagemagazine.com
Roth Dehlendorf Sales Associate roth@germanvillagemagazine.com
Editor’s Letter By John M. Clark
I occasionally find myself talking to my mother. Nothing unusual there, except she died almost 25 years ago. But my occasional, one-way “conversations” can be comforting at times. I imagine telling her about all the changes we’ve seen in the world over the past quarter-century. I explain about using our computers to order groceries. I describe gigantic TVs that you hang on the wall and cars that drive themselves. And I save the best for last – that her favorite (and only) grandson is about to become a father. For the past few weeks, I’ve wondered how I would explain to her what we’re all experiencing right now – sheltering in our homes, hoping to avoid a deadly and highly contagious virus. The fact that when we do venture out for a short trip to the grocery or pharmacy or to pick up a carryout meal, we wear masks and avoid close contact with others … that we tune in those big-screen TVs every day to find out how many more have died. And then I smile when I think about telling her that the hair salons are all closed. She would not be happy about that, at all. But as someone who lived through World War II, she would certainly understand the psychological toll this invisible enemy is extracting, if not the pandemic, itself. Of course, I would reassure her that my wife and I are doing well, given the circumstances. We’re the lucky ones who still have jobs, who don’t have to worry so much about keeping a roof over our heads or food on the table. Most of all, I would want her to know about a neighborhood that wraps its arms around its own. She never got to see German Village. Jan and I hadn’t been living here long when I got the call from Kentucky that she had suffered a massive heart attack. Of course, I’ve had many years since then to describe to her what a wonderful place this is – for the architecture and the history, of course, but mostly for the sense of community here. I would tell her about the cocktail “parties” we still have in parking lots and on sidewalks, all the while standing safe distances from each other. I would explain how a “virtual” art show works. She would hear how the coffee shops and restaurants and wine stores have re-invented themselves to serve us and our commitment to support them in a time when millions of others are losing their jobs. And she would be touched to hear how we’re all coming together to make sure our older neighbors have everything they need to make a very bad situation just a little better. And then, after this very long, very detailed, one-way conversation, I imagine my mother telling me, “Johnny, I can’t think of a better place for you to be right now.” 9
What a fabulous restaurant to have in German Village. Excellent food, service, ambience, splendid outdoor patio, complimentary valet parking and more await you at Lindey's. The perfect venue for your special event. Many lovely rooms upstairs and down as well as delightful outdoor options. Numerous friends of mine have said that Lindey's is their favorite restaurant experience of any place locally or across the country. It is truly special and we are blessed to have it within the bricks of German Village. Kyle Haines
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The new 2nd story outside patio filled with potted plants and views of the tree covered courtyard.
Here is the very tasty Crab & Egg - Jumbo lump blue crab cake, sunny side egg, spinach and hash browns with cajun hollandaise served attractively on the mini cast iron pan paired and perfectly with the Fume Blanc white wine. Happiness!
Sue Doody, who had no experience operating a restaurant, opened Lindey’s on June 2, 1981. She would continue to operate it – later with her family – until her death from cancer in April 2018.
Biz of the Month May 2020 By: John M. Clark
Lindey’s opened at Beck and Mohawk 39 years ago. And it consistently ranks among Columbus’ “Top 10” restaurants. Todd Cumbow, managing partner and his staff are looking forward to their 40th anniversary and beyond … and, of course, many more “Best of Columbus” lists.
Lindey’s to Open 1981
Putting the finishing touches on what would become an iconic German Village restaurant. It opened as “Lindey’s Restaurant, Bar & Coffee House.”
Todd Cumbow
Lindey’s General Manager Todd Cumbow (right) helps direct curbside service outside the restaurant during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Lindey’s Doors When urban renewal claimed a number of homes and businesses north of today’s German Village, a few visionaries stepped in to save wrought iron, fireplace mantles, decorative woodwork and handcrafted doors. The exterior doors on “today’s” Lindey’s were salvaged from a downtown building called the “Alcorn Mansion,” which may have also housed medical offices. It sat about where you’ll find Grant Hospital’s parking garage.
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Lindey’s Today (above) – About 1890 (below)
169 East Beck Street opened about 1890 as a saloon started by local judge Henry Olnhausen. Over the years, it has housed at least two saloons, a hardware store and at least three restaurants.
FAMILY
Brittany, Joe and Mallory (9 months) City Park Ave Family of the Month May 2020 When did you decide to make German Village your home?
We’ve lived in the neighborhood for 12 years (Joe) and 10 years (Brittany); when we started thinking about buying a house, it was the only place we looked.
Did you meet in German Village?
We did meet in German Village! Joe was living here at the time, and Brittany lived in Victorian Village. Mutual friends of ours set up what Brittany thought was a casual, group happy hour at High Beck -- but it turned out that these mutual friends thought the two of us should meet and talked to Joe about it in advance. Turns out their little scheme worked... we'll have been together 12 years this summer!
What do you do career/hobbies/interests?
Joe is the Chief Prosecutor for the City of Columbus. He enjoys skiing, playing hockey and is active in the local music scene. Brittany is a writer in the marketing department at Bath & Body Works. She likes all things food -- cooking, baking, making ice cream, eating all of it -- cycling, yoga and traveling (an interest Joe shares). 20
Tell us about your pets.
We have two cats (Reese and Spritz) and one dog (Nilla) spanning ages from 15 years to 2.5 years. They’re all rescues, and Spritz is the most recent -- Brittany found her near as a tiny kitten behind a trash can near Stewart and Pearl streets.
The cats run the house (and like it that way); the dog runs the streets of German Village. They’re getting used to life with the newest little Gibson in the mix.
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Are you planning to stay in German Village as a family? If we’re living in Columbus, we’re living in German Village. And we love our house and have no plans to leave it. Joe grew up in Columbus and as a kid always wanted to live here. Tell us about the advantages of being a family in an urban neighborhood? Good thing this is a digital magazine, because we’d run out of space in print. We couldn’t be happier to enjoy everything we’ve loved about German Village for the past 10 years, now through Mallory’s eyes.
We can walk to one of Columbus’ best parks (Schiller) in minutes and get to Downtown in not much longer -- COSI, the art museum, downtown library, more parks, the festivals once life gets back to “normal”... it’s all right there. And when we need to hit the mall or eventually frequent a soccer field, we can drive to those. (But Brittany would like to report that she drives to Reynoldsburg for work, and we’re not missing much.) Plus, there’s no underestimating how much it benefits us as her parents that we love where we live (and can get to a few of our favorite places while staying in close proximity during naptime
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Is there a stay-at-home mom or dad in the family? If not, do you get help from a caregiver? No, but we love everything about Mallory’s downtown daycare.
Do you have favorite family activities in the Village? We know there are even more to discover, but walking around this beautiful neighborhood has been at the top of the list the past nine months. How incredible is it that we can walk out the front door and see such lovely architecture, pretty plantings and amazing people? Speaking of, we also love the people - Mallory attended her first German Village party when she was 9 days old. The past few weeks without socializing have made us miss the latter and appreciate the former even more.
Would you like to add anything?
We didn’t get into how much we enjoy everyone we’ve met in the neighborhood, but the people who live here are truly one of our favorite things. Also, we both went to Ohio University, and being amongst these bricks reminds us of Athens. (The booze around here helps, too.)
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How
did your love of art begin?
Since my early childhood years! I had incredible art teachers at the super rural elementary and secondary schools I attended. In elementary school, I used to visit the library and check out the same exact book every week- I have no idea (now) what the title was- but on the cover was this lovely pen and ink illustration of a cat (I am a crazy cat lady), and I used to practice drawing it until I nailed it. Then I moved on to pen and ink stippling of the 1969 Santana album cover, and other big cat portraits with ink. If I could stipple all day, every day, I would- it’s therapeutic and taxing in all the right ways. I have a vivid memory of driving this desolate road in AZ with my dad, and I had a little camera that shot 110mm film… and the roadway was quiet and loaded with bleached white crosses which seemed to be abounding and everywhere. It was a back roadway to Vegas, and it was both sad and magical. I wish I knew where that film was today. My sophomore year in high school, I started darkroom photography, and became and “art (dark)room rat” for the rest of my high school career. I’ve always had an interest in people, and community, which continues today in my broad spectrum of work. 26
Me with all of my cameras - I shoot film, and I shoot medium and large format, especially when doing landscape or self-portraiture. Working with the notion of the post modern Self and what that is and how society and family reflections on the role of the female digest with that are typically what I am exploring in my (self) portraits.
Where you were born, raised, educated:
(southern) Ohio native, I ran off to RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) in 1999 (with many Italian studies courses at Brown), then moved to Italy, and didn’t rally back in the O-H until 2006, with grad school at The Ohio State University for my MFA (2008-2010).
I ride my bicycle everywhere- mostly for running errands, taking a looksies around the neighborhood, meeting friends for a caffe at Pistacia Vera, or cocktails at Lindey’s. I like to ride for leisure and green transportation purposes, and gussied up in heels, too! I hate running, but I do it. During these colder months you might see someone that from behind looks like Cousin It, that’s me- it feels better to run with my hair down, (I have a lot of it). I’m also that wild woman during the warmer months doing yoga by herself in Schiller, always facing the sun and typically near City Park and Reinhard.
What more can you tell us about your craft? Do you do this professionally? Or more as a hobby?
I am a professional artist. 95% of my income is from doing something with the arts (though many of you have witnessed me moonlighting behind the bar at the Sycamore). Freelance/contract work ranging from one-off projects for individual clients, to commercial works, plus public murals that I design/create solo along with the ones I work with youth apprentices on take up a lot of my time. Plus, I’ve been professing the arts to college students in Ohio since 2008- mostly photography and life drawing courses. I also lead advanced adventure photography courses abroad in the summer months, and I am a mentor for my alma mater (RISD), and working in leadership capacities with art/photo-centered national organizations. I’m proud to be a working artist in Columbus. The slogan “Art Makes Columbus, Columbus Makes Art” couldn’t be more accurate. Such a supportive community we live in! With that in mind, even though I’m a struggling artist at moment due to the pandemic, I decided an act of kindness would serve my community and me personally quite well. With that, I started drive-by, pop-out-of-the-truck quickie shoots—bringing smiles to faces that I am familiar with and those that are new to me, absolutely elevated my spirits and energy. Twenty-nine homes participated on Easter Sunday, and I will absolutely rally to execute other driveby home portraits again. Interested? Email me! aJnRstudio@gmail.com
Until about three years ago, I was heavily involved with German Village Society, chairing community garden groups, and participating in other initiatives, helping rally support, and hosting two wild and wonderful Pre-Tour dinner extravaganzas! I am still a member of GVS (shoot! We had our bombastic wedding parade and reception there), but have redirected my energies to other local activities and organizations - it’s important to spread the cheer and support.
The snap of me in three different cocktail dresses are all dresses I made in response to whatever exhibition was happening during the time of the Wexner Center annual gala— the one on the far right is made entirely from recycled newspaper and lace, the middle one is a dress I painted on after I made the dress, and the left one I made a 9yd painting and then cut/sewed it into a dress.
Where can we see your work? I have a few public permanent installations of my work locallythe North Market (upstairs near Hot Chicken), Goodfellows Tonsorial Parlor (staircase to third floor), Hausfrau Haven (back wall to the right of the bar), and Goodwill Columbus HQ in Grandview in their Workforce Task development division. In the fall I have a solo, interactive exhibition in Cincinnati, which is a part of the FotoFocus2020 Biennial, and I also have a few pieces in a group show in Indian Hill during the fall, which is also a part of the FotoFocus2020 Biennial. Other than, you’re stuck with my out-of-date mucked up website that I need to revampbut totally give it a looksies, just don’t judge on it fully since it needs some love. My Website www.jordannerenner.com and Instagram is @jordannerenner
Frankie and her favorite people - photo credit Kyle Haines
Meet adorable Frankie, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, who lives very happily with Tyler Mason and Anthony Meyer on 5th St! She was born on Christmas Day 2019. They learned about her possible arrival from Tyler’s graduate school classmate and friend Molly who reached out to Tyler when she knew her Mother’s Wheaten Terrier dog was expecting. Molly knew their love for Wheatens from originally bonding over Stella, the Wheaten that passed summer 2018.
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Frankie and her siblings born Christmas Day 2019.
The idea of her name came from the location of their home on the corner of 5th and Frankfort. Also, the original owners of the home were the Franck’s (1886). She loves playing with her toys, going on walks and playing fetch with her Dad’s. Some of young Frankie's tricks are sit, shake, laydown and stay. A great delight for endless entertainment and unconditional love.
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German Village is such a splendid place to experience Spring! Open your door, walk onto the brick sidewalks and fill with joy as you meander street by cobblestoned street, enter lovely parks and enjoy a gourmet coffee, chocolate or other tasty delight. A perfect morning, afternoon or evening. - Kyle Haines
Garden of the Month Jane & Bill Forbes They’re on display for only seven to 10 days each year. But when German Village’s majestic magnolia trees are in bloom, they are hard to miss. Take, for example, the towering pink magnolia whose canopy stretches over the Jane and Bill Forbes property on Mohawk Street. There was a time when you could almost set your calendar by the day on which the tree blooms, usually about April 10 or 12. And that’s when the Forbes would often have their neighbors over to toast the magnificent sight with wine. The magnolia, perhaps 40 or 50 years old, blossomed just as beautifully this year, although about two weeks earlier than normal. But because of the coronavirus, there were no neighbors to help welcome the blooms … just an occasional friend or neighbor who would knock on the Forbes’ back gate and “social distance” themselves for a few minutes while gazing upward. As one who has been lucky enough to enjoy the blossoming magnolia up close, I can attest to the fact that it’s an awesome sight – even to someone who knows little to nothing about trees or gardening other than to appreciate the sights and smells. The tree was one of the major selling points when Jane and Bill bought the home six years ago. Theirs is an “upside down” house, with the main living area on the second floor. Jane says touring the home was like visiting a treehouse. During the second week of April, the branches and blooms peek through the skylights, and their balcony and deck are surrounded by the fragrant flowers. Jane, whose stunning backyard gardens have been featured in magazines and on the German Village Haus und Garten Tour, readily admits an unusual fact – that the tree they celebrate each year doesn’t even belong to them. It sits just a few feet to the south of their lot, in Jim and Kim Cowie’s lawn. But because so much of the canopy extends over onto the Forbes’ property, the two couples gladly “co-parent” the tree. And then, just as suddenly as they arrive, the blooms fall – by the thousands. There are so many, in fact, that a shovel is required to dispatch them into the waiting lawn and leaf bags. It’s hard work, and a little saddening to see the flowers go, but the resulting leaves create enough summer shade for two homes. And then there’s always “next year.” No one knows for sure the magnolia’s provenance (perhaps it was planted during the ‘70s when Frank and Elnora Fetch owned the house the Cowies now have) but both couples – and anyone who passes by – hope that with the proper TLC, it will continue to provoke many “Oohs!” and “Ahhs!” for years to come. - John Clark
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T
ell us your group’s mission?
Rower photo credit Msrk & Shelly Photography
We are dedicated to providing support, advocacy and sweat equity for the most beloved 23 acres in the city, Schiller Park!
What is your primary fundraising need?
We are raising funds to commission sculptures by Jerzy Kedziora for Schiller Park. The temporary exhibit has been such a success that we hoped to buy some pieces to have forever – and the response has been thrilling! We are very optimistic that before the end of this month, we will be able to commission five pieces With the pandemic, right now we’re limited to just mailings.
What activities are the “Friends” involved with?
We plant and maintain the Welcome gardens at four entrances to the park. We plant and maintain the circle garden at the foot of Schiller Monument. And we maintain the fountain in Schiller Pond (no easy thing, given the amount of fishing line that gets tangled up in the motor!). Staying in contact with the Recreation and Parks Department is a big part of what we do; we’re able to relay maintenance concerns, tree issues, pond algae and anything else that comes up, with senior staff members with whom we have collaborated for years. They are responsive and supportive, without fail. 45
Golfer photo credit Mark & Shelly Photography
How does someone join?
There is no fee to belong to the Friends of Schiller Park. We do, however, hope members will contribute ideas, passion, sweat equity and that they will champion the best interests of Schiller Park when city budgets and other policy matters are considered. Park lovers may join at FriendsofSchillerPark.org.
And how do you become a volunteer?
In normal times, we put out a call for people to help with the Welcome Gardens throughout the summer season and a once-a-year mulch project. Of course, this year will be a little different. And while Schiller Park is in the German Village Historic District, it serves a much broader community; the Friends of Schiller Park includes neighbors from Schumacher Place, Merion Village, and the Brewery District, as well.
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Fountain photo credit Mark & Shelly Photography
What else would you like to add?
Our park is filled with flowers, historic trees, works of art, handsome signage, an amphitheater, the Umbrella Girl, benches, pedestrian signage, the Grace Highfield hosta garden and other enhancements because 38 years ago, The Friends of Schiller Park was chartered. Our aspirations for the park were greater than what the city budget could provide, so we have raised and invested well over a million dollars in Schiller Park. That’s why our park looks unlike any other public park in central Ohio!
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And your occupation?
I’m what’s called an “Innovation Catalyst” at C.A.S. (Chemical Abstracts Service). My background is in human resources.
What hobbies and volunteer activities do you enjoy?
I volunteer with the German Village Garten Club, and I’m a Wednesday night waterer at Frank Fetch Park. I also enjoy participating in a variety of German Village events.
When did you move to German Village? And what caused you to chose this neighborhood? I’ve been here since 1990. This is my 30th year! Of course, it was the people and the architecture that brought me here. The neighborhood is simply beautiful and full of interesting people.
You have a long-time companion, right? Yes, Chucho the yellow lab. He just turned 15. 52
Fifth & Beck
Hobbies? Running, swimming, biking, working out, cooking and travel.
For the address, I had to make it a Beck Street number, so it became 208-1/4. Friends kid me that while most of my house is on East Beck, I have a Fifth Street address. The new place This now gives me full rights to claim East Beck Street residency. For now, the residents are the Littles. I’m considering having them move out and have Mr. S. M. Hall (“Small?”) move in, but we’ll see. Good tenants are hard to find, so I want to be careful. Keep checking back to see how my tenants embrace their new home in German Village and celebrate the seasons!
Now… We know there’s something new and exciting at your place. Would you care to explain?
I have always loved the little, fairy door on South Third, just north of Frankfort. I love how they decorate for the different seasons. And I’ve always wanted to have one for myself, so I finally did it. I found some scrap wood nearby and thought, “What the heck!” I also bought some small, wood trim at Lowe’s, got my bench and saw out and went to work. Oh, and I found a dollhouse doorknob and some letters to give it more authenticity.
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What’s the best part about living here?
That would be how walkable it is. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those times I am outside, the Village is a perfect place to walk.
Do you have any special German Village “moments” you’d care to share? Pre-Tour is always such a fun and crazy time! And Luminaria Night (Village Lights) is always so special.
Would you like to add anything?
I also love decorating for the holidays. Walk by any time of the year and I should have something in the flower boxes, on the trees or on the house. 55
View of the central hallway from the living room dining room area that runs inbetween the original cottage and the newer cottage. Original brick walls painted and cut out to provide access to the rooms. Photo credit Kyle Haines
It is always exciting for me to see the evolution of some of the historic homes in German Village. The May 2020 featured home started out in 1900 as a modest 1 1/2 story cottage on Mohawk Street with a side lot. In the 1990's an addition was built mirroring the shape of the original cottage and about doubling the size of the original home. The expansion maintains a consistent exterior cottage look while the interior is contemporary. I call it a "Double Cottage". Kyle Haines
House of the Month May 2020 Lu (social worker) and Mark (investment advisor) What drew you to this neighborhood and this particular house?
We enjoyed visiting German Village with The Ohio Company back when we lived in Cincinnati. The house attracted us because it was beautiful inside, has plenty of parking, nice gardens in front and back, a good amount of room, interesting doorways, one floor and lots of light in the back family room. 59
Is there anything in particular that you’d like to mention about your home?
It is unusual because it has a twocar garage and two driveways; it’s wide and on just the one floor. All these things and the original flooring make it special to me (Lu).
Have you made changes?
We’ve made lots of changes. We replaced the fireplace front and all the baseboards and ceiling beams. We added lighting, replaced some of the hardwood floors, remodeled the kitchen and both bathrooms, and landscaped the backyard.
Is it just Lu and Mark? Or do you have children at home? No, just the occasional granddaughter �
INGREDIENTS Ingredients and prep Vegetables & Fresh Herbs 1 pound wild mushrooms (such as chanterelles, maitake, oyster, crimini, and/or shiitake), cut into slivers 2 medium shallots, finely chopped 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, plus more for serving Spices Sea salt, freshly ground pepper Oil 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil Pasta 12 ounces pappardelle or fettuccine Pork 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto (about 6 slices) Dairy â…“ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter Broth 1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
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RECIPE PREPARATION Heat ¼ cup oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Arrange prosciutto in a single layer in pot and cook, turning once or twice, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in same pot over high. Cook mushrooms, tossing occasionally, until browned and tender, 5–8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add shallots and 1 tsp. thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, until shallots are translucent and softened, about 2 minutes. Add stock and reduce heat to low. Bring to a simmer and cook until only a thin layer of stock coats bottom of pot, 5−7 minutes. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 3 minutes less than package directions. Using tongs, transfer pasta to pot with mushrooms and add 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Crumble half of prosciutto into pot. Increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer, and cook, tossing constantly, until pasta is al dente and liquid is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add cream, return to a simmer, and cook, tossing, until pasta is coated, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, add butter, and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt if needed. Divide pasta among bowls. Top with more thyme and crumble remaining prosciutto over; season with pepper. Inspired by Bon Apettit
Activities & Sightseeing at each island Bora Bora
Barbara on Mohawk, November 2019 Why did you choose Tahiti?
This choice fell in my lap by accident. After caregiving for a long period of time, I was exhausted & needed a change. A wise friend advised: “Go on an adventure! Go somewhere you have never been! Experience things that would honor what you enjoy…in a place totally different from your normal hangouts & routine.” While I was contemplating where this adventure might take place, a friend said “why don’t you come along on our trip to Tahiti?” It took me a half a second to say yes to Tahiti! Experiencing Tahiti through small ship sailing, included lots of outdoor activities, educational excursions that immersed me in culture and history, kept me surrounded by beauty that filled every day from sunrise to sunset, and allowed me the privilege of observing the majestic southern hemisphere nightly…it was the right destination.. at the right time… on the right vessel…a 4-mast sailing ship … Truly cathartic!
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Lots of snorkeling and exploring sea life around the lagoons. Swam with blacktip and lemon sharks, moray eels, & fed tons of stingrays. The stingrays feel like velvet when they swim between your legs. No shortage of entertainment as guides that took us from one great dive site to another serenaded us with popular island tunes along the way. Shared a lovely afternoon with a local Bora Bora family that made us a traditional Polynesian lunch while they played ukuleles and sang traditional island songs. They taught us how to make Pareos, how to properly open coconuts and how to perform a traditional Polynesian dance. The afternoon was capped off with more spectacular snorkeling in pristine waters.
Activities & Sightseeing at each island Moorea
Snorkeled with dolphins, stingrays & many varieties of colorful fish in their natural habitat of the clear sapphire sea.
Raiatea
Time to drop anchor in a small island destination that had no docking options. The “Watersports Platform” was opened off the back of the ship where water toys galore were readily available for recreation… (rafts, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, paddle boards etc) or you could merely snorkel ashore to a white sandy beach and enjoy all the colorful underwater sights on the way
Tahaa & Motu Mahaea
I’ve snorkeled many islands in the past, yet this was my first exposure to “Drift snorkeling” in the shallow crystal-clear coral lagoon known as “The Coral Gardens”. These amazing coral formations, along with spectacular up close encounters with multiple varieties of colorful, tropical fish made this an exceptional day to remember. Experiencing an elaborate barbecue and tropical drinks on a private, uninhabited island after a strenuous day of drift snorkeling was icing on the cake! Cruising aboard a small yacht to take in the sunsets while sipping Champagne was a welcomed luxury after an active day.
Huahine
Took an off-road vehicle to reach spectacular panoramic views. Lush forests and tropical landscapes were loaded with beautiful plants, fruits, and flowers. This particular island seems relatively unchanged by the modern world. One can understand why this island is known as “the Garden of Eden�. Qualified local resident guides enhanced the appreciation of local history, culture, and customs. Educational stops at the few quaint villages and plantations scattered across the island included a Vanilla Plantation, a Pearl Farm, an opportunity to observe the locals that faithfully feed the sacred blue-eyed eels twice a day! A final stop at the 400 year old V shaped stone fish traps that are still in use today!! They are visible in narrow parts of the waterway where fish can be harvested from a boat. Kayaked up the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia! A strenuous and breathtaking journey where steep river walls are covered with jungle foliage. The rare tiare apetahi flower grows only here and if caught picking one expect a heavy fine and imprisonment ! This area is also home to diverse species of birds!
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Would you like to add anything? Small ship sailing (this ship had 130) is the only way to go for me because: You can explore many islands where the big ships are not able to dock. You see and do more by island hopping as opposed to being in one location in a chain hotel that offers thatched-roof overwater bungalow. You have a wide variety of activities from which to choose daily …water sports, biking, hiking, kayaking, wave runners, paddle boards, jet skis, many unique, small group educational excursions at every stop. You can enjoy 5-star dining & wine-ing (not whining) in casual elegance while enjoying sunsets. The more casual policies on small ships, like the “open-bridge policy” allowed free access to the bridge. There you could ask questions, get insight into ship operations and engage in relaxed interaction with the ships officers and crew.
Travel tip?
Spend a day or two in LA pre and post travel to Tahiti to adjust quickly to the length of travel, the time difference and arrive well rested for non-stop activities!
Favorite memory of the trip
Stargazing with the ship’s navigator & my SkyView app! The amazing, breathtaking beauty of the southern hemisphere at night, complete with shooting stars and constellations not seen here in the northern hemisphere, there are no words to adequately describe. 73