An Embarrassment of Mangoes: A Caribbean Interlude
2 journalers for this copy...
Amazon:
Under the Tuscan Sun meets the wide-open sea . . . An Embarrassment of Mangoes is a delicious chronicle of leaving the type-A lifestyle behind -- and discovering the seductive secrets of life in the Caribbean.
Who hasn’t fantasized about chucking the job, saying goodbye to the rat race, and escaping to some exotic destination in search of sun, sand, and a different way of life? Canadians Ann Vanderhoof and her husband, Steve did just that.
In the mid 1990s, they were driven, forty-something professionals who were desperate for a break from their deadline-dominated, career-defined lives. So they quit their jobs, rented out their house, moved onto a 42-foot sailboat called Receta (“recipe,” in Spanish), and set sail for the Caribbean on a two-year voyage of culinary and cultural discovery.
In lavish detail that will have you packing your swimsuit and dashing for the airport, Vanderhoof describes the sun-drenched landscapes, enchanting characters and mouthwatering tastes that season their new lifestyle. Come along for the ride and be seduced by Caribbean rhythms as she and Steve sip rum with their island neighbors, hike lush rain forests, pull their supper out of the sea, and adapt to life on “island time.”
Exchanging business clothes for bare feet, they drop anchor in 16 countries -- 47 individual islands -- where they explore secluded beaches and shop lively local markets. Along the way, Ann records the delectable dishes they encounter -- from cracked conch in the Bahamas to curried lobster in Grenada, from Dominican papaya salsa to classic West Indian rum punch -- and incorporates these enticing recipes into the text so that readers can participate in the adventure.
Almost as good as making the journey itself, An Embarrassment of Mangoes is an intimate account that conjures all the irresistible beauty and bounty from the Bahamas to Trinidad -- and just may compel you to make a rash decision that will land you in paradise.
Under the Tuscan Sun meets the wide-open sea . . . An Embarrassment of Mangoes is a delicious chronicle of leaving the type-A lifestyle behind -- and discovering the seductive secrets of life in the Caribbean.
Who hasn’t fantasized about chucking the job, saying goodbye to the rat race, and escaping to some exotic destination in search of sun, sand, and a different way of life? Canadians Ann Vanderhoof and her husband, Steve did just that.
In the mid 1990s, they were driven, forty-something professionals who were desperate for a break from their deadline-dominated, career-defined lives. So they quit their jobs, rented out their house, moved onto a 42-foot sailboat called Receta (“recipe,” in Spanish), and set sail for the Caribbean on a two-year voyage of culinary and cultural discovery.
In lavish detail that will have you packing your swimsuit and dashing for the airport, Vanderhoof describes the sun-drenched landscapes, enchanting characters and mouthwatering tastes that season their new lifestyle. Come along for the ride and be seduced by Caribbean rhythms as she and Steve sip rum with their island neighbors, hike lush rain forests, pull their supper out of the sea, and adapt to life on “island time.”
Exchanging business clothes for bare feet, they drop anchor in 16 countries -- 47 individual islands -- where they explore secluded beaches and shop lively local markets. Along the way, Ann records the delectable dishes they encounter -- from cracked conch in the Bahamas to curried lobster in Grenada, from Dominican papaya salsa to classic West Indian rum punch -- and incorporates these enticing recipes into the text so that readers can participate in the adventure.
Almost as good as making the journey itself, An Embarrassment of Mangoes is an intimate account that conjures all the irresistible beauty and bounty from the Bahamas to Trinidad -- and just may compel you to make a rash decision that will land you in paradise.
I’m not a fan of sailing…at all. Never had any interest and, frankly, can’t understand the attraction. Not that I don’t like boats…I’ll ride in any craft from a canoe to a cruise ship, but a sailboat -nah. I’m sure it can be exhilarating being driven mostly by wind, but it seems a lot of hard work and a steep learning curve, not to mention downright dangerous at times.
This was a very interesting read, for several reasons: The tension and excitement of leaving home and good jobs behind to live for two years on a 42-foot sailboat; wonderful places to visit; different cultures and food. Food is indeed an important part of this book, as Ann is an accomplished and talented cook, and even with previously unknown foods she creates an amazing number of what sound like delicious meals. The boat is even called “Receta” which is “recipe” in Spanish. (She shares some with the reader at the end of each chapter). I’m not much into cooking, but still copied down a couple of recipes. And the most important aspect of the adventure: new friends to meet, both other sailors and locals on every island.
It is a credit to Ann’s easygoing prose that this reader with no interest in sailing and very little interest in cooking still loved the book. Recommended!
***Reserved for NFVBB Round 16
This was a very interesting read, for several reasons: The tension and excitement of leaving home and good jobs behind to live for two years on a 42-foot sailboat; wonderful places to visit; different cultures and food. Food is indeed an important part of this book, as Ann is an accomplished and talented cook, and even with previously unknown foods she creates an amazing number of what sound like delicious meals. The boat is even called “Receta” which is “recipe” in Spanish. (She shares some with the reader at the end of each chapter). I’m not much into cooking, but still copied down a couple of recipes. And the most important aspect of the adventure: new friends to meet, both other sailors and locals on every island.
It is a credit to Ann’s easygoing prose that this reader with no interest in sailing and very little interest in cooking still loved the book. Recommended!
***Reserved for NFVBB Round 16
On its way to Aberpeter via the Nonfiction VBB.
I hope you enjoy the book!
I hope you enjoy the book!
The book has arrived. Thank you.
