Continuing my visit to Lago d’Iseo, Italy . . .

This is the view I had when I pulled back the curtains.  Appearing to float in Lago d’Iseo, surrounded on both sides by mountains, is St. Paolo’s Island.  It’s a private island with a palace that was on a sacked former monastery.

Since my room had a kitchette, I had a quick breakfast in my room of dried store-bought pastries and coffee.  I walked 50 meters to the tiny ferry dock and grabbed the passenger ferry from Sensole (it was now running) to the largest village on Monte Isola, Peschiera Maraglio.  I didn’t see a single tourist, only locals.

The Alp run-off filled lake was glassy and calm lit by a sunny clear day – perfect for taking in the Alp-filled views.  Looking north the horizon was outlined with glaciers.

I walked around the lakefront boardwalk and alleys of the little village.  Doors were left open; banter could be heard echoing, and the occasional yapping dog.  I realized there were no cars anywhere to be found.  Only boats, bicycles, and little gas carts.  And there were very few young people.

I walked around the lakefront boardwalk and alleys of the little village.  Doors were left open; banter could be heard echoing, and the occasional yapping dog.  I realized there were no cars anywhere to be found.  Only boats, bicycles, and little gas carts.  And there were very few young people.

The Alp run-off filled lake was glassy and calm lit by a sunny clear day – perfect for taking in the Alp-filled views.  Looking north the horizon was outlined with glaciers.

I ferried back to Sulzano to get my car to take in more of the views around the lake.  My ultimate destination was to see the Piramidis or “Fairies of the Forest”, adjacent to the tiny foothill village of Cislano, above the northeastern shore.  It did not disappoint.

Piramidi are limestone pinnacles that are holding up boulders.  Erosion has found a way to perfectly support and balance the rocks.  It is an eerie sight.  It looked like it might have inspired Roger Dean, the fantasy artist, famous for the band, Yes’, album covers.

In the village Cislano I felt like I had traveled back in time.  Smoke was coming out of chimneys in the modest terracotta tile topped houses.  A few were vacant, crumbled, and overgrown with weeds.  There was a tiny church, St. George’s, which overlooked the lake and mountains, doors were wide open allowing access to view walls adorned with medieval frescoes.  It was as simple as the village.

I was far away from the hustle and bustle of the industrialized fashion and design mecca of Milan.  I felt like this was so much of what Italy is about.  After driving around the lake for a couple more hours, I drove back to Sulzano to park my car and then ferry back to Monte Isola.  As we ferried into Peschiera Maraglio, I spotted the fish drying off a balcony.   I disembarked to purchase my usual Christmas ornament momento and a few post cards in a tiny gift shop.  I grabbed the next ferry back to the Residence Vittoria and took this picture of the facility from the water.

Later on, at dinner, in the very vacant and quiet restaurant in the Residence Vittoria, the waiter told me that the fish was caught and dried locally.  My mind immediately went back to that image of the hanging fish.

I felt that this experience worked for me and it was what travel was all about, surprises, native people with intact cultures and traditions, virtually untouched scenery, and a slower way of life.

The next day, I walked the 7 km (4.34 miles) pathway the meanders the perimeter of Monte Isola through the tiny villages.  Still no cars, but plenty of stones houses, olive trees, grapevines, strolling villagers, domesticated animals, and always spectacular vistas. The highest point of Monte Isola, 600 metres (almost 2000ft) above sea level is topped by Madonna della Ceriola shrine, of course!  The small Church dates from the 16^th century.  Pre-dating the shrine, near the village of Menzino, is the Martinengo Castle dating from the 15^th century.

The air was fresh and invigorating.  I slept well that night.

The next morning, after a very peaceful, quiet night, I work up refreshed and relaxed, and sorry that I had to leave so soon.  It isn’t surprising that one of the names of the villages is Cure.  It worked.  I slowly packed, every few minutes pausing to look out at the view one more time in hopes of burning the image in my memory banks.  It’s been there since.

I left Monte Isola having made one of life’s biggest decisions.  I decided that this is where I want my ashes to be spread when I’m deceased.  A few months later when I returned to Seattle I met with my estate attorney.  We added a provision to my will that my ashes will be spread in Lago d’Iseo, off Monte Isola, with instructions for my executor to make the trip.  Lucky partner or friend.

I happy to say that ten years later – to the day, I contacted the hotel and made a reservation for a return visit to Residence Vittoria this June.  I know it can’t be the same because it will be high season.  I take comfort in knowing that I will be surrounded, almost exclusively by Italians, because tourists are too distracted by the much larger Lakes; Como, Maggiore, and Garda.  More about that trip later . . .

Happy Tripping,

Carter

Years ago, on one of my first trips to Italy, I learned one of my first travel lessons and one of my most magical memories rolled into one.

I flew from London to Milan using miles on British Midlands Airlines.  I decided to focus on the Lombardy Region.  People may beg to differ, but there wasn’t enough to see in the industrial city of Milan itself to warrant spending a week there, especially at my pace.  So, I planned to rent a car and drive north through the Franciacorte Wine Region to the lakes region at the foot of the Italian Alps.

I did the tourist circuit in Milan (short shrift here); Santa Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo d’Vinci’s “The Last Supper”, Milan Duomo, Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala Theatre, Fashion Houses, Sforzesco Castle, San Satiro, San Lorenzo Maggiore, and a Gelateria serving the best damned Semi-Fredo ever.  I skipped the Pirelli Building (you can see it from most anywhere) and Civico Museo d’Arte Contemporanca (Contemporary Art Museum)

I picked up my rental car and headed north to Lago d’Iseo.  I chose this lake as opposed to the much more popular and larger Lake Como and Lake Garda because I was told it was “locals only”.  I also soon learned what “off season” truly meant in Italy resort areas.

By the time I ascended through the vineyards of Franciacorta with the Alps in the distance, the sun started to set.  Fortunately, I had pre-booked (via FAX) accommodation on Lago d’Iseo (via FAX in those days) and thus had a room waiting.  I arrived in the tiny lakeside village of Sulzano and drove around looking for my hotel, Residence Vittoria.  No sign of the hotel anywhere.  So, I decided to park and go to an espresso bar and ask.  In my broken Italian and the bar keep’s non-English Italian, I asked where the hotel was and he pointed across the water.  I explained that I would never have booked a hotel on an island – without knowing.  Wouldn’t I have been told such a thing?  Oh, that’s right – I didn’t ask.  Then, arms flailing and with a panic look on his face, he explained that the only way to get there was by a ferryboat.  Ferry!  And the last one was leaving in a few minutes!  But what about my car?!?!  It was a passenger ferry only!  He motioned me to park in a lot across the road from the village and leave money in a box.  I ran to my car and grabbed my luggage, dropped money in the box, and RAN to the ferry dock.  Thank god for wheeled luggage!  I hopped on the ferry (a small boat) and we motored off into the dark toward the distant lights across the lake.  Mind you, I was still very confused where I was going.

I asked the ferry driver (it was a very small passenger boat) where the hotel was and he explained that it was in the village on Sensole and that dock was now closed. So, he was dropping me off at the Porto (dock) at Peschiera Maraglio (the largest village on the Island).  It was now very cold as we skimmed across the black water.  There were a few elderly people hanging out in chairs by the dock and there were lines of fish drying in the few illuminated rickety buildings.

I asked one of the oldies in my broken Italian where my hotel was.  I made out the name “Sensole” and the rest was an arm gesture pointing to a path leading into the dark.  With no choice, I walked into the darkness following the unlit path.  The stone lined path soon turned into a gravel mud path.  Great for luggage wheels!  Just as I adjusted, the path changed to mud!  Pulling became squishy yanking.  After about 20 minutes, the path turned back to gravel and then road.

I came upon the hotel, which was actually sizable, but it was unlit – and dark.  I saw the light around the side, found a door, and knocked on it – loudly.  A French and Italian speaking gent answered the door.  He was the chef in the kitchen and said he was the only one there.  I told him we had a reservation and he said he would call the owner who was at home.  Gratefully, he led me into the dining room, turned on the lights, and offered me a beer.  He left me to make the call and came back to tell me that the owner was coming to check us in.  It would be a while because he was coming by boat.

Two Peroni beers later, the owner arrived, spoke no English, and was gracious despite the inconvenience.  He led to our room in what appeared to be a completely empty hotel.  I turned on the lights and the heater, and found a spacious room.  I looked out the window to see shore lights in the distance.   I unpacked a bit and collapsed in bed.  I didn’t even notice the cold.

The next morning, I woke up and looked out the window to get my bearings to see where the heck I was.  I pulled back the threadbare drapes to find one of the most spectacular sights of my life . . . . Monte Isola.

More later . . . .

Happy Tripping,

Carter

Travelzoo for Travel Deals?

Hey Trippers,

I struggle with taking up the topic of last minute travel because I preach about planning for those who want to travel on a budget.  Even I find myself unable to just click on a deal that’s for the near future.

When I was living in London, the UK based lastminute.com was launched to huge fanfare.  As a result, its value skyrocketed without profit margins to support it.  It soon became so yesterday.  If you find your life has the flexibility where you can take off at a moment’s notice, you might find these type of websites very useful.  Travelzoo is a website I came across that offers all types of travel deals: from travel plans in the future to last minute deals.

I decided to put Travel Zoo to a little test.  I have already booked a trip to Europe in June – peak travel season and a few months away.  I soon found out that they use other travel search engines (Travelocity, Expedia, and Orbitz) for anything other than the specific package deals they offer.   So, for me it wasn’t going to save me any time.  I would rather use momondo.com.  Momondo’s an easier way to find just about every available airfare for that time and for that destination.

Last year during our European trip, we used a website on-the-fly by the name of

Booking.com for last minute hotel room deals.

Booking.com.  It’s a clearinghouse for last minute hotel rooms available that’s affiliated with Priceline.com.  There’s usually a room here and there on offer in each random hotel.  We used it to fill in the gaps between our pre-booked hotels that were located in popular destinations.  We had good luck with our bookings and found the rates to be of fair value.   If you’re traveling to an in-demand destination – it’s best to pre-book (always scouring for deals first) but if you have to fill in-between dates, booking.com is a good way to go.  And we always make sure we book hotels with free WiFi capability so we can book the next night or two as we move along.

It’s probably worth a search on Travel Zoo for a last minute trip when you have a specific destination in mind or if you are one who’s willing to throw care to the wind and go where the deals are.  Chances are, you just might end up going to Las Vegas . . . . (and Wayne Newton is no less scarier!)

Happy Last Minute Tripping,

Carter

This is the space for you and two others - for hours on end!

Hey Trippers,

Thanks to my friend, Michael, for giving me a heads up on this article. USA today has a good updated Q & A about Airline seating.  You can find the article HERE.  It’s a sore spot, both literally and figuratively, which is why I rail on Trippers to do what it takes to maximize your seating when traveling.  I have covered this topic HERE before and will continue to do so.  It is important for your travel enjoyment!  I have watched the seats shrink smaller and smaller over the years as I have maintained my own dimensions.  I have noticed how many passengers are suffering in misery for hours on end as they are wedged between their armrests.

All this has been in the news in the past couple of weeks because of the news story about Kevin Smith, (oxymoron alert) the Hollywood Indie Director.  He was thrown off his Southwest Airline flight for not having purchased an additional seat to accommodate his girth.  Talk about piling on the humiliation!  Sorry, but I have all too often been the guy sitting next to him.  Not only was his flight miserable, but so was mine.  So, for the people sitting in Kevin Smith’s row on that flight, I’m sure it was a big relief.  The way it was handled by the pilot/airline was poor and a PR disaster.  I haven’t flown with Southwest Airlines for years because of how they treat their passengers like cattle.  Then, they expect you to have a sense of humor after boarding when the staff goes into their comic antics.  Realize (what you need to do), maximize (your seating positioning), and minimize (your travel woes)!

Happy Tripping,

Carter

Tripper Travel Bargain Hunt Notification

Hey Trippers,

For those of you who are constantly looking for bargain travel, there’s a new search engine from a company out of Copenhagen Denmark by the name of Momondo.  They are a worldwide travel search engine that searches other aggregate websites and airline and hotel’s own websites for their latest bargains.  From their website:

We search across multiple websites at google style top-speed to within seconds give you an overview of the cheapest flights we can find.

and regarding booking hotels:

Our hotel search function is based on the same principle as the flight search engine. It searches more than 100.000 unique hotels worldwide across all categories from cheap hostels to the most expensive luxury hotels.

I liked what I saw there.  They don’t sell tickets or rooms and make their money through commissions on sponsor links and ads.  Not only do they find the fares but the specific flights on offer as well.  They also present a graph with the flight price trends.

So, visit them often to see what’s new.  It helps if you have a destination and a specific time you are looking for.

Happy Tripping,

Carter

World Traveler Frustrations

This is why so many people are no longer traveling on airplanes!

Checking baggage can cost more than an airline ticket!

One word:  COMPLAIN! Airlines do listen.  How many people love to complain to friends, family, and strangers and NOT the airlines that are charging the fees?!?!?

While we’re complaining, here’s a new hotel worry:

Hotel’s new-tech TVs have guests fuming.

I know when I pay the price for a premium hotel, I expect the TV to function properly.  There is no excuse for this.  Often the TV is the only connection to the outside world.

Call and verify your TV is functioning properly with your hotel in advance.  Yet another question to add to accommodation booking questionaire.

Happy Tripping,

Carter

This is a hot topic because changes are coming – yet again.  The reason it’s become a hot topic is because of passenger abuse brought on by the extra baggage fees imposed by the airlines.  (Not that abuse hadn’t gone on before this.)

An empty airplane soon to be crammed full with passengers and cary-on baggage

An increase in baggage fees was announced in early January 2010 for tickets bought for travel within the US/Canada and Territories on or after the 5^th of January 2010 for travel after the 12^th January 2010.  The first checked bag will now cost $25.00 ($15.00 old fee).  The second bag is now $35.00 ($25.00 old fee).  (A fee reduction is available if you check your bags in on-line in advance, $23. and $32.00)  For international travel two checked bags are included in the ticket price EXCEPT the second bag in economy to Europe.  Make sure you check with your individual airline before booking or packing for a trip.  On many airlines, these fees are waved with Mileage Program status.  This is yet another reason why frequent travelers need to work on acquiring and maintaining Airline status.

Because of the originally imposed baggage fees and now the increase, passengers are abusing the carry-on policy because they are carrying on bags that are bigger than allowed.

On every one of my recent flights I have seen gross abuses of carry-on bags allowances mainly because airline staff doesn’t enforce it.  Passengers are bringing aboard garment bags that are bursting, plus a carry-on, and a personal item.

Under Seat Space for your Personal Carry-On Bag and this is the Exit Row!

Read on for the policy from United Airlines →

Here are the Delta Airlines Policy for Carry-On baggage:

All Delta passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item that meet the criteria below. See Security Check-in for liquid and gel restrictions.

Size and Weight Restrictions

If your carry-on bag doesn’t meet these size restrictions it must be checked, and all checked baggage rules will apply. Your bag must:

Not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height), or 115 cm.

Fit easily in our SizeCheck® unit (approximately 22″x14″x9″, or 56x36x23 cm).

Fit in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.

Personal Items

You’re allowed one personal item from this sample list:

• Purses, briefcases, camera cases, and diaper bags
• Laptop computers (can’t be checked and must be carried on)
• Items of a similar or smaller size to those above

Other Carry-on Items Allowed

You may also bring these items onboard. They do not count toward your personal item.

• Food items for immediate consumption
• Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches
• One box or bag of duty free merchandise

Carry-on baggage policies for all United travel

For worldwide travel on any United or United Express flight, you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. Your carry-on bag…

• must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin;
• should not be more than 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches* (114 linear cm); and
• may be required to travel as checked baggage if the bag cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight.

The following personal items are not counted toward your one bag and one personal item limit:

• Assistive devices (canes, crutches, etc.)
• Child safety seats for ticketed children
• Infant restraint devices (infant seat with or without stroller, front pouch or back carrier)
• Outer garments (coats, hats, etc.)
• Reading material (a reasonable amount)
• Umbrellas (one per passenger)
• Food and beverages to be consumed onboard
• One musical instrument not exceeding a size of 45 linear inches*
• A coat, jacket, or umbrella

• Please note that items must be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. They may not be stowed in the seat back pocket

With so many people not respecting and staff not enforcing the carry-on policies, you need to have a plan before boarding.  Short of tattling on passengers to staff (how tempting) you need to do the following to assure you’ll have space for your items:

Maximize your airline status before booking your ticket.  Check previous Blog Posts for tips on doing this.

At your terminal gate, get in line to board your flight well in advance.

Do not book a bulkhead seat.  There is not space in front of you to store any bags or personal items.  So, they will need to be stored in the overhead bins.

Once boarded, immediately store your items in the overhead bin.  After everyone is boarded and has stowed there carry-on, then remove your items you want with you from your carry-on bag.  But beware don’t turn your back!  We have seen passengers (creeps) jump up and slip their bag in when you’re not looking!  Can you say “confrontation”?

Of course, by now, everyone must know about the “3-1-1” liquid restrictions for carry-ons.  You can find the details HERE.

It may be worth it for you to travel with more outer garments than you need for the flight.  Just make sure that the garment has lots of pockets to store medications, electronic cords, portable external hard drives, jewelry, cameras, etc.  Also, make sure the pockets zip or snap shut so you don’t lose any items in transit.  You can maximize your allowances and work with or around any new restrictions imposed by the TSA or airlines.

Happy Tripping,

Carter

The Good Health Elixir To Go in Leak-Proof Containers

Now that you have the recipe for the Good Health Elixir, I wanted to share with you how to make the recipe while traveling.  Yes, I drink the elixir while traveling.  It becomes even more important because I’m expanding so much energy and working my body as much as ever.  My body is under a lot of stress and I’m eating foods I’m not used to eating at odd and irregular hours.

I pack the following items in my checked luggage:

• Green tea Powder (found in a well-stocked Asian Food store or Amazon.com)
• Ground Cinnamon (in original bottle or packet for security reasons)
• Apple Cider Vinegar (in pint jars)
• Lemon Juice (in small bottle or squeeze bottle)
• Baking Soda (in original small box)
• Fruit Pectin packets
• Empty Leak Proof Plastic Containers (found at a container store)
• Empty Liter Bottles of Water (For storing. See photo in previous post. Note: glass can be carried in a wine carrier)

Sometimes I don’t have enough room in my luggage for everything or I don’t want to have to declare the food products upon landing in a foreign country.  So, after landing, I go to a grocery store (bigger the better) for any addition items I need.  If you pack everything on the above list, then you will only need juice(s).  It may be surprising how hard it is to find unsweetened juices.  On my last trip to Spain, I could only find 100% pomegranate juice, which was fine.  I had to chase down lemon juice because it was not stocked with foods I’m used to.  Make sure you bring the pectin packages because they’re hard to find.

When traveling, chances are you don’t have access to a large bowl, so I wing it and eyeball amounts into my containers.  Be careful what order you add the ingredients.  Apple cider and baking soda can be extra foaming.  Add the juice to dilute first.

The small leak proof containers are a handy little way to carry around the 3-ounce servings of the elixir.  As the travel day progresses and you drink the elixir with your meals, rinse the container and fill with water to have on hand for a quick hydration.  I have used 8 oz. jelly jars as a container before.  They can break but they are sturdy and have leak proof lids.

That’s it, you’re good to go.  Have continued good health with the Good Health Elixir both home and away!

Happy Tripping,

Carter

The Good Health Elixir for better health

I thought that before I explain how I travel with the Good Health Elixir I should give a more thorough explanation of the ingredients of the Good Health Elixir itself.  Let’s start off with a disclaimer:

I am not a medical doctor or a nutritionist, so any advice involving the Good Health Elixir is based on other institutions’ research and anecdotal evidence.  I am testifying on my personal experience after two years of drinking the Good Health Elixir.  Always, check with your personal physician or health professional before starting the Good Health Elixir.  Beware that one or more of the ingredients may not agree with you.  So, test them each individually before attempting the Good Health Elixir.  Any claims of curative effects are based on other institutions research and no way reflects my knowledge.  My own experience is purely anecdotal.

The Good Health Elixir ingredients are each based on science, extensive research, and thousands of years of culturally proven results.  The thought behind it is regulating the PH balance of your body, fat emulsifying, and has a great dose antioxidants to fight tissue damaging free radicals.  As the video from a previous post points out, our diets have changed dramatically in the past 50 years and have caused our systems to become out of balance.  Drinking this drink will help maintain a healthy balance, help regulate blood sugar, and keep your appetite on a much healthier level.

Here are the proven benefits of each ingredient:

Green Tea – Green tea is a powerful antioxidant that has a history of extensive research with bold claims of fighting cancer and heart disease, lowering cholesterol, fighting obesity, preventing diabetes, strokes, and staving off dementia.  The small amount of caffeine supposedly helps with fat oxidation.

Ground Cinnamon – Most of the cinnamon purchased in stores is not really cinnamon at all.  It’s from the bark of a tree that mimics cinnamon in a more fragrant manner.  It smells stronger but side by side with real cinnamon, you’ll see it has a very different fragrance.  That being said, I can only find “True Cinnamon” or Ceylon in bark form.  And I have only found that in one place in the whole world – HERE.  And trust me, I look everywhere I travel.

The typical cinnamon in a grocery store is “cassia”, also named Saigon, Indonesian, Chinese, or Vietnamese and is from a different tree bark altogether.  The problem with these pseudo cinnamons is they have small amounts coumarin in them.  Coumarin is a blood thinner.  Being prone to nose bleeds, I just opt not to expose myself to it.  It is no problem for most people and I just choose to use the “True Cinnamon”.  I used the pseudo cinnamon for 1½ years with no side effects whatsoever.  But since I can choose differently, I do.  I grind the True Cinnamon sticks in a spice grinder before using it.  Cinnamon health claims include speeding metabolism, regulating insulin (helping diabetics), prevent weight gain, fights colds and viruses, lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad one), may aid in preventing some cancers, and relief from arthritis pain.

Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda) – this simple compound has been used for millennia for medicinal purposes including reducing kidney stones, acidity balance, antacid for acid indigestion (heartburn), and body PH regulation.

Fruit Pectin – Fruit pectin aids digestion and has relief from arthritis pain for some people.  Pectin has been found to halt formation of some cancer tumors.  It rich in anti-oxidants and works against the damaging kind of cholesterol and has been found to decrease the chance of colon cancer.

Lemon Juice – Commonly found and used lemon juice de-toxics the liver.  It’s acidic but the body processes it into alkaline, destroys some bacteria’s, great for heartburn, nausea, and is a diuretic.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy for centuries.  Research and anecdotally it has cured or managed afflictions from acne to gout, allergies to high cholesterol, chronic fatigue to candida, diabetes, and for weight control, claiming to break down fat.  For the purposes of the Good Health Elixir, it is to maintain the all-important PH balance and regulate blood sugar levels in your body to keep it functioning optimally.  It is not recommended that you take too much of apple cider vinegar by itself.

For the following juices, only use 100% of the fruit.  Do not use any product with added juices (higher sugar content; apple, grape, pear, etc.):

Pomegranate Juice – Pomegranate is an antioxidant super power with studies claiming it improves cardiovascular and prostate health to erectile dysfunction.  A small, three year study found pomegranate juice, when taken regularly “reduced common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure, and LDL oxidation”.

Blueberry Juice – This is another antioxidant powerhouse.  Although not as extensively researched as pomegranate, small studies have shown it to aid digestion, improve or prevent urinary tract infections, and may improve mental acuity.

Cranberry Juice – Make sure you get 100% cranberry juice!  Most cranberry beverages add sweeter juices or sugar because 100% cranberry juice is by itself undrinkably tart!  100% juice on the label does not mean 100% cranberry.  It is widely accepted that cranberry juice is a proven treatment for urinary tract infections.  Among its other claims are fat emulsifier, bacteria fighter, and helps prevent kidney stones.

Cherry Juice – Cherry juice is another antioxidant powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties.  Health claims for cherry juice includes pain relief for arthritis sufferers, gout prevention, heart disease prevention, anti-aging, prevent cataracts, some cancers, and heart attacks.

Açai Juice (expensive and found in its purest form with a small amount of sugar added for taste) – Açai juice is the new kid on the block and therefore research is limited and primarily anecdotal.  The inhabitants in the Brazilian rain forest for millennia have eaten it.  It has proven to have a high antioxidant property but not as high as pomegranate but has no reliable comprehensive research.  You’ll find the pure juice to be full of millions of tiny seeds, thick, and pulpy.  So, don’t be put off.  One side benefit is that it completely stops the apple cider vinegar/baking soda foaming when making the Good Health Elixir!

You now have the break down of the Good Health Elixir.  I encourage anyone who is starting the elixir to give it two months, at the very least, to see if you feel better.  The Good Health Elixir recipe makes just over on week of 5 times a day, three-ounce servings, or about 26 servings.

Happy Tripping in Good Health,

Carter

For almost two years now I have been drinking a “drink”, elixir, or concoction or whatever you want to call it.  I came across a recipe in a Naturopathic Column in a newspaper.  The syndicated column is written by Joe and Teresa Graedon who also  have a website: www.peoplespharmacy.org.  The recipe was sent in by a reader, Lisa, as “Lisa’s Weight Lose Elixer”.  I read through the ingredients and research has shown that most of them have rock solid proven benefits for us.  I thought I’d make the drink and give it a try – for a month.  In order to see the benefits of any regiment, one has to give it a sizable time period and be diligent.   So, I mixed up the recipe as printed:

“Put five decaffeinated green tea bags in 5 cups of water and bring to a full boil.  Let steep 5 minutes, remove and discard tea bags.

Add 2 level tablespoons baking soda and stir (tea will foam).  Add ⅓ cup ground cinnamon and stir briefly.  Cover and let steep.

Cool the tea and move it to the refrigerator.  Allow it to settle for at least two days.  Then pour off and save the liquid and discard the solids (unless you know a 10-year-old who needs a science-fair project on slime with attitude).

Add one packet Certo Liquid Pectin, ½ cup cider vinegar, ½ cup lime or lemon juice, 5 cups unsweetened juice (any combination of pomegranite, black or sour cherry, sugar free cranberry or grape) and add ⅓ to ½ cup Splenda to taste.  Stir.  Keep refrigerated.  Drink ⅓ cup before each meal or snack.  Lisa avoids high-glycemic foods (white stuff like sugar, bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice).  She suspects that this works for her because she is insulin-resistant and cautions that it might not work as well for others.  Insulin resistance may contribute to excess weight.”

Over time the recipe has changed for me because I’ve tweaked it for the better.

Ingredients for your Good Health

Before making the elixir you will need:

• 4 empty liter bottles with caps (I use empty glass bottles with snap-on Zyliss stoppers)

• A ½ gallon jug with a lid (I use a ½ gallon Mason Jar)

• An EXTRA large mixing bowl

• 5 decaffeinated Green Tea Bags

• 3 True Cinnamon Sticks (or ⅓ cup ground cinnamon)

• 2 T Baking Soda

• One 3-ounce Sachet Liquid Fruit Pectin

• ½ Cup Lemon or Lime Juice

• 1 Cup Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

• 5 Cups 100% Varietal of any of any combination Cranberry/Blueberry/Cherry/Pomegranate Juice (no other added juices ie grape, pear, apple)

Here’s how you make my version:

Boil 6 cups water; take your ½ Gallon Jar and drop in 5 decaffeinated Green Tea Bags, pour the 6 cups of boiled water into the jar with the tea bags.  Let steep for minimum of 5 minutes until lukewarm.  Remove tea bags, add two tablespoons of baking soda and ⅓ cup True Cinnamon (I take three True Cinnamon Sticks and grind them in my spice mill), cap the jar and put in the refrigerator to settle and infuse for a minimum of 2 days.

Step One of PH Balance Good Health Drink will look like this

Two or more days later, grab your Extra Large Bowl, take the jar from the refrigerator and pour off the liquid into the bowl.  Toss out the muck at the bottom.  (Wash the jar and make the tea/baking soda/cinnamon base again to put in the refrigerator so it will be ready for next batch.)  To the liquid, add a 3-ounce sachet of liquid fruit pectin (found in the grocery store by the canning supplies).  Then, add a ½ cup of lemon or lime juice (it will foam up – a lot – hence the extra large bowl).  Next add 1 cup of raw organic apple cider vinegar (it’s better tasting than regular).  It will foam up even more.  Add the unsweetened fruit juices.  Don’t use any that are “blends” or “cocktails”.  Use only 100% of the fruit.  Don’t use any blended with pear juice, white grape juice, or apple juice – they’re too high in sugar.  I use a cup each of only 100% pure cranberry, pomegranate, blueberry, cherry, and açai berry (10% cane sugar).  You can use any combination or just one of them.  The foaming with eventually will settle down.  Grab a funnel and fill the .750 ML bottles (it will fill 3 ½ or so bottles).  Drink ⅓ cup of the elixir with every meal and snack.  I eat 5 snacks/meals a day so I have a cup and ⅔ every day.  I went to The Container store and found some small leak-proof plastic bottles and I carry it with me wherever I go.  If I have a snack, go out to lunch/dinner, or am a guest at someone’s house for a meal – I bring it with me.

Finshed Bottles of Good Health PH Balance Drink

Enough for today!  Next post will tell how I make it when I travel . . .

Happy Tripping,

Carter