traveltales: OPIUM ICE CREAM

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

OPIUM ICE CREAM

A Surprise Flavor

One evening leaving a restaurant in Vienna where we’d enjoyed a really good, if different, pizza my travel buddy said, “An ice cream would be a perfect topping of a great meal.”

“What a good idea! I’m sure I saw an ice cream kiosk a block from the hotel when I was scouting out the neighborhood this afternoon before you arrived. (She lives in LA). We should hit it if we cross here and then turn right,” I answered.

We did just that and then joined a short line in front of the kiosk. It was hard to make a choice of the twenty or so flavors displayed. Each was labeled, but in Austrian or German. It didn’t make any difference as norther of us spoke either language.

I tried to find out from the young man behind the counter what flavor the vanilla-looking ice cream with tiny dark specks in it was. Maybe chocolate chip? The fellow didn’t speak any English, which was surprising for a young male.

Not wanting to hold up the line forming behind us I gave up the conversation and just took the ice cream. For this ice creamaholic, I knew no matter what the flavor it would be good. Licking our cones we walked off heading toward the hotel. Suddenly we heard a young man say, “Ladies, ladies. That ice cream you are eating is opium ice cream.”

“What!” we exclaimed simultaneously.

“Yes, you know like from the poppies that grow in Afghanistan. Opium ice cream,” he commented.

After a minute a light went on in my head and I said, “Oh, you mean poppy seed.”

“Yes, Yes.” He strolled past us licking on his cone.

He was standing directly behind us, and we both wondered why he hadn’t jumped in to interpret for us when we were trying to converse with the vendor.

We had a good chuckle over my opium ice cream and often mentioned it on succeeding trips when we were together.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.