Globe Corner Blogs

Swiss Alps--photo by Kate

Switzerland is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

In some ways, the beauty here is almost frustrating. I can’t find the words to describe how amazing it is, and constantly find myself saying, “Oh, that’s so pretty,” “Wow, look at that,” or something similarly inadequate.

Sometimes, it’s so darn pretty here that it’s nearly comical. Yesterday, on the train from Lucerne to Lugano, there was a lush green valley to my right with a crystal-clear brook running through it, and tiny colorful houses all around. On my left was a mountain rising sharply, towering over the train. Emerald green, covered with countless evergreens, two glacier-fed waterfalls tumbled down its sides. At a rocky precipice near the base, the waterfalls came near each other; they had the audacity to crash off the rocks and meet, mid-air, over a grotto of craggy rocks. I think I saw a rainbow.

It was all so ridiculously beautiful, all I could do was laugh. Where did this place come from? I began to wonder if this was some kind of Toblerone-induced mirage.

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Great News!!! Reif Larsen’s new book, The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet, lets you in on the four things needed for an adventure: “Guns & Knives”, “A Magnifying Glass”, “A Map!”, and, of course, “Adventure Pants”! (Be sure to pick a good pair.)

I have recently finished reading The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet and was not disappointed in any way. In fact, I am able to say that it is one of the best books I have ever read. It is packed with amazing illustrations and maps, as well as a great story. With my new found discovery of “The Hobo Hotline”, I am now able to travel across the country by train with the knowledge of where each specific car is going. I am also now aware of how to go about mapping a mustache and that a flashlight really has futuristic healing powers. His cross-country journey takes him on a great adventure filled with questions about the world that you should really be asking yourself.

This might sound like a bunch of nonsense, but it is truly spectacular nonsense! For example, I guess that every twelve year old boy knows that Winnebago’s have their own personal names, such as Valero, and can talk to you. In order to fully grasp the whole situation of young Mr. Spivet, I highly recommend this book to you and suggest you then pass it on to everyone you know. Not only for the read but also for the visual understanding of how car alarms can affect your brain.

Trailblazer Trans-Canada Rail Guide by Melissa Graham

Since arriving in Toronto about nine months ago, I’ve been hearing about poutine. As a vegetarian, it took me some time to find a version I could try, but I’m happy to say I’ve finally had the experience. The Québécois will tell you not to eat “poot-zeen” outside of their province, but if you’re vegetarian, keep your eyes peeled in Toronto for veggie versions; if you’re not picky, just sample some at your local Canadian Burger King.

Poutine seems to be something of a national dish, the food to snack on while watching the Leafs lose, or while enjoying some curling. The key ingredient is cheese curds, and for those of you who know Wisconsin, yes, these are the same delicious nuggets that prompt rural A&W franchise managers to make their employees wear t-shirts that say “Got Curds?” Continue Reading »