StringGrrl sees the World

Terrazzo mosaic representation of the street corner from days past Sidewalk tile art also Beachwood BBQ More than enough BBQ on this platter Nice Patio, Californians know how to do it Good Beer brewed in house and excellent BBQ

Netstal marked the beginning of the Wanderweg Woodpile art it apparently a thing here No, we will not be hiking that, the route we take will over 13.8 km only ascend 500m or so  https://wegwandern.ch/listing/uferwanderung-am-kloentalersee/ Bridge over the River Loentsch Cascades nearby the Cholhlgruebli  Panorama map of the Kloentalersee and neighboring peaks Almost got a decent panorama From the Deck of the Gasthaus at the lakeshore (beer to the rescue) Here comes the sun No railings, the Swiss are metal Shady forest keeping it cool A few waterfalls along the walk Another waterfall Nothing more Swiss, than fresh springwater (yes, potable) emerging from hose, drilled into rock, spouting from a hollow log Did we mention there was SNOW in July Hardcore stream coming directly from this crack in the cliff At the end of the hike   Even the train ride home is ridiculously photogenic

Seating for one or two is fast at the counter, but the line out the door for groups or tables is different The search for the next bowl of Ramen is a calling that StringGirl relishes in our travels. However, we do face disappointment from time to time. This is not one of those disappointing times. Source:  Veja Sao Paolo   Brazil is famous for its Japanese population going back to the early 1900's, and represent the largest population of Japanese outside of Japan.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Brazilians  Here, we have learned to trust that great Japanese food can be found. Local beer The place was hopping with a lively crowd outside the door waiting to get in. But as StringGirl only takes up little space a seat for one at the counter was perfect. Sweet and slightly spicy chicken wings, approximating Karaage w/ Korean Sauce Managing the Portuguese only menu was a handful, we did after a moment manage to get the Engish speaker on the flo...

Ramon and Eliezer from the ESI Brazil team, sacrificed the night to have Churrascaria  What is Churrascaria? Meat and meat and maybe some meat. A quick review of  Ventoharagano.com.br   and you will see for yourself. Accoring to Wikipedia a  Churrascaria   is a place where meat is cooked in churrasco style, which translates roughly from the Portuguese word for "barbecue". If the meat spinning on the rotisserie in the window is any indication, there will be blood! https://ventoharagano.com.br/ Strangely enough, salad is a big deal at this place Selection of Hams Cheese Did we mention MEAT! https://ventoharagano.com.br/cardapio/cortes/ Terrible picture of GREAT cut of beef, CONTRAFILÉ ARGENTINO pudim de leite ninho com leite condensado

What you see when you enter on a busy night  A life long noodlehead, I had long been deprived of REAL RAMEN for most of my 48 years. The only kid in my kindegarten who would have a bowl of instant Bami each day before class and had trouble using a fork to each noodles (what is the matter with these people who try to eat noodles from the spoon, by breaking them up?) Seating is mostly at a counter, with some booths and larger table. Atmosphere is buzzing  Not until later in my adulting time did I find out that there are restaurants that serve fresh made ramen noodles and broth. Mind Blown. The view from our seat at the counter gave good view of the preparation of each bowl of Ramen  After my first sojourn to Tokyo at the youthful age of 38 did I get real Ramen (I've had Pho, Jambpong, Mie Goreng, and other asian noodle variants by that time. Just not a bowl of Japanese Fresh Ramen. Watch each bowl get prepped? Sooooooo hungry! My daughters, their mom, and...