Vida Adventures Travel

01/01/2022

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12/09/2021

Pictures of our black truffle hunting experience in Southern France

12/09/2021

My Black Truffle hunt in Provence, France.

I don’t really like the taste of truffles but thought maybe I really hadn’t had a “good” truffle.

I happened to see this experience on line and thought it would be a fun thing to do during our stay in Aix-en-Provence. We were in Aix in December which is when black truffles are ready to find and harvest.

My husband and I drove to a small village about 45 minutes north of Aix. Down a tiny narrow road to find this lovely farm. There were 2 other couples we met there joining the tour. It’s fun to meet people from all over. One sweet couple were from Singapore. They were in France the same reason as us. Needed to get away and France has good regulations for COVID and it seemed relatively save to travel to France.

Our tour started with Johann, our host and owner of the farm telling us the history of truffle hunting, how they grow, how to find them, etc. what to do and not do during our hunt.

After the briefing we were joined by the 3 truffle hunting dogs and their human helper and Johann’s business partner, Jean -Marc.

Yes, I know - where are the pigs? Pigs are not used much any more, pigs like to eat the truffles they find. Often so aggressively that they bite off a finger or 2 of their human. Dogs are trained to make finding truffles a game and are rewarded with yummy treats. Dogs don’t like to eat truffles, lucky for us!

The ripe truffle had a very unusual smell that pigs and dogs can smell at the source above gound. They start to scratch to show their human where to dig. Once the truffle is out of the gound the dog is rewarded with a treat. Everyone is happy! Except the pig.

After finding about a dozen truffles we headed back to the house and we’re surprised with a delicious local sparkling wine and we’re served truffles several different ways. Even truffle ice cream with lavender truffle honey and a touch of salt. What an amazing taste combo, heaven.

We were shown how to read a bottle of inexpensive “truffle oil”. Its all chemicals that create the “truffle” taste. Which is why so many people, like me, didn’t like truffles. It’s because we’ve never had the real thing….. done right!

If you find yourself in Southern France in the winter, think about doing a truffle hunt with Johann.

Contact me for more information!

12/09/2021

South of France in December 2021.

We needed to get away after 18 months of staying home, working at home, always home. France is our comfort zone, know how to get around and somewhat communicate so here we are.
The getting here did have a few new twists. Must have proof of COVID vaccination and a PCR test no earlier than 72 hours from arrival, of course must show negative testing to enter. Also need to download passport info on to airline reservations in our records for a smoother checkin and less contact at check in and departure gate.

Masks up for all airports and on planes with the exception of “sips and bites” during meals.

With all of that we were a bit stressed on how this all will work. What was surprising was how lax they were AT the airports. We had 3 different flights. PIT to Washington Dulles, Dulles to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Nice. We would show our Vaccine cards, they didn’t even look.

When we arrived in Frankfurt we went through immigrations because we were entering the European Union. They only asked for our passports, nothing at all for COVID.

Check your airline website daily the week of your departure and the website of any connecting airline youare on just to keep informed of any changes in document requirements for your destination.

More about our travels in Provence later…….

11/20/2021

Looking for a cool adventure?
Take a look Greenland. Lindblad Expeditions can take you there in style. Contact Vida Adventures Travel for more information!

11/17/2021

If you want to find out more about traveling on one of Lindblad Expeditions send me email or PM.

📸 Sven-Olof Lindblad: Dynamically positioned in the Barrientos Islands waiting for the best time to make our break towards the Drake Passage which is predicted to be quite sloppy. I’m delighted as I am really curious how the will ride heavy seas. They were not small on the way down to but this will certainly be more significant. The winds are howling and everyone is observing the penguins ashore from the coziness of indoors. Perfect day for morning sauna and lively conversation.

11/15/2021

Join this webinar if you are thinking of traveling.

Recently home from overseas, Rick and co-host Cameron Hewitt—who've spent a combined two months exploring Italy, France, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Germany this fall—share a lively report about what it's really like to travel internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. They'll d...

11/14/2021

Another good day in Antarctica with Good Morning America and Amy. Space available on 2022 and 2023 sailings. Contact Vida Adventures!

11/14/2021

Please be sure to contact Vida adventures Travel,
a Lindblad Travel specialist for more information on this spectacular adventure.

11/14/2021

Did they say Free Airfare and up to $1000 savings?
YES! Contact Vida Adventures for more information and to grab your cruise deal.

11/13/2021

Did you see Good Morning America this week! Wow! Who want to do this? ME! ME! If you want more information on this great adventure contact me at Vida Adventures Travel. Get your trip booked now for 2022 or 2023.

Visit antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Explorer. Visit the white continent and understand how climate change is affecting our planet. Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have been working together for over 30 years to support responsible tourism and conservat ...

11/10/2021

Are you ready to experience the Antarctica? Watch Good Morning American this morning and see Lindblad National Geographic's newest ship in the region ~ Endurance. Learn what sailing on a luxury expedition ship is all about.

Then call me to get your Antarctica Adventure booked!
Don't wait or you may miss out! Bookings are open for sail through 2023!

10/29/2021