“The woods are lovely dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep” - Robert Frost
As a world traveller who also happens to be a vegetarian, I spend a lot of time researching places to eat in the new cities i visit. Frequently, recommendations limit vegetarians to a few select places that might not reflect the local cuisine. Walking through the streets though reveals a different story, enabling me to discover many hidden gems of restaurants that not only have fantastic dishes but also accommodate customizations for vegetarians. On one such jaunt in Amalfi, I got to taste what I can only possibly claim was the best sandwich I had tasted in all of europe. In a tiny store, with nothing to call attention to itself, tucked back in the corner behind rows of olive oil, capers and such was a stall. Listed on the blackboard was an eggplant sandwich. I clarified that it was vegetarian. With a nod and a smile, he started to pull out a loaf of sandwich bread, added shreds of mozzarella cheese and basil, and then added some delectable preserved eggplant. As I looked on pleased, he asked me if I wanted it spicy. I nodded vigorously. He quickly got on to add some ripe red chillis, cut up the sandwich and packed it up for me to eat while I walked. To say that it was delicious is an understatement!
The Local Guide program is a way for me to share with the world that being a vegetarian traveller is not a limitation, instead explore some of the best hidden gems. Yes, we may not be able to eat the best shrimp tacos, but I can guarantee you that somewhere in these cities is the best guacamole that we had uncovered and if we only took the time to explore and share, we could make travel for exciting for all people! My photos and reviews has received a lot of views in a short time and it is motivating me to further contribute actively to the local guides program.
