The Trekking Pawns' Diary

We’re no strangers to kayaking — in fact, it’s one of our favorite weekend activities at the lake near our home. So when we travel, we usually ask ourselves: Is kayaking here really going to be different or special? It's the sort of question we asked when we were in San Diego. Instead of hopping into a kayak then, we went for a jet ski ride — a more fast-paced thrill. But on our Norwegian Cruise Line stop at Harvest Caye, Belize , we found ourselves reconsidering that question again. Surrounded by a peaceful lagoon and marshes with options like stand-up paddleboards, motorized sit-down boats, and kayaking, we ultimately chose what felt most familiar — the kayak. Why? Because it felt like the best way to get close to the water and observe what was beneath it. A Short Paddle, But Worth the Glide After a quick safety briefing and map overview, we set off with our paddles, expecting a longer route than we actually got. Harvest Caye is only about 1.5 miles long, so we figured we’d ge...

As part of our Caribbean adventure aboard the Norwegian Getaway, one of our much-anticipated stops was Harvest Caye , Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island paradise off the coast of southern Belize. While we were hoping for white sand and sun-soaked beach lounging, the weather had other plans — a tropical storm had just passed through, leaving behind chilly breezes and murky waters . Most guests opted to stay on the ship or venture only briefly into the island, especially since the ocean wasn’t ideal for swimming. A few brave souls still made it into the massive resort-style pool , which is impressively large and comes with a swim-up bar for those seeking a drink with their dip. While we skipped swimming, we decided to take a different approach to exploring… (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Kayaking Through the Mangroves One of the h...

During our recent cruise, we couldn't help but admire the elegant hair sticks worn by the staff. These accessories not only added a touch of sophistication but also showcased a practical way to style hair. Inspired by this, we delved into the world of hair sticks to understand their benefits, drawbacks, and how they compare to other hair accessories.​ (Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Why Choose Hair Sticks? Hair sticks have been used for centuries across various cultures, offering a blend of functionality and style. Here are some reasons to consider incorporating them into your hair routine:​ Gentle on Hair : Unlike elastic bands or metal clips, hair sticks are typically gentle on the hair and do not cause breakage or damage. ​ Orangerium Versatile Styling : They can be used to create a variety of hairstyles, from simple bu...

Toor dal, also known as pigeon peas or arhar dal, is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, especially in South Indian households. Its mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite for dishes like sambar, dal tadka, and Gujarati dal. When cooked with turmeric and a pinch of salt, it's often enjoyed with rice and a dollop of ghee—a nostalgic comfort food for many.( ​ Vegan Richa +4 The Times of India +4 Wikipedia +4 | Pricooked | ) Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.)  Nutritional Highlights of Toor Dal Toor dal is not just delicious; it's also packed with nutrients: ​( thinkyou.in ) Protein : Approximately 10.36 grams per cooked cup, making it an excellent plant-based protein source. ​( The Times of India ) Fiber : Around 8.7 grams per cup, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. ​( The Times of India ) Essential Minera...

One of the most surprising—and delightful—food experiences on our cruise aboard the NCL Getaway wasn’t in a specialty restaurant, but in the Garden Café buffet . Each day, among the endless options of international cuisine, we found ourselves returning to a warm, humble dish that quickly became a favorite: dal . Yes, dal ! A comforting, soul-warming Indian lentil stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. We didn’t expect to find such authentic flavors at sea, but this dal was delicious—flavorful, creamy, lightly spiced, and satisfying every single time. What is Dal? Dal (also spelled daal or dahl) is a staple of Indian cuisine , and there are countless variations across the regions of India. The version we tasted on the cruise was made from chana dal , which are split yellow chickpeas. When cooked, they break down into a hearty, creamy stew packed with earthy flavor and a comforting, nutty aroma. We were so impressed, we had to learn more—and even looked up how to make it ourselves! ...

As self-proclaimed foodies, we’ve been on a mission to try a little bit of everything aboard the NCL Getaway. From Garden Café’s international buffet spreads to the sit-down classics at Taste, Savor, and The Manhattan Room, we've sampled plenty—and yes, we’ve been known to sneak a bite (or five) of every Indian dish we could find. But one spot we’ve been eyeing all week is the elegant and oh-so-French Le Bistro , one of Norwegian’s signature specialty restaurants. Le Bistro exudes Parisian charm. We passed by the entrance several times and each time, the cozy, romantic vibe and the mouthwatering menu posted outside called out to us like a French siren song. Rich wood accents, ornate chandeliers, and velvet chairs—it's giving bougie bistro meets the high seas , and we are totally here for it. Now, specialty restaurants like Le Bistro do require reservations (pro tip: book them early either online or through the NCL app to secure your preferred time). We get one specialty dini...

  ( Dessert Disappointment: The Crème Brûlée Letdown One dessert we were excited to try  at the sit downs was the crème brûlée (imaged) , but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to our expectations. While it looked beautifully presented, it was too cold when eating , which took away from the rich, creamy texture we were hoping for. Not exactly the decadent finish we wanted to our meal!) --- Dining Aboard the NCL Getaway: A Culinary Adventure One of our favorite things about cruising is the food, and we were excited to explore and compare the different dining experiences aboard the NCL Getaway . With so many options, from complimentary sit-down restaurants to the ever-popular buffet, we made it a mission to try as much as we could. Complimentary Dining: Savor, Taste, and The Manhattan Room Included with boarding are three main complimentary sit-down restaurants: Savor, Taste, and The Manhattan Room . These restaurants serve the same menu each night, with classic entrees availab...