Oma’s Old-Fashioned Rouladen

traditional

Back in the 40s and 50s, when my German mother-in-law (aka “Oma”) was a young girl in Northern German, rouladen was her family’s traditional Christmas dinner.

Now, this classic meal is a common Sunday supper all over Germany, but back then, when money was tight, Rouladen was a special treat served only once a year.

What is Rouladen?  Chuck roast is wrapped around bacon, onion and spices then simmered in pan gravy for hours until it becomes tender and flavorful.  This recipe has been passed down through Oma’s family for generations.  Oma learned it from her late mother who learned it from hers, etc. etc.  Since Oma has been visiting, we decided to capture this recipe for our official family record, but you can enjoy it as well.

So I present to you Oma’s Old-Fashioned Rouladen.

Oma’s Old-Fashioned Rouladen

  • 10 strips of chuck roast cut thin, approximately 3 3/4 pounds
  • 15-20 strips of bacon
  • yellow mustard
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large onion, cut in half and sliced very thin
  • vegetable oil
  • water, divided
  • sour cream, optional
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)

Serves 8-10.

ROLLING

Take a strip of chuck roast.  It should be about 1/4 inch thick.  If it is too thick, pound it down to the correct thickness.  Spread the meat with a thin layer of mustard, then sprinkle with pepper and salt (go easy on the salt).  Put a strip or two of bacon on the meat.  This depends on how wide your meat is.  You don’t want the bacon to stick out the side.  Cover that with a thin layer of sliced onions.

Starting at the small end, roll the meat with its contents into a tight cylinder.  Using kitchen twine (or in Oma’s case, sewing thread), tie this bundle tightly.

BROWNING

Put about 2-3 tablespoons of oil in the bottom of a heavy sauté pan.  When the oil is hot, add the rouladen, and cook, turning as necessary, until it is very brown on all sides.  This takes about 22-28 minutes.  When the meat is very very brown all over, place them in an oven.

Heat about 2 cups of water in small saucepan until hot.  Pour the water into the sauté pan that you used to brown the rouladen and scrape up the drippings.  Eventually, this will be the gravy.  Pour this sauce over the meat in the dutch oven.  If you didn’t get everything from the pan, add a little more water, scrape again and pour that over the meat.  Oma says this is very important.  Add enough water so that it covers about 2/3 of the meat.

SIMMERING

Bring to a boil on the stove top, then reduce heat, cover and simmer very low for 1 1/2 hours.  After the meat is tender, remove it to a plate covered with foil to stay warm.

GRAVY

Whisk together 1/4 cups flour and 1/4 cup water until smooth.  This mixture will be the consistency of cream.  Turn the heat off on the pot and add about 1/2 this mixture to the pan juices whisking until it is incorporated.  Then turn the heat back on and simmer until it thickens.  Just before serving, mix in approximately 1/4 cup of sour cream (optional).  Taste for seasoning.

Guten Appetit!

https://www.livinthepielife.com/2011/02/omas-old-fashioned-rouladen/

Northern Cape

The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest province and a must-see destination.

Exploring a land of ancient deserts, deep canyons, winding rivers and unique flora, the Northern Cape promises an unsurpassed experience.

The Northern Cape is all about wide open spaces, a magnificent coastline and a number of unequaled National Parks offering the tourist a very different experience of the South African experience.  Northern Cape’s sheer size, clear skies, elaborate sunsets, dazzling starry nights and incredible silence is mesmerizing.

The ideal habitat for some of the country’s most beautiful and exciting predators and prey. Experience the solitude of the landscapes, the heat of the sun on your shoulders as you explore the game reserves and parks of this fascinating part of South Africa.

The Northern Cape has always been a family-friendly destination and the region has a distinct and rugged natural beauty.

The natural beauty of the Northern Cape, is enhanced by its enigmatic wildlife. From the “Small Five” to the Big Five, watching wild animals at close range is something truly unforgettable.

Just thinking of the Karoo and its endless wilderness plateau, unique flat-topped koppies, warm hospitality, wide open spaces and mysteries.

Each region will capture the imaginations of those who dare to explore its rugged mountains, endless flatlands and undulating dunes. There’s an outdoor adventure activity or experience for everyone.

Why good accommodation

For most of the people, the main purpose of holidays is to enjoy extravagant time with their family and friends.

The foremost advantage that you will get while accommodating at Karreekloof is the warm welcoming faces of the staff members.

Comfortable accommodation facilities play a very important role in popularizing any tourist destination. If a person, who is quite far away from home, gets to enjoy the same facilities and comforts as he enjoys at his home, then he is bound to become attached to the place.

The accommodation provides safety for all those travelers who are unaware of new places.

When booking holiday accommodation, almost every single person just wants the pleasure and relaxation he or she imagine they will have. Comfortable beds, good food and one hell of a good experience.  These are the reasons why unlimited stories must be told, memories must live on and coming back for more is a must on your new year’s list!

Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise, it is not luxury.

If in any doubt, don’t be.  Put your mind at ease, Karreekloof has the luxury to let you feel more than comfortable. Come and kick your shoes off, make a toast, relax and gaze at the beautiful stars.

Karreekloof awaits you!

Personalized guest experience

Personalization is a concept that lies at the very heart of the travel industry: the art of making people feel at home.

The key to successfully personalizing the guest experience is to know your customers, thanks to technology all is changing.

For most of the human population, meeting their personal needs are quite a satisfaction. It’s nice to know that when you visit places and you overnight that they meet your personal needs. It is always said that at the end of a relaxed holiday and you are back home there is nothing better than sleeping in your own bed.

How nice will it be that while you’re on vacation or maybe just on a weekend break, it really feels like home, just with a little bit more flair.  As a typically Karoo person, we love long, good and interesting conversations, delicious food and a good night’s rest.

After all, kindness and good stories alongside the campfire doesn’t cost much.

Every experience that you take on must ensure pure excitement at the end of the day. So that one day all of these extraordinary stories may be told next to the campfire of Karreekloof for the young ones to hear.

It sure is nice to have peace of mind, that when you check in at a certain place and the people receiving you know exactly who you are, where you come from and what your likes and dislikes are.

Here at Karreekloof, we love the taste of good food, we laugh often and we enjoy sitting next to the campfire. You can be assured of a good night’s rest and plenty enough fresh air.

Come and relax with us, lick your fingers clean after a good meal and enjoy the campfire stories.

Wildlife photography tips

The day breaks, with the wind that starts to light up from early morning. I hear the windmill wheel cracking while turning slowly.

Thinking, how do the people who call themselves photography experts takes such beautiful scenery scenes? Well, it looks so easy with those grand lenses of them. But what makes that special moment to press the button? Google is wonderful to find out, but it’s about the moment you find yourself in. That perfect time and the perfect place where the particular moment or picture is captured. Many people can look at the same picture but not many people see the same picture. That makes every moment so special. Let’s look at some of the experts’ advice:

They say that the most important tip is to ‘Train Your Eye’ a photographer’s most important tool.  First, look at a scene, close your eyes and open them again. Does the scene cause the same effect as when you first saw it?  Go for walks and practice framing in your mind different scenes.

Beginners photography:  it can be overwhelming because photography is about more than pointing a camera and pressing a button.  It’s about getting a shot to match your vision.  Don’t shoot your subject straight at eye level every time.  Change your elevation, your angle, your distance.

That golden hour occurs generally about an hour or so before sunset and an hour after sunrise and produces some of the gorgeous light ever.  At that moment you should start taking your landscape shots.

Get in close, the closer you are to the subject, the better you can see facial expressions too.

Shoot every day as much as you can that is the only way you can practice your skills.  Before you raise your camera, see where the light is coming from, and use it to your advantage.  If it is an extremely bright day outside and the sun is creating harsh shadows on your subject, switch on your flash.

Be present, make eye-contact, engage and listen to your subject.  With the eyes – lower that camera and be human.  Bring the camera up for a decisive shot.  Keep it simple, don’t try to pack too many elements into your image; it will just end up looking messy.  Shade can be your best friend.  If there is no way you can make the available light work for your photo, shoot in the shade.

Never shoot with the sun directly behind you.  It creates boring, flat light on the subject.  If you shoot with the light source to the side or behind the subject, you are able to shape with the light, creating a more interesting photo – Patria Jannides

With time, patience and perseverance, you will get better; with each and every photo you take!  Make jokes, natural smiles on photos are much better than to say: ‘smile’.

Break the rules, experiment and have fun.  Learn from your mistakes and make memories where ever you go!

A true safari experience at Karreekloof Lodge

Karreekloof is an incredible place, the only one of its kind.

On the road to Karreekloof with the big star country surrounding him, and wide-open spaces where the sun is so slow that the colors slowly change from yellow to deep orange and pink. Here you literally feel the goosebumps on your skin, it’s like magic.

In Swahili, the word safari means ‘journey’. Take the ‘journey’ to Karreekloof Lodge with its natural beauty and its breathtaking wildlife with endless wilderness plateau and warm hospitality.

Karreekloof is a family-friendly destination, its sheer size, clear skies, elaborate sunsets, dazzling starry nights and incredible silence, is mesmerizing.

Come and experience the endless landscapes, feel the heat of the sun on your shoulders as you explore the upper Karoo with its wide-open spaces.

Relax, enjoy a sundowner in a peaceful evening, take in so much fresh air that your toes will turn around. A must-see destination rich in history. Sit back and relax at our own trading store, shake it up with a milkshake and take a look through our own little shop.

The Karoo has a rich human record. People have continuously inhabited the area, so as I would say:  The Upper Karoo is a cool place, you just got to love it!

Nature gives in so many ways – we just need to tune in.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” – Helen Keller

Agricultural road to Karreekloof

The world we live in today, we sometimes miss the little things in life that actually provide life itself.

The food we eat, the food animals live on and clothing that protects our bodies. Take the time to appreciate the beauty of agriculture.  So, start thinking:

Once in a while maybe, just maybe in a totally impulsive moment, you decide on taking a road trip and of course, it must be one to be planned to perfection, one not to be forgotten easily.  Not everyone has the same taste in destinations on where to go. But what if your decision is based on taking route N12 into the upper Karoo to a farm not far from a little town called Strydenburg. By now your head is spinning and thinking but what to do and see while taking this route to this farm I need to see, to spend some quality time and to understand the history of the name Karreekloof.

Agricultural things to do on your route to Karreekloof:

Stimulus your taste by taking a little detour to Jacobsdal where a peaceful and calm atmosphere Landzicht Winery will greet you and where you as a visitor are welcome for tasting and a tour through the winery.  Landzicht Winery has two cellars – one in Jacobsdal and one in Douglas.

Or, what about something a little bit sweeter maybe something a little bit Italian?  A brand-new Farm-Foods-Fabric opened at Modderivier next to the N12 where you can find nice pasta and delicious cookies.

In light for a movie feeling? But this time the movie takes you to greener pastures. Biggie Popcorn and country shop in Hopetown, has been popping the most scrumptious, crunchiest and the freshest popcorn.

Getting in the mode for that farm feeling.  Britstown Farmstall sells jams, chutneys, canned fruits, dried fruits, quince sweets, fruit sweets, homemade ginger beer, lemon syrup, rusks, biscuits, spices and much more.

Or just take a break at Victoria Trading Post Stop in Victoria Wes for some ginger beer, succulent biltong, and preserves, only because you want to take in as much as possible fresh air, after all, it’s a road trip to your final destination, Karreekloof.

Live your journey!!

An authentically educational experience

Teenage Volunteering

Teenage volunteering is fantastic way to make new friends, see the world, and participate in unique and incredible community service initiatives. Join GoEco on fantastic programs around the globe, all organized to accommodate teenagers. All volunteers will receive certificates of completion. These projects are amazing resume-builders, great for college and job applications. Teenage volunteering abroad is also a great way to cultivate the foreign language you are studying in school, meet incredible people, and of course do your part to give back to less-fortunate communities abroad.

Teach Children and Surf in Cape Town

Volunteer at a surf and adventure club for children from disadvantaged areas in Cape Town. Be part of an opportunity for children to learn life lessons and stay off the streets. Volunteers receive surfing lessons during the school day and help teach the kids after school.

Cape Town Orphan Care

 

Travel to the exciting tourist destination of Cape Town, South Africa, and give back to the orphaned children in extremely under-served communities. Teach, mentor, and play with these children who desperately seek attention and care.

Cape Town Physical Education and Sports

Spread your passion for sports to children who have had few opportunities to learn and develop their skills in a structured yet fun environment. Inspire children to set goals and stay active, both on and off the sports field.

Orphanage and Teaching in Victoria Falls

 

Volunteer in the majestic and beautiful Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe! Make an impact in the lives of at-risk children by showing them that you care! Have fun, meet new people, and learn about Africa and its incredible culture.

Under 18 Community Involvement

This is the ultimate teen volunteer adventure experience! Enjoy the culture and beautiful beaches while you help with construction and renovation projects at local schools.

Cape Town Community Projects

 

Make an impact on communities living in Cape Town settlements through education, skills development and community improvement projects.

  • Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana

South African cultural experiences

Hanging with South Africans

But nothing beats actually meeting people. South Africa’s many cultural villages offer a close-up insight into the country’s traditional cultures. In the major centers, township tours – conducted with sensitivity and pride – will put you in touch with real South Africans and their history. In the rural areas, community tours will help you get to know the country through the eyes of those who live here. You can discover ancient Setswana astronomy through the lens of a grandmother with an intimate knowledge of the ancient traditions. Or how about being taught to cook line fish the traditional way by the fishing community in Kalk Bay?

Cradle of Humankind

And remember, no matter where you’re from, this is where your roots are. It’s pretty much accepted that human life started in Africa. Most people look at the world differently after a tour of the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg – one of the richest hominid fossil sites in the world. Fossilized footprints near Cape Town, and the wealth of rock paintings and surviving shelters in KwaZulu-Natal’s Drakensberg mountains and elsewhere in the country, all testify to humanity’s origins on this ancient continent.

Wars, apartheid, reconciliation

More recently, South Africa’s history has been one of conflict and confrontation, but also of reconciliation and restitution. You can explore the battlegrounds where the bloody events that shaped the country took place.From Isandlwana or Talana in KwaZulu-Natal to Soweto in Johannesburg or Langa in Cape Town, our land tells a story – but one that can be difficult to interpret, so it’s worth doing a guided tour. We show the wounds of our past – visit the Women’s Monument in Bloemfontein, or the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. But we also announce our new-found unity. A trip to Robben Island will show just how powerful that attitude can be. We’ve taken a place of oppression, isolation and despair and turned it into a symbol of forgiveness and hope. That’s what South Africans are doing with the whole country.

SA info reporter and South African Tourism

Searching for escape, authenticity and identity: Experiences of ‘lifestyle travelers’

If individuals are seeking „experiences‟ through the vehicles of leisure and tourism, how can researchers begin to understand experiences from a participant perspective? Certainly, this is a complex question that is not satisfied with the simple assumption that individuals seek to escape to authentic experiences. Nonetheless, the theories surrounding escapism and authenticity have been historically relied upon in various attempts to understand participant experiences in leisure and tourism. However, recent post structural approaches have questioned both the possibility of escape and the grounds for authenticity, hoping to bury both of these concepts on the basis of their relativity.

 

Deconstruction has threatened the validity of the meanings and rewards that individuals may perceive in experiences by favoring discourse over subjectivities. The resultant backlash has re-emphasized „self‟, as individual worldviews have been relied upon to re-justify escape as a state of mind and shift the focus of authenticity away from „objectivity‟ and instead towards the authenticity of subjective experiences. With this, movement has come a wealth of research on identity as the notion of searching for a stronger sense of self has gained momentum as a useful tool in understanding leisure and tourism experiences.

 

Existential authenticity

 

Is described as a process of „being in touch with one “sinner self, knowing one’s self, having a sense of one’s own identity and then living in accord with one’s sense of oneself‟

 

Conclusion

 

Modern theories on seeking escapism, authenticity and identity point to each of these concepts as critical in understanding dimensions of tourism and leisure experiences. Although the actual possibility of escape, an objective basis for authenticity and the concept of self have all been subject to deconstruction, the lifestyle travelers in this study seemed to have taken little heed of the supposed „illusion‟ at the basis of their searching efforts. Indeed, the case study has demonstrated that some individuals still seek experiences that allow for feelings of escape and a stronger sense of identity, and that meaning and value may be attached to experiences that provide for these perceptions.

 

Sources:

Cohen, E. (1988) Authenticity and commoditization in tourism. Annals of Tourism Research                  15,371– 386.

 

Cohen, E. (1995) Contemporary tourism  trends and challenges: Sustainable authenticity or contrived post-modernity? In R. Butler and D. Pearce Change in Tourism: People, Places, Processes

(pp. 12-29). London: Rout ledge.