Les Legumes. Painting by Jacques Pepin

By Carolyn Worthington

“You can go into an art studio and mix yellow and red. Does that make you an artist? You are first a craftsman. With talent you become an artist,” said Jacques Pépin, one of the world’s greatest chefs, who should know. He honed his craft and developed his talent over 83 years as a chef, author, TV celebrity, culinary instructor, and even as a painter.

Jacques Pepin, teacher, with student at Boston University culinary arts program

Pépin is best known as the author of 29 cookbooks, including Jacques Pépin Complete Technique, the updated Jacques Pépin New Complete Technique, Essential Pépin: More Than 700 All-Time Favorites from My Life in Food, and, most recently, Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories.

Many people are not aware of his other skill as an artist.

The winner of 16 James Beard Awards, Pépin has starred in 13 PBS cooking shows out of his 26 shows over 35 years. In 2004, Pépin was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor. For over 30 years, he has taught at Boston University where he developed the culinary arts program, BU Food and Wine, along with Julia Child and the program’s founding director, Rebecca Alssid.

Pépin’s youthful demeanor, winning smile, and rugged good looks belie a man in his eighth decade.

Here is a man, who along the way, has survived a life-threatening car crash resulting in multiple fractures, a mild stroke, and hip replacement, but he keeps going and never gives up. Standing for two hours to teach cooking classes is still part of his routine. Pépin is certainly an inspirational “poster boy” for successful aging.

Being a Great Chef

Pépin’s views on what makes a great chef are similar to his views on being a talented artist. “I don’t believe a professional chef can be a professional chef without being a technician first. That said, I know a fair amount of chefs who are technical but do not have talent,” he said.

It is perhaps for this reason that Pépin has stressed the importance of learning techniques—the basics of cooking and art—throughout his teachings, cookbooks, and art.

Pépin’s rise from a blue-collar kitchen apprentice in France to a world-renowned chef and recognized artist is an amazing story.

To begin to know Pépin, a good place to start is to read his memoir, The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen.

(Left) Jacques Pepin, at eight months, holding a toy chicken. (Right) Jacques and brother, Roland, holding brother Bichon.

Early Life

Pépin was born in 1935 in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, 43 miles northeast of Lyon and at the base of the Jura Mountains. Nicknamed “Tati” by one of his brothers, he was raised in a close-knit family. His father, Jean-Victor Pépin, was initially a cabinet maker, and his mother, Jeannette Pépin, would be labeled a skilled entrepreneur by today’s standards. He was the middle son of two brothers, Bichon Pépin and Roland Pépin.

“Mamam,” Pépin said, “was strikingly beautiful, with proud, erect posture, high cheekbones, large brown eyes and masses of black curls swept from her forehead. She was a tiny, wrenlike bundle of energy, always on the move.” Perhaps, Pépin became very much like his mother throughout his life.

Family at Chez Pepin

At age six, he was exposed to cooking while at his mother’s side. She opened a restaurant, Hotel L’Amour. This was her first entrepreneurial venture, and she only had the skill of a waitress combined with cooking for her family during wartime rationing and food scarcity.

Alongside his father, Pépin foraged for wild mushrooms and was exposed to wine-making. Summers were spent working on farms, receiving food and board in exchange for doing chores. It was there that he began to learn about local food sources. He attended boarding school but left school early to follow his passion by working in restaurants.

Life during the early war years was at the height of Italy’s war with France, headed up by Benito Mussolini, the fascist prime minister of Italy at the time. Pépin experienced the bombing of Bourg-en-Bresse when his apartment was decimated by the blasts, forcing his mother and brothers to flee. His home was bombed a second time by retreating Germans. He remembers vividly the liberation of Paris being celebrated in his town with an Allied tank coming through and American soldiers throwing chewing gum and candy. For Pépin, it was his first taste of milk chocolate.

At age 13 1/2, Pépin quit school to become an apprentice in a restaurant. As he said, “[I] was an ‘old’ thirteen. I was hardened by the war with its restrictions and bombings with stints away from home and the long absences of Papa,” At this young age, Pépin had already worked in four restaurants and knew that he wanted to be a chef. And so, he started his first apprenticeship in Bourg, France, at the Grand Hôtel de l’Europe.

Next stop was Paris to work at the famed Hôtel Plaza Athénée. It was there that he continued to fine-tune his understanding of the techniques of cooking rather than memorizing recipes. He rotated through the brigade de cuisine (kitchen stations), working with the poissonier (fish cook); the garde manger (keeper of the food) where he prepared food to be cooked, such as cleaning fish and trimming lamb; and the saucier (sauce chef) where he helped prepare sauces.

Military

Pépin was drafted into the military when France was at war with Algeria, which was seeking its independence. He was assigned to Paris to work at the officer’s mess at the Navy’s headquarters, fittingly called the Pépinière. He was brought on to the French office of the treasury first as an assistant chef and then as head chef to Félix Gaillard, the minister of finance. Four months later, the French government toppled, and Gaillard became France’s prime minister. After several more changes in France’s government, Pépin found himself as head chef to then-president of France Charles de Gaulle.

New York

Finishing his military service, Pépin decided to “visit” the United States. This visit has lasted 60 years.

In 1959, at age 23, he secured his first job with the renowned New York restaurant Le Pavillon under Pierre Franey, who would later become famous for his own cooking shows and his “60 Minute Gourmet” column in the New York Times.

While at Le Pavillon, Pépin came to a life-changing crossroads. He was offered the job of White House chef under then-U.S. President John F. Kennedy and simultaneously received a job offer from Howard Johnson, the founder of the famous Howard Johnson’s restaurant chain. Pépin decided to go with Johnson because he had already worked for heads of state with little national or international attention. This was a decision he said he never regretted.

Pépin joined Franey to help Johnson develop new products. He traded in making beef Burgundy for 12 for making clam chowder in 2,500-portion batches. Pépin leaped from dealing in cups, ounces, and teaspoons to gallons, tons, and bushels. For ten years, Pépin learned about food service American-style. He said he still makes New England clam chowder from his “Ho Jo” days … in smaller portions, of course.

Arriving in the U.S. without knowing how to speak English, Pépin enrolled in an English for foreign students course at Columbia University in New York. As a young man who had not completed high school, he decided to apply to Columbia’s School for General Studies for Adults. He was accepted to the program and later graduated. He must have been the perfect lab partner for biology, where rather than dissecting a rabbit, he boned it.

Following Howard Johnson’s, Pépin opened the first soup and salad restaurant in the U.S., La Potagerie on Fifth Avenue in New York in the spring of 1970.

Standing in a restaurant kitchen came to a sudden end for Pépin in 1974 when he was in a horrific car crash, hitting a deer and flipping the car, which exploded. He broke his back and was left with 14 fractures.

After a year of recovery and soul-searching, he decided to focus more on teaching and writing. In addition to the Boston University culinary program, Pépin co-founded the French Culinary Institute in 1984, which would later become the International Culinary Center in New York’s SoHo district. The school has been the launchpad for celebrity chefs such as Bobby Flay, Dan Barber, and Christina Tosi.

Wedding day with Gloria at Craig Claiborne’s house, 1966.

Family Life

During the 1960s and 1970s, many French chefs from the New York area gravitated upstate to Hunter Mountain. Pépin became a ski instructor and met his wife, Gloria, there, to whom he has been married for 53 years. They have one daughter, Claudine Pépin, who was his partner for two of his cookbooks (Jacques Pépin’s Kitchen: Cooking with Claudine and Jacques Pépin’s Kitchen: Encore with Claudine) and was his co-host for PBS cooking shows.

Claudine and her husband, Rolland “Rolley” Bailey Wesen, married in 2003 and have one daughter who has also been the inspiration for a cookbook, A Grandfather’s Lessons: In the Kitchen with Shorey.

Chef’s Ski Race for Jacques

What started as a fun race between small groups of New York chefs who also chose Hunter for their getaway destination became the US Chefs Ski Race.

In 1975, the year following Pépin’s accident, the Chefs Ski Race was started by famous ski school director Karl Plattner and organized by restaurateur Jacky Ruette. It attracted an all-star group of chefs and restaurateurs, including André Soltner of Lutèce, Seppi Renggli of the Four Seasons, Sirio Maccioni of Le Cirque, and the late Pierre Franey, a long-time friend of Pépin’s.

The race was inaugurated to honor Jacques Pépin. The event celebrated its 40th anniversary this past ski season.

Jacques Pepin’s painting, “Jean Michel’s Dining Room”

The Artist Within

During stays at Hunter Mountain, Pépin and Gloria would often restore old furniture. In 1962, he started dabbling in painting. He said, “I’ve been painting for 60 years.”

Pepin’s art started with menus.

It started with menus. Whether preparing a meal for his friends and family or a gala event for a celebrity host, the hand-written menu and colorful illustrated border became a signature of the meal as sentimental as the chef who created it. Over the years, the collection grew into 12 thick books of menus.

When he flips through the pages, he reminisces about the menu he drew for his daughter’s fourth birthday—with her handprint in the middle—made by dipping her hand in a plate of red wine. For other events, he also noted the wine itself, sometimes with the label. Guests would sign it, and, for special meals out, so would the chef who prepared it.

“The Cock” painting by Jacques Pepin

Some of Pépin’s menus have been turned into limited-edition prints using a giclée technique that requires specially formulated inks and specialty papers, resulting in the highest possible quality for each print. Just like any meal coming from Pépin’s kitchen, if his name is attached to it, quality is expected.

Many years ago, an art critic showed up at an informal showing of Pépin’s work and assumed that the pieces were created by five different painters. The styles were that different. When Jacques replied that everything, from realistic to impressionist and abstract, was all his, the critic was astonished.

Jean Pierre’s Kitchen Acrylic on canvas. Painting by Jacques Pepin

His method? “The process is intuitive,” Pépin said. Just like cooking. “It feels right, it belongs there, and it fits, just as a cook adds a dash of salt, pepper, or wine to a sauce to get the taste exactly right. You cannot suppress the subconscious, certainly in art, especially abstract or surrealistic, where the unconscious or subconscious is the source of inspiration.”

Although Pépin sees the similarity between cooking and painting because you use your hands for both, one obvious difference is that a meal is gone after you eat it. You can replicate it to a point, but the feeling and the mood and the subtle flavor differences of each fresh ingredient mean that each meal is savored and enjoyed, and then it’s gone, leaving a memory. A painting, on the other hand, stays with you and brings that feeling back every time you look at it.

Pigs. Painting by Jacques Pepin.

Whether a culinary-inspired seasonal menu, an interpretation of fresh flowers, a glimpse outside the window, or one of the many fun chickens and roosters from Pépin’s Chicken Coop Farm-to-Frame collection, the sentimental side of Jacques Pépin is visible through the artistry of Jacques Pépin.

“I don’t know whether my painting has helped my cuisine, or whether my cooking has helped my painting, and I don’t know if one borrows from the other,” said Pépin. “All I know is that, certainly for me, cooking and painting can live in harmony together. Both are different expressions of who I am and both enhance my life considerably.”

On his website, Jacques Pépin Art jacquespépinart.com, his artistry is offered in the forms of original art, limited-edition, signed fine-art prints, gallery-size prints, hand-drawn menu prints, and small gift sets.

Giving Back

Three years ago, in 2016, with Claudine and Rolley Wesen, the Jacques Pépin Foundation was created. This provided an opportunity for the Pépin family to give back to the community. The mission is to support community kitchens that offer free life skills and culinary training to adults who have difficulty finding employment. The programs offer help to those who were previously incarcerated, homeless, involved in substance abuse, who have low skill or education level, or a lack of work history.

To answer “what makes a great chef,” you need to understand the breadth of the chef’s career. It must be more than a technician or a talented creator. The answer resides in Pépin, who has done it all and has kept going.

The secret to his longevity can be summed up in his words,

“I like copious glasses of wine with my food and I do not like to eat alone.

I need family and friends to enjoy the dishes and the pleasure of dining.”

To learn more about Jacques Pepin’s art, click here.

To try some of Jacques Pepin’s recipes, see some recipes below.

By Carolyn Worthington

When I was 20 years old and about to graduate from New York University, a passion for writing engulfed me. At that impressionable age, I thought I could combine my interest in writing, photography, and food and make it my career.

Should I go to cooking school, I wondered? Work in a restaurant? Start sending queries to magazines for freelance article assignments?

One day on a commuter train into New York, I read an article in the New York Times about a chef named Jacques Pépin who had worked for former French President Charles de Gaulle and who was about to open the “first soup and salad restaurant” in the United States—right here on Fifth Avenue.

La Potagerie. Photo: The Apprentice published by Houghton Mifflin

It was 9 a.m. I got off the train, marched over to La Potagerie, and knocked on the door to see if this French chef could answer my question. Should I go to cooking school in France?

A sympathetic and charming young man unlocked the glass door of the restaurant on Fifth Avenue.

“Just wondering,” I asked. “Do you think I should go to cooking school to learn how to cook and become a food writer?”

“Come in my dear,” Pépin said. “Let me get my friend Helen McCully [then food editor of House Beautiful and a cookbook author] on the phone. Let’s ask her!”

And so, we did.

Jacques Pepin with food editor, Helen McCully. Photo: The Apprentice.

McCully thought it was a great idea. After hanging up the phone, Pépin turned to me and said, “Yes, cooking school would be a good idea. But if you really, really want to learn to cook, you need to learn the ‘basics’—the ‘techniques’ of cooking. Then you will be a cook. And to do that, you should go to the Hôtel Plaza Athénée and ask if you can be an observatrice [observer] in their kitchen. They won’t pay you, of course, but there you will learn the techniques.”

And so, I did.

Actually, I did both. I attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris and became an “observatrice” in the kitchen of the grand Hôtel Plaza Athénée. It was there that I assisted the “chef garde manger” (keeper of the food) by preparing food for grilling. Another day was spent with the grillardin (the grill chef) and at a station where the pans for sauteing veal were bigger than me, which presented quite the challenge for dumping the excess oil into a grease pit of sorts on the floor.

Time with the entremetier (vegetable chef) exposed me to the art of paring potatoes into pretty shapes (mine were not good!). And of course, I had the chance to work with the pâtissier (pastry chef), helping to ice cakes and running in and out of his ice-cold, absolutely freezing freezer for ice cream. What a glorious time for me, but my inexperience, I am sure, was amusing for the all-male chefs.

Upon my return, I thought for sure that I would be hired by the New York Times for its food pages.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. In those days, entry-level jobs were secretarial (“Can you type, dear?”), and the cherished food page editorial jobs were held onto for years and years.

Not to be deterred, I did move on to write about food for a food consulting agency. I started a television production company that produced many features and documentaries with food as a theme. And now, Healthy Aging® multimedia has numerous features on food, chefs, cookbooks, along with other lifestyle themes.

Along the way, I circled back to Pépin by featuring him in one of the Healthy Aging® documentaries in the 1990s and, most recently, sat in on a class of his at the International Culinary Center in New York where he stood and lectured for an hour and a half in front of a riveted group of alumni. Not bad for an 80-something-year-old!

A young Jacques Pépin hadn’t known that his actions and sincere advice would have such a lasting impact on the eager young student he graciously opened the door on Fifth Avenue for. Although he admits that he doesn’t remember the moment, it was seminal for me and serves as an example of how one person, with one small act of kindness, can change a young person’s life.

Over the years, personally and professionally, I have been exposed to many of the great chefs and cookbook authors. Pépin is certainly at the top of the list.

Learn from Jacques Pépin through His Cookbooks

Those of you who can’t enroll at a cooking school or work in a restaurant kitchen right now will find any of Pépin’s books to be excellent tutorials for learning cooking techniques—the basis of all fine cooking.

In addition to great recipes, Pépin’s books often include special tips, his time-tested techniques, as well as glimpses into his family, social, and business lives. One thing is for certain: Pépin has always surrounded himself with wonderful people, family, and true friends (as well as great food!) and has proven that he is not only a great chef and teacher but also a man of great character.

If there is one theme that resonates throughout Jacques Pépin’s 30-some books, it is the importance of cooking techniques.

“Today the food world is fundamentally different than it was when I published my first book, The Other Half of the Egg, with Helen McCully, then the food editor of McCall’s, in 1967,” Pépin said. “Interest in cooking, cookbooks, restaurants, markets, organic food, nutrition, and diets is at an all-time high … While trends change, basic techniques do not, whether it’s boning a chicken, cooking an omelet …

“Regardless of fashion, though, I always strive for the ‘proof of the pudding’: good food on the plate … I still poach an egg in the classic way, but now, instead of serving it with hollandaise sauce, I might serve it with some vegetables and a sprinkling of olive oil.”

If you are a collector of cookbooks, want to brush up on your culinary skills, or just want to start learning proper techniques for the first time, I recommend any of Pépin’s books.

With Pépin at your side, learn from the master chef himself, continue developing your culinary repertoire of techniques, and be inspired as I have been for many years.

Perhaps he will inspire you, too.

See some of our favorite recipes from his many cookbooks below: Stuffed Pork Tenderloins on Grape Tomatoes, Salmon Tostadas, Instant Beef Tenderloin Stew, Crusty Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce and Chicken Breasts with Garlic and Parsley.

To get there, it takes three hours by plane from Australia, 13 hours from Los Angeles, 16 hours from Chicago, and almost a full day from New York City. The spectacular scenery, adventure activity, and amazing food and wine make the trip especially worthwhile.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the seasons are opposite of those in the U.S. with summer from December to February and winter from June to August.

Photo: Deposit Photos

Cultural Melting Pot

A wonderful melting pot of cultures, New Zealand culture is influenced by the Maori, the indigenous people, and the Europeans who arrived later. A third of the land is protected through parks and reserves, making New Zealand’s wilderness inviting and spectacular. The intertwining of gorgeous landscapes and wine and food experiences with adventurer tourism makes New Zealand a top contender on many people’s travel wish lists.

North Island and South Island have much to offer. If you’re about to embark on your first trip to Kiwi country, you might like to try this special tour arranged by Active Adventures …

Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. Photo: ActiveAdventures.com

Explore the South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for its mountains, lakes, and glaciers. The Southern Alps, home to 3,764-meter-high Mt. Cook, run along the entire length of the island. In the southwest is Fiordland National Park, home to the steep-sided fiord Milford Sound. In the north is Abel Tasman National Park, known for its trails and ocean kayaking. And Queenstown is famed for adventure sports like bungee jumping and skiing.

What better way to explore New Zealand than with a guided tour combining walking, hiking, jet boating, and more.

Camile and Mitch Lindborg on walking tour.

Hear From the Travelers

Mitch and Camille Lindborg, 65 and 56 respectively, searched for a walking tour that wasn’t too strenuous. They were looking for a way to combine walking with water activities, ranging from boating to the beach. They found the perfect trip with Active Adventures “Elegant South – Kakapo.”

“All we had to do was to show up. They took care of everything,” said Mitch.

“There were nine people in our group, so it was very personalized,” Camille said. “We would hike for a couple of hours and sometimes picnic or take a swim with the picnic on the beach. The scenery is too incredible like Talisman Park. The beaches are beautiful and the water warm. Plus, we were always learning about the flora, fauna, and local culture.”

For the Lindborg’s, the nice casual pace was perfect. “The guides took us to places you might not get to on your own. We loved it!” Camille said.

Martin O’Connor on walking tour. Photos courtesy of Martin O’Connor

Martin O’Connor, a man in his early 70s and who lives in Vancouver, had had New Zealand on his bucket travel list for a number of years. He first dreamed of rafting, kayaking, and serious hiking, but he decided to tone down his over-the-top energetic ideas with the choice of a hiking trip combined with time at the beach, visits to wineries, and excellent cuisine. His research led him to the tour operator Active Adventures because of the small group size, professionalism, and personalized attention.

“The walks were fairly easy going with some up, some down, and traipsing over rocks. This was something I could handle. I wasn’t the fastest one in the group, but a guide always made sure I was okay,” O’Connor said.

Active Adventures offers the ultimate guided tour of South Island, led by local hosts who are proud of their Kiwi roots and offer professional, warm, and relaxed tours in small groups of no more than 14 travelers.

“You need to be reasonably fit. I do work out and go to the gym. The walks were challenging, but we weren’t climbing up the sides of the mountains,” said O’Connor. “My advice to anyone who thinks about traveling to New Zealand is go! People are extremely friendly and courteous, and you’ll find a certain ambiance there that is really special.”

Thinking of taking a walking tour of New Zealand?

Hiking in New Zealand; Pelorus ‘Circle Walk’. Photo: ActiveAdventures.com

Here’s what the Active Adventures Elegant South – Kakapo adventure offers …

The all-encompassing South Island 11-day journey takes you through picture-perfect coastal areas at the top and bottom of the island. On the trip, you will experience clean, sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, beautiful coves and inlets with turquoise waters, and lush rainforest in the Marlborough Sounds.

You will stay in secluded, comfortable lodges here and on the Hollyford Track, which starts and ends with a spectacular helicopter ride between Milford Sound and the isolated and mesmerizing Martins Bay.

Queenstown provides the perfect anecdote to the tranquility of these areas with its cosmopolitan hustle and excitement. If you’re looking for a broad and varied experience, to relax as well as walk, and enjoy the unique aspects of the finest coastal areas, then look no further.

Picnics are part of the adventure. You will be treated to local foods and wines, and along the way, you will learn about the land and culture of New Zealand.

Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo: ActiveAdventures.com

Activity Level

The Kakapo tour suits people who enjoy short walks and traveling without sacrificing any of the comforts of home. Typically, walks on the Kakapo trip range between one and three hours to complete, and there are often shorter and longer alternatives if you prefer. Do call them to talk about the best option for you.

Awaroa. Photo: ActiveAdventures.com

Highlights

Walks (2 to 3 Hours)

Abel Tasman Coast Track Queen Charlotte Track Kaikoura Peninsula Hollyford Track

Cruise

Milford Sound

Plus …

Whale watch in Kaikoura Delicious wines of Central Otago Exploration of Queenstown Helicopter flights to and from Martins Bay in remote Fiordland National Park

FULL DETAILS

For more information, Elegant South Tours

There are several new cookbooks out that are perfect for fall menu planning. We love them and think you will too.

Ground Venison Kabobs with Tomato Jam from The Chef’s Field to Table Cookbook. Recipe from Chef Gordon Hamersley. Photo: Carl Tremblay 

Game: The Chef’s Field to Table Cookbook

From the editors of Covey Rise, a distinctive magazine devoted to the upland sporting lifestyle, comes this comprehensive volume of recipes, stories, techniques, and tips from acclaimed chefs from around the globe.

Throughout the years, Covey Rise has compiled a large inventory of recipes, photographs, and stories that have appeared in the magazine’s pages. Working with exceptional chefs, photographers, and writers from all over the world, Covey Rise is ready to showcase these in a new and exciting way.

With more than 130 game recipes suitable for the home chef, Game: The Chef’s Field to Table Cookbook (© Game: The Chef’s Field to Table Cookbook by Covey Rise, Welcome Books, an imprint of Rizzoli New York 2018)  is the perfect guide for harvest-to-table meals. From elk to rabbit, grouse to quail, and salmon to trout, the chefs featured in Covey Rise teach us how to prepare a myriad of small plates, big and small game, gamebirds and fowl, desserts, drinks, and more. Packed with remarkable stories and striking images, Game immerses us in the fields and kitchens of acclaimed chefs and celebrates the best of the sporting lifestyle.

Here are two recipes from the cookbook that are perfect for fall, Ground Venison Kabobs with Tomato Jam and Ragout of Quail. The ragout is from Chef Gordon Hamersley who said, ““I love cooking quail for the restaurant. They are tasty and people love them. I will never forget the first time when hunting them, and 15 or so quail blasted out in front of me. I’m getting better at focusing on one bird when that happens now, and I hopefully bring one down… But the panic never really leaves me.”

Pesto & Mushroom-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from 5-Ingredient Vegan. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky

5-Ingredient Vegan

By Nava Atlas, author of Vegan Holiday Kitchen and Wild About Greens published by Sterling Publishing, 5-Ingredient Vegan is a new collection of 175 delicious 5-ingredient recipes is for vegans, vegetarians and the veg-curious.

Most of these recipes can be whipped up in less than 20 minutes. The recipes call for fresh produce as well as good quality canned and frozen foods, whole grains and time-saving off-the-shelf prepared sauces. If you need help in planning menus, the author offers ideas on how to create a complete meals and gives tips on what dishes go well together.

Several recipes we like are:

Pesto & Mushroom-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

With just three ingredients, this is one of those beautiful, blissfully easy vegan dinner ideas that practically makes itself. The combination of briny pesto, smooth sweet potato, and earthy mushrooms somehow amplifies these three already-delicious components. As for prepared vegan pesto sauces, there are more available than ever. Look for them in the pasta aisle or produce section of supermarkets and in natural foods stores. My favorite for this dish is artichoke pesto.

Portobello & Coleslaw Wraps

Teriyaki-glazed portobello mushrooms and creamy coleslaw make a dynamic duo in these wraps. They’re perfect for an at-home or portable lunch as well as a light dinner served with almost any kind of soup or a vegetable side dish. Like most other wrap recipes, this one doubles easily.

Scallion Pancakes

Scallion pancakes are a classic appetizer on Chinese take-out menus and are usually safe for vegans. The only problem is that they’re often as greasy as they are irresistible. Here is a homemade recipe that lets you be in control of the oil content. You can serve these scallion pancakes as part of an Asian-themed dinner, and they’re fantastic with many kinds of soups, Asian-inspired or otherwise.

White Bean Minestrone. Photo: Philip Ficks. Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker

Fresh Flavors from the Slow Cooker

By Nicki Sizemore, Fresh Flavors from the Slow Cooker, published by Storey Publishing, is definitely perfect for fall cooking.

For those of us who were cooking in the 70s, we called today’s trendy “slow cooker,” the crock-pot. Some people might remember them from college days or when they started their first jobs and had no time to cook.

What became known as the crock-pot was created by Irving Naxon in 1940 as a cooking appliance to cook a Jewish inspired bean stew, called cholent. In 1970, The Rival Company bought Naxon’s patent and introduced “The Crock-Pot” in 1971.

Today, we all know the appliance as simply “the slow cooker.”

Although a long-time kitchen staple due to its ease of operation, the slow cooker has a reputation for turning out bland and watery dishes. But in Nicki Sizemore’s Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker this trusted kitchen appliance makes a garden-fresh comeback with simple- yet-inventive recipes complete with whole-food ingredients.

Using her skills as a trained chef and recipe developer, Sizemore reinvigorates a favorite method of meal prep with healthy and fun ingredients that breathe life back into using the slow cooker. Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker features 46 recipes for main dishes, along with 31 recipes for quick and vibrant sauces and side dishes to round out the meal. Complete with tips and do-ahead steps for recipes like Thai Curried Chicken and Rice Noodles, Braised Short Ribs with Gremolata, French Toast Casserole, and Vegetable and Quinoa Chili, you are sure to create foodie-approved dishes for any palate.

Whether you are looking for an elegant meal for entertaining, a new dish for game day, or an overnight no-fuss breakfast, Fresh Flavors for the Slow Cooker brings delicious and nourishing meals to your table with ease and reliability.

Two recipes you might enjoy from her book are White Bean & Veggie Minestrone + Pesto and Overnight Pumpkin–Brown Rice Pudding.

By Carolyn Worthington

Sightseeing for sightseeing’s sake has never been the way I travel. Meaningful and purposeful travel is more my style. A weeklong cooking course across the pond, hiking a pilgrimage route, ski lessons to move beyond the bunny trail, or a guided birding trip to a national park are rewarding, experiential, totally different, and fun.

Probably like you, I often make a museum visit a must-do while on any trip. I tend to check out the museum’s most famous art pieces, zip through the other collections, and then make a beeline for a local restaurant, winery, craft brewery, or artisan shop.

The Pyrenees in Catalonia, Spain. Photo: Catalan Tourism Board

Recently, choosing art and culture as a travel theme struck me. Why not build an active vacation around a unique cultural experience? When I ran across the idea of discovering Romanesque art in the Pyrenees, I was intrigued.

A trip focusing on the art and culture of Spain would be new and different. Although I wasn’t an art history major in college, I did love the Art History 101 course I took at New York University with H.W. Janson’s History of Art as my textbook (and which still lies on my bookshelf). Surely, I would be prepared for an art-based vacation. However, I was soon surprised by how an art trip could also be quite the adventure.

As you start your travel research, tourism boards are of course a good source for ideas. The welcoming invitation to all travelers on the Catalan Tourist Board’s website, for example, says it all:

Discover and experience the cultural treasures hidden in every nook and cranny of Catalonia. Come and discover the cultural heritage, traditions, gastronomy, wines, and by doing so fall in love with our culture.

This seemed to encompass all the travel qualities I look for. (I love exploring “nooks and crannies!”)

So, if you are interested in art, culture, religious history, and European history; love to seek out chef-owned restaurants in the country; sample artisan foods, wine, and craft beer; and being active by hiking, kayaking, or canoeing, then discovering Romanesque art in the Pyrenees might just be your next trip.

Romanesque art example. From the monastery of Sant Pere del Burgal (La Guingueta d’Àneu, Pallars Sobirà) on display at the Museum of National Art, Catalonia in Barcelona. Photo: MNAC

First, A Little Bit of History: What Is Romanesque Art?

Romanesque “in the manner of the Romans” art was created from around the second half of the 11th century through the 12th when the Gothic style became in vogue. The name “Romanesque” was actually designated much later in the early 19th century.

The Romanesque style is distinguished by curving barrel vaults, apses, and round-headed arches. The murals and the sculptures carried the biblical theme to keep the Christian followers in line.

Typical designs depicted scenes from the Old and New Testaments, featuring the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ; the apostles and saints; and, sometimes, scary dragons, demons, or other mythical beings.

Over the centuries, in many of these churches, the paintings disintegrated from dampness or were simply painted over as we segued into the next art period: Gothic.

Some were removed and taken elsewhere, making this trip a sort of “magical mystery tour.”

Map of the Pyrenees, Catalonia. Source: Catalan Tourism Board

Discovering Romanesque Art in the Pyrenees

My time traveling trip itinerary coincided with the year of cultural tourism in Catalonia and the 100th anniversary of an effort to preserve church Romanesque frescoes in the Pyrenees, many of which were moved to museums for safekeeping.

Removing these frescoes was no easy feat when you consider that these murals were hand-painted on stone in churches dotting the mountain areas. Catalonia is unique in its efforts to save the paintings by carefully removing them and putting them on display in museums such as in the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona.

Catalonia is and was an area rich in farmlands. Photo: Catalan Tourism Board

To set the stage, imagine that the year is 1100. The Catalonia region, especially in the Pyrenees, was graced with rich farmland, a river, castles, and churches. At the time, this was considered a very special place that could only be reached through winding roads on foot, by horseback, or by horse-drawn wagons. The landscape is similar in many places today.

Churches often had several purposes other than serving as a place to worship. They also served as castles or fortresses, providing safety to the locals, and social gathering spots. Bell towers are typically part of the architecture and were used as sources of communication and protection.

Artists were commissioned to paint murals on the stone walls of the churches. Since people couldn’t read, pictures were used to tell religious stories. “The theory was to control everyone with the fear of god,” one tour guide told me.

These murals were the backdrop to religious activities seen primarily by those who lived in the area, that is, until the first decade of the 1900s.

This is where the mystery tour gets really interesting!

Archives storage of MNAC. Photo: MNAC

How Were the Murals Removed? Where Did They Go?

The account of how the murals were discovered, removed, and put on display elsewhere might fall in the category of “no good deed goes unpunished” or “now what have we done?”

Spoiler alert: all ends well.

In 1904 and again in 1906, the Hiking Club of Catalonia made its way to Vall de Boi to photograph and catalog the paintings. A year later, the Institute for Catalan Studies did the same. The Board of the Museums of Barcelona in good faith, took its cataloging a step further and printed reproductions of the frescoes for public use. This set off a gold rush to get ahold of the art by museums, art dealers, and collectors.

Original Romanesque murals on display at MNAC. Photo: MNAC

“The majority of these paintings come from rural chapels in the Pyrenees and other remote locations in Catalonia,” said Pepe Serra, director of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (Catalonia National Museum of Art), in his introduction to the book Strappo: The Foreign Acquisition of Catalan Romanesque Art by Marti Gironell.

Serra said beginning in 1907, “various attempts came to light of antiquarians and collectors buying the paintings to then sell them in the United States.” This provoked the rapid and successful reaction of the Board of Museums to rescue and transfer the art to the museum in Barcelona.

Said Gironell, “To carry out this task, which could undoubtedly be described as an authentic adventure, they hired the same Italian specialist and restorers who had already participated in the recovery of certain paintings that were eventually exported and sold overseas. The removal of the artworks was managed with a technique that allowed for their extraction and conservation before their subsequent replacement: called strappo.

“… 100 years ago, anyone could take these murals for their home, their dining room. Italian techniques were used to remove the murals from the walls to be sold as paintings.”

In his book, Gironell describes the process of detaching mural paintings this way: First the painting is cleaned, then an agent is applied, detachment cloths are stuck to the mural, the cloths are subsequently removed, a calcium adhesive is prepared, rigid supports are prepared, the mural is removed and adhered to the canvas. And voila! (Or listo!)

Christ in Majesty with Symbols of the Four Evangelists from Santa Maria de Mur on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Photo: © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Two examples of original murals now in the United States are the apse of the church of Santa Maria de Mur, in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Santa Maria d’Urgell Cathedral at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Cloisters in New York.

Original murals on display at the National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC) include ones from Sant Climent de Taull, Santa Maria, Taull; Sant Joan de Boi.

In addition, the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California, has choir chairs from the Catalonia Cathedral in Seo de Urgel.

Some frescos were sold, some discarded.

Many of the original churches in the Pyrenees now have reproductions on display.

You will need to be the judge as to whether or not it was a good thing for these paintings to be removed and put on display in museums.

“It is clear that the rescue operation of all these paintings was itself a form of spoliation,” Serra said. “In the same way, it becomes ever clearer, in my opinion, that it was a success, and that it is precisely thanks to the physical removal of the works that we can enjoy them today in our own country, in a perfect state of preservation, within reach of everyone and with universal impact.

“Both approaches are correct and complimentary; nobody today doubts that the best site for a work of art is the place where it was produced, provided that the necessary conditions of conservation, security, accessibility and all those other factors required for sheltering it are met.

“For this reason, from the Museum’s perspective, the challenge we permanently and necessarily face is to make these paintings known to the whole world, but to do so at all times in direct and constant relationship with the places from which they proceed. This must be done with continuous reference to their original site and by working closely in tandem with those remote parts of Catalonia to help make visible a body of churches, enclosures and landscapes that are sites of world heritage.”

Romanesque Art Tour Itinerary Ideas

Getting there: Fly into Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region.

Insider tip: You might consider Norwegian Air, which bills itself as “the world’s best long haul, low-cost airline.” Norwegian Air offers flights to Barcelona from New York, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Oakland/San Francisco. I took off from Newark Airport. Although the flight was later at night than I’d usually take to Europe (11 p.m.), I immediately fell asleep and woke up feeling much less jet-lagged when I landed at noon the next day. The Dreamliner I took was spacious, comfortable, and on time.

Iberostar Hotel on Paseo Gracia with its panoramic views, rooftop pool and bar. Photo: Iberostar Hotel

Check into the Iberostar Hotel on Paseo Gracia – right in the center of everything. Enjoy a drink on their rooftop and take in the panoramic view of the city.

Begin your tour at the Catalonia National Museum of Art in Barcelona. Rent a car or sign up with a tour operator to visit towns and places in the Pyrenees like Le Seu d’Urgell, Val d’Aran, Vall de Boi, Pallars Jussa county, Solsana Village, Vic and more …

Barcelona

National Museum of Art of Catalonia

Museum of National Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Art)

Begin the Romanesque art trail by first visiting the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), truly a must-see. Originally built for the International Exhibition of 1929, a world’s fair, the museum is said to have one of the largest Romanesque collections of mural paintings in the world.

Sant Climent de Taull mural in Museum of National Art Catalonia. Photo courtesy of MNAC

Here you will see the actual mural lifted from the apse in the church of Sant Climent, and, later, you can visit Sant Climent to see the original church.

The MNAC is a “must see” in Barcelona. Photos courtesy of MNAC

The museum built a replica of the apse to showcase the original mural of an imposing Christ flanked by the symbols of alpha and omega (the beginning and the end). He is holding a book with Latin words meaning “I am the light of the world.” The paintings are almost Picasso-like in style.

After exploring the museum and Barcelona, head out on your Romanesque art trail to either of two valleys to explore the authentic churches: Val d’Aran (a four-and-a-half-hour drive to the northwest) and Vall de Boi (a 3-hour and forty-five-minute drive) from Barcelona. The valleys are an hour-and-a-half drive from each other.

On your way, stop at La Seu d’Urgell, around two-and-a-half hours northwest from Barcelona.

(Left to right) Santa Maria d’Urgell Cathedral exterior and interior. Photo credits, exterior: C.Worthington; interior: La Seui d’Urgell Tourism 

La Seu d’Urgell

Almost a mile-and-a-half high up in the Pyrenees and the province of Lleida, Le Seu d’Urgell lies at the junction of two rivers—Segre and Valira—and is considered a gateway to Andorra.

Spain’s Vuelta a Espana and France’s Tour de France, two major professional cycling races, have passed through Le Seu d’Urgell several times, highlighting the area’s attraction to both road and mountain biking cyclists.

Details to be seen inside La Seu d’Urgell Cathedral. Photo: C. Worthington

Stop at the Santa Maria d’Urgell Cathedral  to see the 11th-century apse, one of the oldest in Catalonia. With its three naves (the central part of the church) and five apses (the semicircular recess often with the alter), the cathedral stands as a jewel of the Romanesque art period.

Try rafting on the artificial whitewater canoe course at the Parc Olimpic del Segre. Photo:

Challenge yourself at the Parc Olimpic del Segre where there is an artificial whitewater canoe course specially built for the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and is now open to the public. The canoe slalom events were held here for both the Olympics and the world championships in 1999 and 2009.

Take a walk through the winding streets of the town and be sure to sample some of the local artisan cheese sold there.

Scenes from Sant Serni Church. Photo: CWorthington

Sant Serni Church

Another stop before Val d’Aran is to Sant Serni Church, located in Andorra, to see the Romanesque style. Winding, narrow roads lead to the small 12th century San Serni church with its view of the valley. Located high up on a hillside, this is where you will see some of the only original murals of the Pyrenees.

Val d’Aran. Photo: visitvaldaran.com

Val D’Aran (Valley of Aran)

Val d’Aran, also known as the “valley of valleys” for its spectacular scenery, borders France and is on the northern side of the Pyrenees. Discover any of the 33 villages, each with its own church, such as Santa Maria de Tredos, Sant Andreu de Salardu, and Santa Eulalia d’Unha.

Discover the beautiful landscape, local cuisine and sports in Val d’Aran. Photo: visitvaldaran.com

In between visits to these churches, there are plenty of opportunities for discovering local cuisine, hiking, cycling, and shopping.

Santa Maria de Tredos. Photo: Wikicommons

Santa Maria de Tredos

The Santa Maria de Tredos church is a classic example of the Romanesque period with its three-nave layout, a barrel vault, and three apses.

Mural on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Cloisters. Photo: Met Cloisters

The murals were painted by “the master of Pedret,” the name given to the artist whose work is seen in several churches. These murals were removed and now appear for the public to see at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Cloisters, high above the Hudson River in New York City.

Apse of Sant Andrèu de Salardú in the village of Salardu. Photo: C. Worthington

Sant Andreu de Salardu

Another example of the Romanesque style, Sant Andreu de Salardu was built with the typical basilica with three apses. The wall paintings here are considered some of the best kept of the Aran Valley.

“Crist d’Unha.” Photo: visitvaldaran.com

Santa Eulalia d’Unha

Santa Eulalia d’Unha, located at the western end of the valley, is another example of the Romanesque style. There you can see Romanesque paintings, along with some from the 16th century. An imposing bell tower was added in the 18th century.

Town of Taull, Vall de Boi, Catalonia, Spain. Photo: Deposit Photos

Vall de Boi

Vall de Boi, a little over three-and-a-half-hour drive from Barcelona in the Catalan Pyrenees and district of Alta Ribagorca, is noted as a magnificent, steep-sided valley in the province of Lleida and best known for its nine Romanesque churches—the highest concentration in Europe—as well as the ski resort Boi-Taull.

Apse of church in Val de Boi. Photo: C.Worthington

Churches to Visit in Vall de Boi

Vall de Boi Romanesque heritage is made up of the churches of San Climent and Santa Maria in Taull, Sant Joan in Boi, Santa Eulalia in Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu in Barruera, la Nativitat in Durro, Santa Maria in Cardet, l’Assumpcio in Coll, and Sant Quirc Hermitage in Durro.

In the 11th century, six or seven priests were servicing the churches. Today, there is only one for all the remaining churches.

Here where “the Pyrenees seem to touch the sky,” you can see many of these churches in one area. Each one shares a similar architectural style to the other churches, all following a basic model that came from northern Italy.

Murals from the churches Sant Climent, Santa Maria in Taull, and Sant Joan in Boi are all on display at the National Museum of Catalan Art in Barcelona. An excellent source of information on the area is the Vall de Boi tourism website and the Romanesque Center of the Boí Valley.

Sant Climent de Taull. Photo: C.Worthington

Light Show Not To Be Missed at Sant Climent

Sant Climent is considered one of the foremost examples of Romanesque art in all of Europe. In 2000, some-900 years after it was built, it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

For a total sensory experience that pulls you back to the 12th century and then to the 21st, I highly recommend seeing the 10-minute “video mapping” show at Sant Climent.

(Left) Sant Climent de Taüll church apse, built around 1123. (Left) Apse where fresco was removed. Photo: C.Worthington. (Right) Video mapping or “light show” reinstating the original fresco. Performance is set to music. Photo: Copyright Playmodes. Centre del Romànic de la Vall de Boí

Seated in a church pew and facing the apse completely devoid of murals or any painting, the experience starts with lights dimmed and an atmosphere of silence.

Slowly, the music builds and through video projection on the original walls, you will see the paintings come to life as if the artist is there working on the mural. Six high-definition projectors are used to achieve this re-creation. As the music builds, the paintings become more complete, with all the details and figures in all of their splendor appearing at the crescendo. The superior quality of the images and colors make this a very special display.

These are the same paintings that you saw at the museum back in Barcelona, but now, you are here and “living” the experience. Truly fantastic!

More To Do in Vall de Boi

While you are discovering the Romanesque art, you can also hike, cycle, and ski in the winter.

If you are a skier, you might want to put Boi-Taull on your list. Noted for its spectacular scenery, uncrowded runs, and high-quality snow, the ski area at 9,000-feet elevation boasts over 40 ski runs, including five green, four blue, 20 red, and 14 black. Welcoming all skier levels are 125 ski instructors, two ski schools, and a snow park for kids and grandkids.

C-Tretze Craft Beer Factory. (Clockwise from top left) Touring inside the brewery; one of the beer styles brewed at C-Tretze; Joel Bastida, one of the founders describes the process of making the craft beer; Joel Bastida, his associate and publisher, Carolyn Worthington. Photos: C. Worthington

Time for a Break: Beer Tasting at Craft Brewery

C-Tretze Craft Beer Factory

Craft brewing knows no borders. The craft beer craze has swept Spain, just as it has in the United States. But beer is nothing new here.

Beer has been brewed in Spain for thousands of years. Fast forward to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and there were only a handful of breweries. Craft beer has only really taken off in the last few years, especially in Catalonia.

One such brewery is C-Tretze Craft Beer Factory  started by young entrepreneurs Joel Bastida and Abel Sanchez. Located in the Pallars Jussa county, the brewery produces nine or 10 beers, producing about 60,000 liters—almost 16,000 gallons—a year. Interestingly, the hops they use come from Yakima, Washington, in the United States. Mostly beer is sold locally. This five-year-old brewery produces special editions for Christmas and a brown ale. This is a very fun place to stop, have a tour, and sample their beers. Check out the C-Tretze Craft Beer Factory website for directions and hours.

View from Aplec Castle Photo: CWorthington

Aplec Castell d’en Mur

The municipality of Castell Mur is most noted for Mur Castle , an imposing 1,000-year-old medieval castle, and the Santa Maria de Mur church.

Santa Maria de Mur church with replica mural. Photo: CWorthington

The church’s mural was sold by the priest of the church in 1919 and moved to Boston. The proceeds of the sale were used to build a new roof but the transaction prompted the Spanish government to become more involved in preserving art in its own country. Some mural remnants are in the Museum of National Art de Catalunya and a small piece remains there.

(Clockwise from top left) Annual procession in May; procession leads to the church; touring Mur Castle; tables set and ready for the feast. Photos: C. Worthington

If you happen to be visiting on the first Sunday of May, you might enjoy the local religious procession and party at the castle. A local and special event where regional foods are served, you will feel a part of a welcoming community if you can be there on that day.

Kayaking to winery across Terradets Lake. Photo: Consell Comarcal del Pallars Jussà

Kayak to a Winery

Grab on to your adventurous spirit and kayak to a local winery. Make your way to Terradets Lake and hook up with Zenith Adventures. There you can rent kayaks and paddle around the lake and to the Mas Garcia Muret winery. Part of the fun is paddling through the reeds on a trail leading to the bank of the winery.

Winery owner, Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Ubis (left); View of vineyards and lake from winery. Photo: C. Worthington

Wine Tasting Panta de Terradets

The Celler Mas Garcia Muret winery is located on the 1756 family estate of Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Ubis on the banks of the Terradets Lake. A small winery that began only nine years ago, it produces 100,000 bottles, primarily from French oak, yearly. Dr. Ubis made a lifestyle change from a florist to a winemaker. His wines are primarily sold locally.

Panta de Terradets winery tour. (Clockwise from top left) Touring the vineyard, the oak barrels. Photos: Consell Comarcal del Pallars Jussà Wines produced by the winery (Photo: C.Worthington); wine production. Photo: Consell Comarcal del Pallars Jussà

Stop in (or paddle in!) for a tasting of wines, including the varieties of red (Tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, and pinot noir) and white (chardonnay, white sauvignon, moscatel, white garnacha, and albariño).

Walking through Solsana Village on ancient street; “Big Heads” costumes. Photo: C. Worthington

Solsona Village and Museum

Next stop: Solsona Village, a walled city with a population of 9,000, located in Lleida province, and dotted with many beautiful squares, small chapels, and fountains.

A unique stop is the Museum of Giants or “Big Heads” . These large figures are 8 to 10 feet tall. Some are over 300 years old. They are used for parades where people don Gothic period costumes and the “big heads.” You need to make an appointment to see the collection of giant figures, including kings, queens, animals, and other zany shapes.

One of the big events here is Carnival, an annual event held in February that attracts thousands of people.

Episcopal Palace Museum, Solsana. Sant Quirze de Pedret church mural in the museum. Photos: C.Worthington

Sant Esteve d’Olius Church

About an hours drive from Solsana, discover Sant Esteve d’Olius Church, another standout Romanesque Church built in 1079.

Sant Quirze de Pedret Church (Church of Sant Quirze de Pedret)

Built in 983, Sant Quirze de Pedret Church was added on to in later centuries. The murals that were created there are now preserved in the Diocesan and Regional Museum of Solsona located in the Episcopal Palace and the National Art Museum of Catalonia and are considered exceptional examples of pre-Romanesque paintings in Western Europe.

Santa Maria de Ripoll Monastery

The monastery of Santa Maria has been expanded on since its beginning in 888. Guided tours there are interesting and recommended.

Scenes from Vic market day. Photo: C. Worthington

Vic

Circling back to Barcelona, stop in Vic, just 43 miles away. Well-known for its dry sausage (Osona) and their special pizza made from the wheat grown here, market days are fun to visit on Tuesdays.

Exterior and collections of the Museu Episcopal de Vic. Photos: Museu Episcopal de Vic

Museu Episcopal de Vic

The Episcopal Museum of Vic boasts a collection of over 29,000 items, including pottery, jewelry, and archeological pieces.

The museum has a large and special collection of Romanesque art, including original mural paintings.

Convinced to Be an Explorer?

If you want to make art history a theme for a trip, certainly Romanesque Art of the Pyrenees is a perfect starting point. Decide to be “an explorer of history, an adventurer who will go back in time,” and you will be rewarded with an adventure of a lifetime.

Restaurants and hotels offer local cuisine, 5-star menus and accommodations.

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY AND RESTAURANTS

As you travel through Catalonia, consider these hotels and restaurants on your “must go” list:

Oleum Restaurant, Barcelona (Located in the Catalonia National Museum of Art)

Hotel Castell de Ciutat La Seu d’Urgell 

Hotel de Rei Llavorsí 

Hotel Manantial Balneari Caldes de Boí Caldes de Boí

Hotel Segle XX Tremp 

Hotel Sant Roc Solsona 

Corpus Restaurant Berga

Hotel La Trobada Ripoll 

Casa Rosa Restaurant Val d’Aran 

Magda Subirana Vic 

For More Information

There are many sources for information to help you plan your trip. Start with the Catalan Tourist Board and then look to many of the individual area tourism boards for more ideas and information. To download a PDF of the article click here: Romanesque Art

Catalan Tourist Board www.catalunya.com

Consell Comarcal de l’Alt Urgell www.alturgell.cat/

Lleida Tourist Board www.turismedelleida.cat

Consell Comarcal del Pallars Sobirà www.pallarssobira.cat

Llavorsí City Hall http://llavorsi.ddl.net/index.php

Val d’Aran Tourist Board www.visitvaldaran.com

Vall de Boí Tourist Office www.vallboi.cat

Consell Comarcal del Pallars Jussà www.pallarsjussa.cat

Solsona Tourism www.solsonaturisme.com

Consell Comarcal del Solsonès www.solsones.ddl.net

El Berguedà Tourist Office www.elbergueda.cat

El Ripollès Tourist Office www.elripolles.com

Costa Brava Tourist Board en.costabrava.org

By Richard Reina

You’re surrounded by it: Every Friday night, the local shopping mall has its “Cruise Night.” While taking a leisurely Saturday drive, you see a line of shiny sports cars headed the other direction. One Sunday morning a month, the local diner hosts a “cars and coffee.” In every case, there are men, women, retirees, young adults, dads, and moms with kids, all chatting, smiling, and enjoying each other’s company. You’re exposed at home, too. You can’t escape the auto restoration shows or car auctions on TV.

What’s going on? The answer is simple: You’ve been witnessing the explosion of the collector car hobby in this country. Although the hobby can be enjoyed by those at all different ages and income levels, those who are “actively retired” may be better able to take part in it because of their greater disposable income and extra free time.

Perhaps your interest is piqued enough that you want to join the hobby. But the first, and biggest, obstacle is that you know practically nothing about old cars. So, how do you start without becoming frozen with the fear of making the wrong decision or getting ripped off? Follow the five steps outlined below.

1955 Chevy Corvette Roadster. Photo: The Henry Ford Museum

1. Make the Commitment But Budget for It

Getting into this hobby requires more than money to purchase a car. Entry-level, operable collector cars can be purchased for a little as $5,000, but you’ll also need:

• Garage space. Don’t even consider leaving a collector car outside! • Insurance. Collector car insurance is available at reduced rates. • Money set aside for maintenance and repairs. No matter how much you spend on the initial purchase, there will be additional expenses. Just be prepared to include that in your budgeting.

2. Buy the Love Affair, Not the Investment

You may have heard stories like, “I bought this car for $400 and sold it for $10,000!” If you watch the auctions, you may hear. “Five years ago, these could be bought all day long for $25,000, and now, you can’t touch them for under $100,000!”

It’s possible, even likely, to make a profit from old cars.

But please don’t let that be the primary factor. It’s a hobby.

If you select a car because someone told you that its value will increase but you don’t like the car, you will never enjoy it. Rather, chase what turns you on.

Never had a convertible? Look for one. Always wanted a European sports car? Aim for that. Missed your chance to buy American muscle when you were young? Now you can.

When it’s time to sell, be thankful if you break even, and if you make a small profit, all the better. But the hobby is much more enjoyable and fulfilling with a car you love. Trust me!

Photo courtesy of  Marshal Steam Museum  at Auburn Heights, Yorklyn, Delaware

3. Join a Car Club—for the Education

Join a car club even before you make a purchase. Why? You’ll gain invaluable insight into various models, avail yourself of technical support, learn about club activities, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. They may know of cars for sale or could accompany you to check one out.

Most hobbyists, in fact, belong to more than one club—a marque-specific club (like the Mustang Club) and a general interest club (like the Antique Automobile Club of America). Clubs have modest annual dues, publish a newsletter, and hold regular meetings. Learn all you can before you make a purchase.

4. Decide on a Level of Participation

How you plan to use the car is another important consideration. For some, a big convertible to cruise to get ice cream with the grandkids is all they need. Others want a “show car” to do nothing but collect trophies. Such cars are almost never driven on the street in an effort to maintain their pristine condition, which means further investments in a tow vehicle and trailer.

Then there are those who want the opposite: tours, rallies, and track events get their blood going, as long as they’re behind the wheel piling on the miles. Whatever you decide, know this answer before you shop.

Amy Mckenna with her dog, classic car and friends. Photo: Beth Harpham.

5. Find Your Dream Car

How do you find your car, and how do you make sure the car is what the owner claims it is? See No. 3 above and seek club support. You can also attend a cruise night and strike up a conversation with an owner of a car similar to what interests you.

With the internet, there’s a lot to read online to further your education. Websites like hemmings.com consist almost exclusively of collector cars for sale, which can be sorted by location, price, year, and model.

When you’re ready to check things out in person, bring a seasoned hobbyist along with you if you can. Many club members are happy to assist with checking out a car. It’s also worthwhile to pay for a PPI (prepurchase inspection). The $100 to $250 is money well-spent, to make sure you’re going into the classic car hobby with a complete understanding of what a car needs and doesn’t need.

Once the collector car of your dreams is in your garage, use it! After all, that’s what you bought it for. Keep learning, and someday, you may be able to assist someone who wants to get into the hobby.

Richard Reina is the product training director at CARiD.com and a classic car enthusiast. He currently owns and shows a 1967 Alfa Romeo.

By Dr. Casey Crisp

As you age, you might notice that you don’t recover as quickly as you used to. And you might feel sore in the morning with aches and pains throughout your body.

Pain is commonly located in the hips, shoulders, knees, and back. Although these pains might be due to sports, recreational activities, and routine exercise, they may also be indicative of common health conditions.

Some of the health problems you may face as you age include frozen shoulders, hip impingements, rotator cuff injuries, and even disc issues in your neck and back. However, you can take preventative measures to lessen the likelihood of these aches and pains.

The following are a few simple exercises to help with pain.

1. Stepping From Side to Side

Although this might not seem like much of an exercise, this simple stepping motion can help you to prevent pain in your ankles and knees. This exercise is performed by:

1. Extending one foot to the side while bending at the knees. 2. Stepping on the extended foot while gradually moving to an upright position. 3. Bringing your feet back together.

By standing upright as you transfer the weight, you will prevent a heavy impact on your foot. Finally, try to keep the weight distributed evenly across both feet. This will prevent you from rolling an ankle. This simple exercise will keep your ankles and knees active, stretching your ligaments and tendons.

2. Arm Circles

Arm circles are a classic, simple exercise that will keep your shoulders loose. This is an easy exercise to perform:

1. Point one hand straight up at the ceiling. 2. Draw a circle with that hand, eventually pointing it toward the floor. 3. Move your arm back to the original position, completing the circle.

This exercise should be performed one arm at a time. Don’t swing your arms too quickly or you could damage your shoulder. Draw the circles slowly and deliberately. This will increase your shoulder’s range of motion, keeping it flexible and preventing rotator cuff problems.

3. Calf Raises

Calf raises help to prevent foot, ankle, and knee pain. The calf muscles play an important role in the stability of your lower leg. To perform calf raises:

1. Find an object to stabilize your upper body, such as a wall or chair. 2. Gradually lift your heels, standing on your toes. 3. Slowly return your heels to the ground.

This exercise will strengthen and test your calf muscles. With stronger calf muscles, you will have more support for your feet, ankles, and knees.

4. Torso Rotations

The torso rotation is a great exercise to strengthen your abdominal muscles and hips. Torso rotations are easy to perform:

1. Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability. 2. Turn slowly to one side as far as your body will allow. 3. Slowly turn back to the middle and all the way to the other side.

This exercise helps to stretch your abdomen, hips, and back.

5. Hamstring Stretches

Hamstring stretches are often overlooked, but they play an important role in relieving back pain. The hamstrings insert at the lower back. By stretching the hamstrings, you can reduce the stress on your lower back. To perform this exercise:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability. 2. Slowly reach for the ground with your hands, keeping your legs as straight as possible. 3. Repeat several times, gradually reaching farther on each attempt.

As you repeat this exercise, you should notice that you can reach farther with each stretch. This can help relieve lower back pain.

6. Back Extensions

Back extensions are used to strengthen the back muscles directly, relieving pain. To perform back extensions:

1. Start by laying down on your stomach with your hands on the floor. 2. Using your hands, press your chest off the floor or ground. 3. Hold this position for a few seconds.

You should feel the stretch in your lower back. This strengthens the muscles, stretches the ligaments, and can relieve pain.

Preventing and Reducing Pain With Simple Exercises

These are only a few of the many different exercises that you can try to prevent or reduce your pain. Even though treating pain is important, it’s better to avoid these health problems in the first place. This is dependent on making sure you take the necessary steps to take care of your muscles, ligaments, and joints as you age.

Take a few minutes every day to perform these simple exercises.

They could make a major difference in your health down the road.

Dr. Casey Crisp serves as the director of clinical quality assurance at Airrosti, a nationwide health care organization specializing in musculoskeletal pain injury treatment. His primary role is educating and developing new doctors and managing clinical teams to meet clinical requirements in documentation, clinical assessment, and quality care assurance.

1.”CBD oil.

The only FDA-approved indication for CBD oil is for rare forms of childhood epilepsy. While it’s touted to treat everything from anxiety to pain to acne and more, there exists scant evidence that it helps any of the conditions for which it’s being marketed.

Though some studies suggest the compound is deserving of more study, there isn’t nearly enough evidence to support the widespread use it’s now enjoying. What’s more, it’s being produced without regulation, which results in a wide range of purity and quality. Counter advice: chronic pain and anxiety are two serious and common problems for which people are turning to CBD oil.

Instead of self-administering CBD oil, however, both conditions need to be evaluated by a qualified physician. Many treatments that have real evidence to back their use are available besides CBD oil. For anxiety specifically, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be quite useful.

ACT turns the notion on its head that painful feelings should always be avoided, asking people to view unpleasant feelings (anxiety, for example) in the spirit of acceptance. This paradoxically reduces the intensity of the unpleasant feelings and, even more importantly, teaches people to learn to tolerate their unpleasant feelings. This builds true resilience and is especially useful in combating one of the core delusions that stand in the way of happiness in general, namely that what’s required for happiness is a life free from pain.”

2.”Probiotics.

Probiotics are microorganisms that have beneficial properties for people. They’re found in yogurt and are now being supplemented in many other foods.

While many probiotics have been studied in humans and have been found to have specific beneficial effects (improve constipation, treat certain forms of infectious colitis, etc.) these effects are specific to individual species of probiotics. That you could take a grab bag of probiotics and receive a general overall improvement in health is unsubstantiated by the research.

We’re just beginning to understand the effect of the microbiome (bacteria in the human gut) on human health, but we currently have no evidence that taking multiple random species of probiotics does anything to improve health in general. Further, most species of probiotics don’t survive the acid environment of the stomach to make it to the colon where they can have their effects.

Counter advice: One of the most important ways to avoid unfavorably altering the bacteria in the gut is to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Studies show even a 7-day course of antibiotics can alter the gut bacteria for a year. Antibiotics are life-saving when treating true bacterial infections but are dramatically overprescribed for viral infections. When your doctor tells you the sniffles you’re experiencing are from a virus and will get better on their own, believe it.”

Dr. Alex Lickerman, MD, primary physician, and mindfulness expert & Dr. Ash EIDifrawi, Psy.D., clinical psychologist; authors of The Ten Worlds: The New Psychology of Happiness. 

3. “Overdone Lips

How better to show off that new berry blush lip stain than with a voluptuous, plump kisser?

People are flocking to get their lips injected with fillers and serums and it could get really dangerous. With the rise of new “med spas,“ staffed by newly trained “injectors,“ lips are becoming unusually thicker and more unappealing. The first step is to make sure you go to a credentialed med spa led by a physician who can treat any aesthetic complications that might arise.”

4. “Phentermine for weight loss:

Even with more diverse physical body image acceptance than ever before, many people are still trying to find the magic pill for weight loss, and without proper medical supervision. Phentermine is essentially “speed,” and because it is an alpha one stimulator, it can also increase risk for stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, and problems with your heart valves. Over time the body gets used to it and needs more and more which sets up a vicious cycle.”

5. “Injections under the chin:

Mesotherapy, a technique that uses tiny injections to rejuvenate and tighten skin, was touted as a way to melt fat. It doesn’t work it as it was promised and can lead to swelling, which leaves the patient looking terrible! There are several brands on the market. I recommend liposuction of the neck and jowls first followed by other modalities including cool sculpting.”

Dr. Thomas Jeneby, board-certified plastic surgeon, philanthropist, and author, Confessions of a Plastic Surgeon: Shocking Stories about Enhancing Butts, Boobs, and Beauty

6. Over-consumption of vitamins and supplements without consulting a doctor.

There is an unregulated nature of vitamins and supplements, and a lack of requirements to list contraindications with other prescription medications. Therefore, people are taking vitamins and supplements with prescription pills and the interactions can cause significant negative outcomes, especially with blood thinners. If you are on prescription medications it is always best to consult your doctor first.

Dr. Herman Williams, M.D., Leadership Coach, hospital consultant and author, CLEAR! Living the Life You Didn’t Dream Of

7. Sparkling water

“Sparkling water is a huge trend right now but consumers should be aware, while better than soda, it can still be bad for your teeth because of the acidity.

8. “JUICING:

People need to be careful with juicing – it is a source for empty calories and lots of sugars.”

Dr. Peter Abachi, Recognized Pain Expert; Pioneer in understanding the biopsychosocial aspect of chronic pain and patients’ demands for a more holistic and personal approach to pain management, and author, Take Charge of Your Chronic Pain: The Latest Research, Cutting-Edge Tools, and Alternative Treatments for Feeling Better and Conquer Your Chronic Pain, A Life-Changing Drug-Free Approach for Relief, Recovery, and Restoration.

By Dr. David A. Greuner

I couldn’t imagine my life without my passions, and neither should those who suffer from mild to severe arthritis, whether it’s rheumatoid, psoriatic, or osteoarthritis.

Something that all active adults have in common is that we can develop arthritis or notice worsening joint pain at any age. Although the idea of physical exertion in the midst of aching joint pain might sound like a recipe for disaster to some, others know it to be their guiding light on the path to painless movement.

From turning keys to leaping off diving boards, we need our bodies for more than just the basics.

Here are eight easy exercises for overcoming the pain and stiffness of arthritis.

1. Walking

Walking is recognized as a go-to exercise for arthritis management because of its low intensity and easy accessibility. Walking eases and strengthens bones and joints at a slow, controlled rate, making it an ideal routine for those looking to recover from pain or stiffness caused by arthritis or injury.

As an added bonus, the health benefits of walking extend beyond the improvement of arthritis symptoms because walking simultaneously reduces the risk of heart disease and controls blood pressure. Walk a familiar path outdoors, or track speed and distance easier by hopping on a treadmill.

2. Water Walking

Take your stroll into the pool with this relaxing, low-intensity exercise. As an alternative to traditional walking, water walking provides nearly all the benefits of ground walking with none of the muscular pressure, suiting those who may be unable to walk for long distances or who simply prefer the water.

This healing exercise relieves and soothes arthritis symptoms, most notably inflammation in regions such as the knees, ankles, and feet. To perform this workout, find a shallow pool, typically 3 to 4 feet deep, and walk from end to end or around the perimeter at a comfortable pace. Gyms and health centers will often have underwater treadmills to make your workout feel as easy as stationary swimming.

3. Cycling

Cycling can prove to be a moderate to strenuous workout for the thighs and quads. Because of its nature as a bone-strengthening routine, cycling is particularly useful for middle-aged people to older adults diagnosed with the common osteoarthritis as a result of being active for many years.

Although cycling may be a demanding exercise for the upper legs, it’s also a light and effective exercise for stiffness felt in rheumatoid arthritis-prone regions such as ankles, feet, wrists, and hands.

Cycling, therefore, offers relief for multiple kinds of arthritis and contributes to balance and coordination in the process. Caution should be taken before attempting more intense cycling ventures, such as mountain or incline biking.

4. Suspension Training

Think of suspension training as standing planks, but instead of putting stress on your elbows and toes by planking on the ground, you’ll be firmly gripping handles that attach to stretching straps and leaning your body down so that you’re at a 45-degree angle to the ground.

Similar to cycling, suspension workouts improve muscular endurance, specifically in the core, shoulders, and back. Due to shorter intervals and the firm tension applied to the hands, wrists, and ankles, this is an ideal workout for people with rheumatoid arthritis who want a shorter workout to alleviate their symptoms.

5. Hand Stretches

Unique to any of the previously discussed arthritis-friendly workouts, hand stretches are not a form of cardio or a way to tone muscles. Rather, they’re solely performed to reduce inflammation flare-up and everyday stiffness in the fingers and wrists caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

The most popular exercises to try barehanded are the knuckle bend, fist clench, fingertip touch, and 360-degree wrist bend. Stress balls are effective at drawing motion from the majority of bones in the hand and strengthen the forearm, as well. For those who suffer from severe RA pain, a recommended hand exercise is a slow and gentle fist clench, performed underwater for optimal relief.

6. Pilates

Pilates is a flexibility workout that can take many forms. From mat-based to equipment-based, the many Pilates positions are known to relieve sharp back pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders by helping to form spine stability. Similar to walking, Pilates has benefits that serve the body’s all-around well-being, such as improved posture, flexibility, and balance, as well as mental benefits like concentration and relaxation of the mind. For people with arthritis, more specifically, Pilates can reduce stiffness in the morning that may be the result of psoriatic arthritis.

7. Elliptical

Due to the structure of most elliptical machines, it is recommended that anyone who uses an elliptical has built up a fair amount of cardiovascular endurance prior to performing this exercise. Once this level of stamina is reached, the complete muscle workout that the elliptical helps you achieve will not be hindered by the pain and stiffness of arthritis.

This workout is similar to swimming laps because, although the entry-level intensity and speed are relatively advanced compared to those of walking or yoga, there is minimal pressure on any muscles while performing this workout.

8. Light Weightlifting

Lifting light free-weights is important as we age because resistance training fights against bone deterioration. Just as flexibility is important to ease the stiffness of arthritis, the strength of bones and joints is also a factor in arthritis maintenance, overall mobility, and ability to perform everyday tasks that require basic muscle strength.

Some simple free-weight routines to improve these areas are biceps curls, overhead press, and lunges. It’s important to both lift weights within your range of comfort and to avoid working out the same muscle group two days in a row because every part of the body needs rest to properly recover and grow. In addition to treating those with arthritis, light weights can provide physical therapy to people recovering from joint or bone injuries.

Find the time to incorporate any of these light workouts into your weekly routine. Also remember that there are exercises and arthritis treatments that many of us already participate in as hobbies, such as gardening, fishing, golf, and tennis.

The most important piece of advice to keep in mind when performing any exercise is to choose a workout and pace at which you feel comfortable and not susceptible to injury. It is equally important to track the improvement of your arthritis symptoms to know whether the exercise you have chosen is right for your needs.

Dr. David Greuner is the managing director and co-founder of NYC Surgical Associates. Although Dr. Greuner’s surgical training and practice encompasses a broad base of surgical procedures, his area of interest lies specifically 2 main areas; endovascular (no incision) and vascular surgery, particularly endovenous procedures, complex body wall reconstruction and hernia surgery, and procedures after massive weight loss.

By Dr. Patrick K. Porter, Ph.D.

If you haven’t heard of “biohacking” yet, you likely will soon.

A combination of science, biology, and self-experimentation to optimize health, well-being, and focus, the do-it-yourself approach to wellness refers to a diverse range of activities, including meditation, yoga, cleanse diets, and more. On a deeper level, biohacking brings the concept of mindfulness to the next level, and its recent development has been rapid and swift.

Previously considered New Age and radical because it was unregulated, the practices of biohacking and brainwave training are soaring in popularity today, especially as additional research and funds are being funneled into the industry. In fact, biohacking has made tremendous advances in treating conditions like mental illnesses and addiction.

So, why do we need to take such good care of our brains?

It’s just not possible to have a truly healthy body without a freely functioning nervous system, and because about 70% of the nervous system is in the brain, it makes sense that healing the body starts with the brain. One way to revitalize and reboot your mind is through brainwave entrainment.

Also known as “braintapping,” this strategy helps individuals experiencing high stress, trouble sleeping, low energy, or other lifestyle challenges to mentally shift gears, recharge, and relax.

Backed by neuroscience and research, training your brainwaves actually guides your brain from an awake, reactionary mind into an intuitive, creative state and then to a place where super-learning and healing can occur—with the result being a heightened state of awareness and sharp focus. The practice creates a symphony of brainwave activity and a feeling of calm focus that’s ideal for learning, productivity, healing, and clarity.

Incorporating Brainwave Training Into Your Daily Life

Biohacking and brainwave entrainment can help you de-stress while also achieving physical, mental, and emotional balance. Unlike traditional meditation programs, the method’s neuro algorithms gently and naturally guide the brain through a wide range of brainwave patterns. The best part? You can actually trigger neurotransmitter production through brainwave entrainment—a game-changer for the world of mental and physical health.

The results of these methods are extraordinary, providing a complete spectrum of brainwave activity. The restful, rejuvenating effects of even a mere 10 to 15 minutes of the process can enable you to balance your nervous system and protect against common stressors of everyday life.

How Does It Work?

Up until recently, brainwave measurement was mostly limited to a medical setting because it required tools such as electroencephalography (EEG), a process in which experts attached sensors to patients’ scalp to track their brainwaves.

Today, however, newer advancements allow you to read on your brainwaves at home, or with a specialist. In fact, one method, the art of meditation, doesn’t even require tools or technology. Meditation or relaxation techniques can be a simple way to alter your brainwaves to feel less stressed and more centered, decreasing beta activity and increasing alpha activity in waking states.

The science behind training your brainwaves relies on four key elements that enable the technology to induce brainwave entrainment.

The four areas include:

1. Binaural beats.

When two different tones, separated in frequency by only a few hertz, are introduced with one in each ear, the brain perceives a third tone. Binaural beats work by creating this phantom frequency, which the brain then mimics. The process of braintapping has shown to produce a state of calm and concentration in the brain, yielding the full effect of the guided visualization and resulting in extraordinary levels of performance that would otherwise take years of practice to achieve.

2. Guided visualization.

In general, the visual imagery process involves setting aside a period for relaxation, during which you contemplate mental images depicting a desired result or goal. Visualization has been studied for decades and is known to have the power to affect mental states, improve physical performance, and even heal the body. And when combined with the other elements of braintapping, these effects are increased and optimized.

3. 10-cycle holographic music.

Another aid to the guided meditation is 10-cycle holographic music, a sonic technology that produces a 360-degree sound environment. In this sonic environment, the visualizations become more real to the mind, helping you take full advantage of the power of the visualizations by creating a more receptive learning state.

4. Isochronic tones.

Isochronic tones are equal intensity pulses of sound separated by an interval of silence. They turn on and off rapidly, but the speed depends on the desired brain frequency. The discrete nature of isochronic tones makes them particularly easy for the brain to follow.

In my 30-plus years of experience in the field, I can attest that the majority of individuals that incorporate brainwave entrainment as part of their regular routine report stress relief through deep relaxation. They also maintain healthier sleep patterns, experience improved memory, improved learning skills like concentration, a sense of calm, increased focus, lucid dreaming, and a boost in physical energy.

Never Underestimate the Power of Your Mind

Biohacking and brainwave training are all about open access to science and what works for an individual’s personal needs. And when it comes to our health, we are our own best advocate.

One crucial point to keep in mind with brain entrainment: In many cases, it takes more than a one-and-done strategy to heal and retrain brainwaves. However, with regular daily brain entrainment practice, you can create a path that will help you travel on life’s journey in a more connected and more fulfilling way.

Dr. Patrick K. Porter, Ph.D., is a neuroscience expert, an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and speaker. He is the creator of BrainTap Technology, a company that produces digital tools for health and wellness. For more information, visit: braintap.com, facebook.com/braintaptech, twitter.com/braintaptech