Comfort Food
There’s actually a restaurant in Oakland* that serves only macaroni and cheese. Since the cheesy noodles are one of Angela’s all time fav’s, we managed to go check it out with some friends. Somehow, they’ve managed to execute it perfectly. Clever and tasty mac varieties and a well-executed decor that sends you back to elementary school (the frequent-diner cards with gold stars, in an old library card catalog was a nice touch).
Eating here was just another reminder that since we’ve been back, one of the major changes in our lives has been the wealth of comfort. Everything seems easy. Everything we need or want is just right there, right now – times 10. Still, it’s not clear to me that anyone in the US is particularly happier because of it. It just gives everyone more time to stare at their phones. Or complain.
Don’t get me wrong… it’s nice to be back in the U.S. for a while. We’ve just forgotten – or maybe never totally appreciated – effortless comfort.
* and i think there are others, too.
“you never know what you’ve got, until you lose it” – true story
“Effortless comfort”….indeed.
And only you and your family and others like you that have temporarily removed yourselves from the wretched excess of North American living can truly appreciate simpler living. We have deluded ourselves in to believing that more is better……bigger, better,faster. Not everything is all it’s cracked up to be.
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
funny how my eyes went right to the owl on the CA map … and then to the artichoke.
hi my name is Kem. i came across your adventure blog a while ago and check to see where you are once in a while. i really like your insight on this post. i also don’t believe that advances in technology necessarily equals a better quality of life. or more happiness like you mentioned. too many people think that having less is losing. it’s unfortunate that too many people travel to developing countries and come back to say how privileged they are to have things. they seem to have missed the great feeling of being a human and a part of a community shared so intimately even in the poorest of circumstances.
i think your kid is so lucky to have parents that value this level of adventure. i grew up in Peru. my mom is from Caraz and my dad from Trujillo. my first memories as a person continue to be a wonderful dream until this day. i think your kid will treasure this adventures forever!!!