Today I'm taking off for a trip to Ukraine with my mom! My mom was invited to go with a group from Santa Cruz (where we live) to our Sister City in Ukraine, Alushta... and I get to tag along! In total, there will be 5 of us from Santa Cruz, and everyone going seems very nice. Needless to say, I'm the only vegan!
In addition to all this stuff, I expect there to be plenty of fruits and veggies around for me to munch on - as well as the traveling vegan's best friend: BREAD. I'm bringing my iPad and my blogging stuff, so as long as I can find internet access, I'll try to blog while I'm there. Otherwise, I promise a good wrap-up once I'm back!
One of my yoga students sent me the Wikipedia page on Ukranian food, which isn't really full of vegan delights. So, I thought I'd show you my travel kit that I've got going.
I got a lot of different bars from Trader Joes: one for each day of the trip, plus a couple extra just in case. I was looking for higher calorie bars than I usually get.
Plus, I got a whole bunch of Wild Garden Hummus packets - and some crackers to go with them : Dr. Kracker Seedlander crackers and Mary's Gone Crackers Black Pepper crackers. These are two of my favorite crackers, in general, but especially for traveling! - the Mary's are great because they don't go stale after you open them (probably because they aren't gluteny) - and the Dr. Krackers are great because they are hearty and substantial and you feel like you are eating actual food when you eat them, if you know what I mean.
I also splurged and got two little Blue Monkey packets to turn regular water into coconut water!
Plus, lots of ziplock baggies full of dehydrated black bean flakes and then various McDougall Soup Mixes (emptied out of their big bulky containers).
Last but not least, my mom and I both love to drink coffee - so I got some of the little Via Packets from Starbucks. My aunt L got me these before I left for Austria, and they were so great to have! Plus, this time I got some decaf ones, because I really usually just drink decaf.
AND! Just today my box of SoyGo Soy Creamer packets arrived - just in time! I am stoked. I always put "cream" in my coffee, and now with these little babies, I won't have to drink black coffee on the plane or at the hotel, or anywhere! Also, the folks at SoyGo were so super rad about shipping this to me via priority so I could get it in time. Mad props for such great customer service.
In my carry on, I'll have some crackers and hummus, plus a big bag of carrot sticks, some PB&J sammies for my mom and me, and a big bag of cherries from the farmers' market. Nothing like fresh fruit and veggies on a flight to freshen things up!
oh my gosh, Ukraine! How fun! i hope you have a blast! safe travels!
ReplyDeletewow, amey! you are totally set to go. i love all of the food items you are bringing with you. i am totally intrigued by the shelf-stable hummus packets! will definitely have to remember them next time i take a trip! have tons of fun ;)
ReplyDeleteCome to Łódź in Poland:). It's not so far away! We have great typical polish food too:). Let me know:). Greetings.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with your travel kit! That's one of the quickest ways to become a bad traveling companion- be hungry and desperate while everyone else pigs out on street food! But I bet you will find some neat stuff thats "accidentally" vegan. :)Looking forward to hearing about your trip!
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip! Folks who are Russian/Ukrainian Orthodox often keep vegan for lent, so asking for lenten food might be a good way to find vegan options.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an exciting trip. I remember a trip to Fiji when I packed a food survival kit for my family, and the customs people tried to confiscate it! I begged and pleaded and they finally let us go with the food, and it was a good thing they did!
ReplyDeleteI didn't spend much time in Ukraine, but I did eat some fabulous dark bread and peanut halvah!
ReplyDeleteWow Ukraine! Are you heading there for a football match (World Cup)? Safe travels and would love to see some vegan eats!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to go to Ukraine, most of my close friends are Ukrainian and they keep telling me to stay at their places, but I never did!
Good luck!
Vegan Miam!
http://www.veganmiam.com
Hey Amey! I was wondering, where did you find those hummus packets? I am headed out on a long road trip and think these would be perfect! I can't find them in my area. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHey Amy! I got them from a local store that sells them, though you can also order them online (amazon), or if you can find a store that sells the Wild Garden Hummus in jars you might be able to order a box of the packets through them (and not have to pay shipping). I love these guys, and they really saved my hide in Ukraine!
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