This time of year is all about spices, from warming mulled wine infused with cinnamon and star anise to clove-studded roasts and gingerbread cookies. So I decided to spice things up with a few spice-inspired photographs. First up, an array of spices from farmers’ markets in New York…
…and bustling bazaars in Turkey.
One of the memories that has stayed with me of my time in Antigua, Guatemala, is of the spice-coloured walls of the houses, festooned with flowers in equally spicy and exotic colours.
Spicy (in more ways than one) sauces at a roadside stop in Montana.
Gingerbread fairytale castles in Seattle.
Last but not least, a little culinary experiment I’ve been conducting; growing turmeric on the windowsill. I have yet to harvest any of the bright yellow spice, but the leaves are pretty enough to warrant window space all by themselves.
Are you ready to spice things up with your own interpretation of this week’s theme? If you would like to join in (everyone’s welcome!) here’s what to do:
- Create your own post and title it Travel theme: Spice
- Include a link to this page in your post so others can find it too
- Get your post in by next Thursday, as the new travel theme comes out on Friday
- Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up to date on the latest weekly travel themes. Sign up via the email subscription link in the sidebar or RSS.
I hope you’re all having a wonderful holiday season, with lots of spicy food, spiced drinks and spicy company!
xxx Ailsa
I often quote myself. It adds spice to my conversations. – George Bernard Shaw
His voice was cloves and nightingales, it took us to spice markets in the Celebs, we drifted with him on a houseboat beyond the Coral Sea. – Janet Fitch (White Oleander)
Where's my backpack? 
Great featured photo
Thanks!
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Bazaars in Turkey- that’s where I would like to go next. Thanks Ailsa and Merry Christmas. Francesca. https://almostitalian.wordpress.com/2015/12/26/spice-and-the-time-traveller/
I cannot get enough of those bazaars, Francesca, such amazing photo opportunities. Oh yum, just saw your array of curries, my mouth is watering. 🙂
thanks ailsa- now I must think about actually cooking them.
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Turmeric. I wonder if that will grow here?
Oh boy, Mick, all those curries are making me hungry! Yes, I bet turmeric would grow for you, here in chilly, swampy old Ireland it has to be the windowsill, but if you have halfway decent weather you can probably grow it outdoors, maybe in a pot so you can take it in when the weather gets bad. It’s really easy to start from fresh roots you get at an Asian supermarket – just like ginger, you can bung a couple of fresh roots in the soil – look for ones with little nobbly bits sticking out ‘cos that’s where they’ll sprout. It took about 2 months for mine to sprout leaves but now they’re about three feet tall and going strong. They’re supposed to produce amazing blooms too, but I haven’t spotted any flowers yet. xxx
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wow that’s so cool that you’re growing turmeric! And the leaves sure are pretty.
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what a wonderful collection of spicy photos
Looks spicy!
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Gorgeous gallery, Ailsa! I wish you a spicy end of the year!
https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2015/12/27/travel-theme-spice/
Really spicy photos:))
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Thanks for another great challenge! Here is my response: https://naomibaltuck.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/old-spice/
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Food is good. Food becomes finger lickin’ good with garlic, onions, herbs and spices. Yum!
You are making me very hungry, Ailsa. Great idea for a theme, and I love your spice photos of New York, Turkey and Guatemala!
Here is a photo of my (daily used) spice rack, a rack my dad made for me long ago:
https://drieskewrites.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/travel-theme-spices/
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Fantastic pictures. I often wish I could scoop my own required amount of a particular spice rather than paying for a jar, using a teaspoon and never looking at it again.
Great photos! I really enjoy the ones of the flowers on the colourful walls.
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News Year’s Eve here in NZ, a lovely summer’s day. Hope your holiday day season is full of joy and a little spice! Best Wishes !
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My musings on the need for adventure and variety, the spice of life: https://beautyalongtheroad.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/the-spice-of-life/
All the delightful spices of the season are part of what makes it such a time of wonder and delight.
HAppy New Year – may it be filled with adventures and amazement!
Love the picture of the Queen of Hearts! I know it’s a little late, but I thought you might like my post on spices in the markets in Penang http://www.justmeplease.com/foodies-paradise-of-penang/
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