Crushing the Heat: Innovative Ways to Make Ice Without a Fridge

Ah, the summer of 2023, heralded as a scorching inferno, challenges even the most audacious of modern nomads. Picture intrepid souls, living and journeying in cars, vans, or RVs, yearning for a respite from the relentless heat. But fear not, my fellow travelers, for I have a revelation that shall leave you spellbound – the secret art of making ice without a fridge! Yes, you heard it right – a frosty oasis amid the sweltering desert of summer.

Historical Prelude: A Chilled Trip Down Memory Lane

As we quench our thirst with ice-cold beverages, let us journey through the annals of history, where the thirst for chilled drinks shaped cultures and economies. Behold the Persian ice houses, magnificent yakhchāls, storing ice collected during winter or forged amidst cooler desert nights for year-round refreshment. Delve into the Chinese wisdom, with references to ice harvesting dating back to the 7th century BC. And in the 19th century, witness the revolution brought forth by the ‘Ice King’ Frederick Tudor, whose venture in harvesting New England’s winter ice transformed our consumption of cold beverages and food preservation.

The Power of Science: Sublimation and Desublimation

Now, let us unveil the captivating science behind transforming water into ice without a fridge. Behold the magic of sublimation and desublimation, where a substance gracefully transitions from gas to solid state, eschewing the liquid realm altogether and vice versa.

Method 1: The Salt and Ice Bag Technique

A dance of basic science unfolds in this ingenious method. Picture simple kitchen salt lowering the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt and, in the process, whisking away heat from its surroundings.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Imbue a small Ziploc bag with water.
  • Nestle this bag in a larger one, cradling ice and salt.
  • Embrace the role of an alchemist, shaking vigorously for about 5 minutes.
  • Behold! Your water metamorphoses into ice before your very eyes!

The Ingenious Ice Makers: Thermoelectric Cooling

Let us now explore the realm of portable and whisper-quiet technology – thermoelectric cooling. As if conducting a symphony, this technology transfers heat from one side of the device to another through the enchanting Peltier effect.

Method 2: Portable Thermoelectric Coolers

Revel in the ease of this method, where you become the conductor of ice formation.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Pour water into the dedicated tray.
  • Empower the cooler with a source of energy.
  • With patience as your virtuoso virtue, await approximately 2 hours for your ice to unveil its frozen allure.

The Ancestral Techniques: Harnessing Nature’s Cool

Before the era of fridges, our wise ancestors devised varied means to create and store ice. Let us heed their wisdom and adapt their techniques to our modern endeavors.

Method 3: The Ice House Method

Like a sorcerer embracing the elements, wield nature’s cool with this ancestral technique.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Fill a shallow tray with water, shrouding it beneath a black cloth.
  • Bestow this tray outside on a clear, freezing night.
  • At the dawn’s embrace, harvest your ice – a trophy of resourcefulness.

The Convenience of Modern Technology: Portable Ice Makers

And now, we unveil the epitome of convenience – the portable ice makers, a blessing for modern nomads. Behold the marvel of ice formation, orchestrated by these compact and efficient devices.

Method 4: Portable Ice Makers

Partake in this symphony of convenience, as you become the maestro of ice creation.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Populate the water reservoir with liquid sustenance.
  • Empower the ice maker with a suitable source of energy.
  • Artfully select your preferred ice cube size.
  • Engage in tranquil anticipation for 7 to 15 minutes, as the ice weaves its frozen tale.

A Frozen Overture

With these newfound tools and techniques from the annals of history and the wonders of modernity, you, esteemed nomads, now hold the power of icy delight in your very hands. Whether atop the Rocky Mountains or amidst the embrace of the beach sun, remember that the power of ice rests in your hands. Embrace these innovative techniques, and let the summer of 2023 become a frosty affair to remember, a symphony of chilled delights that accompany you on your nomadic odyssey. Here’s to cooler travels!

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An Exploration of the Nomadic Lifestyle: The Beacon of Possibility for Experienced Professional Women

The term ‘nomadic lifestyle’ tends to conjure archaic imagery, reminiscent of an era filled with camel-laden caravans and ancient tribes navigating through expanses of unchartered territories. However, this term has been lovingly adopted and rejuvenated by the modern world, morphing into an embodiment of digital-age freedom, draped in a shroud of limitless adventure, unshackled from the traditional fetters of geographical and professional restrictions. This article shines a spotlight on this burgeoning lifestyle, focusing particularly on its appeal to seasoned professional women above 45. This demographic, a robust blend of wisdom, experience, and ambition, has a wealth of untapped potential to benefit from the boundless promise offered by this intriguing, liberated existence.

Unveiling the Twin Pillars: Freedom and Flexibility

Let us commence by examining the core advantages of this lifestyle: freedom and flexibility. The omnipresent 9-to-5 cycle, while comfortable and familiar for some, can morph into a monotonous hamster wheel for others, especially for those women who have spent decades trying to strike a balance between their careers and personal lives. Herein lies the allure of the nomadic lifestyle. It bestows upon these seasoned veterans the freedom to tailor their schedules, combined with the flexibility to conduct their work from any location that captures their fancy, be it a picturesque beach, an inviting mountain cabin, or a bustling city bursting with energy and life.

A Second Wind for Passions: Uncharted Territory

For those women whose professional obligations have relegated their personal interests to the back burner, this lifestyle presents a tempting opportunity for resurgence. Whether it’s practicing yoga amidst the serenity of a beach, embracing the artist within in a quaint Tuscan village, or a culinary exploration of the Cuban art scene – the nomadic lifestyle flings open the doors to a plethora of opportunities to rekindle old interests and perhaps even stumble upon new ones.

Dispelling Stereotypes: An Adventure Across Ages

Age, unfortunately, is often regarded as an insurmountable obstacle when it comes to adopting new experiences and lifestyles. By embracing the nomadic lifestyle, these experienced professional women have the potential to dismantle such restrictive stereotypes. They would be living testament to the fact that the thirst for adventure and exploration is not fettered by age, and that it’s never too late to shatter the proverbial mold and reinvent oneself.

A Cultural Mosaic: The Journey of Personal Evolution

One of the intrinsic benefits of adopting the nomadic lifestyle is the exposure to a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. By plunging headfirst into unfamiliar cultures, customs, and environments, these professional women have the opportunity to tap into a reservoir of experiences that invariably catalyze personal growth. These experiences, often a captivating blend of excitement and challenge, can broaden their perspective and reinforce their resilience.

The Underestimated Blessings: Health and Well-being

A lifestyle that draws one closer to nature, enables exploration of fresh local produce, and offers clean, unadulterated air – there’s more to the nomadic life than meets the eye. For professional women over 45, these overlooked health benefits can prove instrumental in enhancing their physical well-being as well as mental tranquility.

Global Networking: A Professional Tapestry

Constructing a multifaceted professional network is a paramount priority in the age of global interconnectivity that we inhabit. The nomadic lifestyle, with its international footprint, presents these industrious women with a golden opportunity to cultivate connections that span an array of life paths and professional terrains. This vibrant melting pot of diversity heightens the prospects for innovative cross-fertilization.

In Summary: A Paradigm Shift in Lifestyle

To sum up, the nomadic lifestyle is far from  an impulsive getaway; rather, it is an intentional, fulfilling life choice. For the seasoned professional women above 45, it is a ticket to reauthor their life’s narrative, on their own terms. By challenging stereotypes and embracing change, they can unlock the bountiful rewards of this lifestyle. As the astute Oscar Wilde elegantly stated, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” With that, it’s high time to seize the reins of your life, welcome the nomadic lifestyle, and commence your journey towards a life well-lived!

9 Things Every Solo Female Traveler Needs in the Bag

It is incredible to think that just over three years ago (and to some extent now) I was a novice traveler. At 23, I was bright-eyed and practically had the words “have passport, will travel” tattooed on my forehead. Ohhhhh, did I have so much to learn.

The passport is essential, it’s huge, but there are so many little bits and bobs that can make the trip that much easier.  I thought that I would share some packing essentials for new solo female travelers (and maybe even some of you seasoned vets out there). Here’s a shortlist of things I always throw in my bag before jetting off, whether I’m going to Birmingham or Hong Kong.

9 Things Every Solo Female Traveler Needs

  1. WetOnes: Or whatever brand you prefer, but disinfectant wipes when traveling are an absolute must-have. I like WetOnes because they disinfect but are also skin-safe so that they can be used for messy hands, as well. You may also want to supplement with flushable wipes. These are great for freshening up after you land or while on the plane.
  2. Hand Sanitizer: Second to the wipes is definitely carrying a small hand sanitizer. Planes (and sometimes airports) are really gross places, full of germs and recycled air. Hand sanitizer is a nifty way to try to keep germ free during your travels. This is particularly important in the age of COVID. People are gross, so protect yourself, ladies!
  3. Flashlight: So, this may be a less obvious item to pack, but all the same, I recommend that you bring along a flashlight when you travel. As my mom always says, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” Also, a small travel flashlight and double as a self-defense tool, that is especially handy for people who like to travel on their own. I carry a J5 Hyper-V flashlight in my bag on regular outings, and in my carry-on while I’m going. It’s about the width of my hand and has raised groves around the light that is capable of some significant rug burn. Although it’s small, it features a 400 Lumen brightness (I promise this isn’t a paid advertisement lol). I have linked the flashlight in this list if anyone is interested, it’s only $30 and could help you out in a pinch.
  4. Tea or Coffee, Snacks, & a Bottle: So, this is another item that might surprise you, but picture this. You’ve managed not only to snag a killer flight to London, but you’ve also found a return ticket to Oslo for ten dollars. So there you stand, on the corner of a slush (formally snow…I think) covered sidewalk, cold to your core. Do you know it would be great? Tea! Do you know what is unnecessarily expensive? Tea! Don’t you wish you just had to buy hot water now?
    That weirdly specific, but entirely hypothetical, example aside, it’s also handy to have when you’re staying in a hostel or a hotel and just can’t be asked to leave again (partially because, as a Floridian, you cannot deal with walking in snow) and are yearning for the sweet embrace of caffeine. In that same vein, if you can spare the space, I also highly recommend bringing a reusable mug and a water bottle. It also provides a convenient place to store your coffee or tea and sugars.
    Snacks—snacks—snacks! I cannot live without them, and on a long-haul flight, these are essential. Especially if you are like me and rarely sleep on flights. It’s just a movie binge-fest, and you’re bound to get hungry between the strangely early dinner, and the sort of sparse breakfast served before the descent. It’ll save you a bundle instead of buying overpriced broth they’ve deceivingly named soup.
  5. OTC Medicine: This a staple—especially on long haul flights or in low-quality airlines. Between the recycled air, the weird (but very delicious) plane food, and the stress of travel days, there are a few items I recommend throwing in your carry-on before jetting off.
    • Cystex: this is an overt the counter medication that helps with UTI. I know some people don’t like getting up to go on flights, and this is a real concern for these people. If you’re prone to hold it (which I don’t recommend), this is key.
    • Advil Cold & Sinus: this is actual life (I promise, this is also not a paid advertisement). I live and die by Advil Cold & Sinus. If you’re feeling a bit grimy all around, this is the OTC for you. But simple paracetamol or ibuprofen is also handy.
  6. A Pen: Just a plain old pen…tactical if ya nasty. Seems like a duh kind of thing, right? I have been on far too many flights with people looking wise-and-otherwise when the need for a pen arises. Whether you chat up your neighbor and decide to exchange information the old-fashioned way or (and far more likely) some pre-landing immigration paperwork is passed out, a pen is essential to being a prepared traveler. This will help you get ahead in the queue and save the frustration of writing with a tiny chain pen while you watch the line to the border get longer and longer.

7. First Aid Kit: A basic necessity, and also a place to shove a few of those tablets I mentioned earlier. Accidents happen, and as mom says, “better to have,” eh?

8. Mini Survival Kit: So, my kit came from my generous and always prepared mother. It’s not something I’d recommend you put in your carry-on, although I do not believe there is anything that could be confiscated and usually travel with mine in the carry-on if I have the room. I use the Stealth Angel kit. This is an 8-in-1 kit that has several good things to have handy for solo travelers. It takes care of two of the items on this list (a flashlight and a tactical pen).  I’ve posted the link above.

9. Portable Charger and a converter: These are probably another no-brainer for the modern-day traveler, but a dependable portable charger is your very best friend. Trust me, the suspiciously cheap charger they are selling in Primark is not gonna do right by you, so spend the money. I also always keep a Euro charger in my bag. It’s pretty easy to determine which plug based on the country unless you’re going to Asia/Africa. It may be worth the money to invest in a multi-destination converter.

I hope you guys find this list helpful! Please, let me know what your must-haves are for when you travel!Comment below with your thoughts a comments!

Until next time, stay safe out there!

Bonne journée!

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Campgrounds owned by People of Color

In one way or another, I have been a nomad my entire life. It can be said that adventure is at the core of every nomad; surely having a clean, comfortable place to rest is the bedrock on which the nomad plans her next adventure! In our series: Places To Stay, we will endeavor to present to you campgrounds, county parks, and hidden national gems that can provide a place for safe respite. We will begin with the list of campgrounds owned by people of color.

Updated: June 21, 2020

Honorable Mentions: Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is not actually owned by African Americans but rather is a Campground within the State of California park system. It is mentioned here because this site was once a town established, funded, and governed by African Americans in 1908.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, 4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219, Phone: 661-849-3433 – https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=583&fbclid=IwAR2o_8nExCCKlyobF9d-7sYW6Fmg2wiE8j0XJLJoQXEJCVDOVI57_P6fBAc

While I have not personally visited these sites, I plan to visit the East coast sites in 2020 and report my findings in an upcoming post. In the interim, please feel free to comment or share other sites. We will map them and add them to our database. Until next time: