Weekly Roundup: Vacation=Time to Read (and Eat)

For the first time in a long time, I finished a book in three days while we were in Costa Rica!  Vacations are great for catching up on some reading…and then eating delicious food.  Then we were welcomed back to DC with some snow…which unfortunately (for the dog) all melted quickly in the 40 degree weather. More snow Monday?

I was reading No Time to Lose: A Life in Pursuit of Deadly Viruses which details Peter Piot’s career. While I’ve known who Peter Piot was for sometime, those outside the field may recognize his name from the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak. He was involved in the first detection of Ebola virus (Zaire) in 1976, and was also instrumental in the early HIV/AIDS work, particularly in the UN. If you like disease tales and reading about the intersection of science and politics, I’d highly recommend the book.

I was also welcomed home to a new Smithsonian Magazine, with a cover on Tutankhamun (yes I know it’s December’s issue…I’m a bit behind on my reading). We went to Egypt in 2012, and enjoyed seeing the Valley of the Kings (and Queens), the Pyramids, and the mummies immensely (amongst Luxor, Karnak, Abu Simbel and other sights). I’m really interested to read about any new news on the ancient Egyptians and reminisce about how much fun we had in Egypt.

Has anyone seen the Reese Witherspoon movie The Good Lie about the Lost Boys of Sudan? I’m really interested to see it–just have to do it when DH isn’t around, as he gets tired of my constant obsession with Africa…and depressing movies. Unfortunately reality is often depressing…or that’s what I tell him to try to convince him to watch.

Also, on a highly unimportant but life altering note, Covert Affairs has been cancelled. I cried a little bit inside (and whined a lot to my husband…it may have started with MY LIFE IS ENDING in my usual dramatics). How could they?!

Finally, I’m dreaming of the best octopus I’ve ever, ever had in Costa Rica at The Refugio. We may have gone back a second time just so I could order the exact same thing. I never, ever do that. It was sooo good. It was in a Spanish style, with lots of oil, potatoes, and tender octopus. I think this recipe may be similar?

And off to start thinking about planning the next trip!