Reflecting on the state of the world in general and my life in particular (as one is often inclined to do this time of the year) I have to say that 2023 has been a year of extremes — extremely joyful and extremely sad.

I’m still grieving the loss of my mother, whom I lost in January. I feel heartbroken for the inordinate suffering by those I love. I cry tears of sadness when I see people on the streets without a home, without privacy or dignity or even heat to keep them warm. I feel distraught over the many innocent children, women and men around the world who suffer because of the actions of terrible people who make war and commit unspeakable crimes against others. I feel terrible for people killed and those affected by the devastation of the natural disasters that occurred this year around the world. I worry about the planet that our younger generations will inherit after all the damage we continue to do. It’s been sad to witness the many negative changes in the world and in our humanity since Covid.

There are endless things to feel sad and worry about. But there are also endless reasons to celebrate life and culture and the beauty we can find all around the world.

I feel profoundly grateful and beyond lucky that Mike and I get to live an adventurous and meaningful life doing our favorite things. My heart rejoices deeply for all the magical travel adventures and the enormous privilege of doing work that doesn't feel like work and the infinite joy of loving and being loved unconditionally by my favorite people. And I’m endlessly grateful that all the joy I get to experience nourishes my heart and soul so profoundly that, in spite of the sadness I carry with me, I continue to feel hopeful for a brighter future.

And with another year about to end, I’m reminded that our time on this planet is not only finite but brief. The present moment is the only time that truly counts. It’s the reason I try to enjoy the experience of living each and every day as if it were my last.

I know that I cannot let the troubles of the world consume my life. And I know that I cannot fix them personally. But I believe that we can make a difference by each doing our part as individuals within our families, our communities and wherever in the world we find ourselves.

And with this last Gastronomad Journal of 2023, Mike and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us on this journey — whether you’ve done it in person or vicariously by following us through our writings and photos. We appreciate your support and trust more than words can say.

Sending you and yours our heartfelt wishes for joy, love, health, prosperity and peace on Earth in the new year.

Joy and adventure,

Amira

Dear Gastronomad friends and fans,

We hope you and your family and friends are healthy and happy during these suddenly challenging times.

We’re in Mexico City where The Mexico City Experience just ended. If you've joined us on any Gastronomad Experience, you know that during Experiences time stops and all the troubles in the world are forgotten.

The coronavirus hasn't really arrived in Mexico to speak of yet, but this country is about a month behind the United States in a nationwide ban on gatherings, voluntary social distancing and runs on the stores.

So while the United States went from normalcy to extreme changes, we enjoyed a profoundly joyful and delicious week filled with parties and epic meals, cultural immersion and exploration with local Mexican food-visionary friends. On the last night (or, rather, yesterday morning) we danced until 2:30am to happy tunes of salsa, cumbia and bachata!

But it's Monday, and the party is definitely over for awhile. We'll be flying to California tomorrow for self-imposed social distancing and isolation until it's safe to emerge again.

As COVID-19 continues to be a major concern for each of us (and our friends and families), we are committed to making sure that all future Gastronomad Experience attendees will remain safe from not only the coronavirus, but all illnesses, infections and injury.

The Morocco Experience Update

Morocco has suspended all international passenger flights to and from its airports as protective measures against the coronavirus and, as such, the sold-out Morocco Experience previously scheduled for April 10 through April 23 is postponed. The Morocco Experience will be rescheduled, but we don't have new dates yet.

The Provence Experience Update

The sold-out Provence Experience June 22 through June 27 is still happening and won't be postponed unless there are travel restrictions in place close to the time of the Experience.

Thankfully, the Provence Experience is 3 months and 2 weeks away so we remain hopeful that by then, the coronavirus madness will have subsided and travel will be more or less normal.

We'll be in touch with the latest developments as the weeks go by. Best case scenario is that the coronavirus crisis passes long before the remaining Gastronomad Experiences this year and all can go ahead as planned.

Some are concerned that even after the viral crisis has abated, the airlines may still not fly. But this is extremely unlikely. The airlines need to get back to normalcy as soon as possible in order to survive as businesses, and nations need global travel to survive economically.

We apologize for the inconveniences and are deeply sorry that we're all being negatively impacted by the frenzied response to the coronavirus pandemic worldwide.

The coronavirus is quite possibly the most life-changing event of our generation. And as common sense tells us to follow the voluntary movement of social distancing, it’s important to remain committed to living life with intention and joy, whether we're traveling the world or staying at home.

Life has presented us all with a great challenge, and all we can do is rise to it. Let's do all we can to help the people most affected by this outbreak, and re-commit ourselves to health, love and compassion for those less fortunate.

We’re thinking of you and send all our love.

Amira and Mike