Fishing for piranha to eat is not something you do every day, but it certainly is something you should try at least once.
I spent a week on a small ship cruise in the Amazon, cruising down the Rio Negro as well as the Amazon River on the a motor yacht named Tucano with Amazon Nature Tours. Each day we would hike the rain forest and take small launches through passages too large for our boat. We would explore the fauna and seek out wildlife. Monkeys chattered and sloths slept and caymans launched while rats screeched for mates and a world of wild birds flew around us. We visited local villages and ate the most delicious fare onboard, mostly local fish, of course.
And, one day, we fished for piranha. I am proud to say I caught one on my first try. We took them back to the boat where the crew cleaned them and the cook fried them up and then we feasted. We ate them with our hands, snapping off the heads and tails and fins, before biting into the delicious, flaky meat. You do have to be careful of the tiny bones, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. I was surprised at just how delicious they were. I could have easily eaten a dozen myself.
Being on that trip gave a whole new meaning to “eating local,” not to mention “living simple.” I went during the dry season in late September. I am very much looking forward to returning to the very same area during the rainy season as the same river and jungle present very differently when the water inches toward the treetops. This is one of those “get out of your comfort zone” trips that will change you. The people I met, the visions I saw, and the food I tasted changed me. For the better. I learned not just about the Amazon but also about myself and the way life could (perhaps should) be.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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