My Bloatation Vacation
That’s “bloatation” as in “bloating.” As in “I’ve been at a Whole Grains Conference for 3 days and was only fed whole grains.” Albeit very delicious, dare I say scrumptious, whole grains. But after Tuesday’s breakfast of tasty steel cut oats and lunch buffet comprised of dishes made from lentils, black rice, quinoa, barley and more, I’ve been feeling a little, um…well, you can imagine. Let me repeat though, the food was fantastic, which just goes to show you that eating well really can taste great.
This was my first conference, and it was excellent. Seeing that I’m typically “that girl” who is either awesome or painfully awkward in social settings, I was a little nervous about conferencing on my own. Would I be bored silly? End up in the corner with a bowl of brown rice as my only companion? Pack the wrong clothing?
While I did pack the wrong clothing (way too professional), I made friends anyways…and with real, live people!
Like these lovely blogging foodie dietitians:
Janel, hope you don’t mind that I hijacked those photos from your blog.
And this celebrity chef and writer:
And so many more.
If you’re in the food industry, this conference is a must.
For me, the best part of the trip was meeting Bob Moore, the creator of Bob’s Red Mill. This guy:
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A former engineer, he started his business (thanks to his wife’s love of whole grains) at age 40. Now he’s 83 and his products are in almost every grocery store in our country and others.
When we walked into his ginormous factory, we found him doing this.
I was immediately charmed. Who doesn’t love a whole-grain tauting, Santa Claus look alike that plays piano in his very own warehouse?
For me, Bob’s message hit me in the heart – don’t be afraid to do what you love. Chances are, you’ll make enough to survive and inspire a few people while you’re at it. I think everyone at the conference wanted to tuck Bob into their pockets to take home for inspiration. On a side note, his steel cut oats won The World’s Best Porridge contest in Scotland in 2009.
Also, I got to sleep in this bed at The Nines Hotel in Portland. Nice place.
Since I’m typing this in the Portland airport (which is oddly deserted) waiting for a midnight flight to Houston to Cleveland to Milwaukee, I do not recommend traveling when there’s a record-breaking blizzard. But I do recommend Portland, Oregon, the Nine’s Hotel, the Oldways Whole Grain Conference, Bob’s Red Mill, finding “conference buddies,” and enjoying whole grains, but not continuously for 3 days straight.
I’m really glad I did this – my first conference, my first time traveling alone. It made me realize I can handle it. Even enjoy it.
Seriously, there is no one in this airport! It’s creepy, especially since I have to sit here for another 5 hours!
What a surreal experience to meet THE Bob of Bob’s Red Mill – and seeing him play the piano, no less! I love their stuff and am so envious that you got to pig out on their whole grains all week.
The weirdest airport experience I had was at O’Hare at 3:00AM. We were on our way to Belize and first had to fly to El Salvador. Standing in the airport terminal, we felt like we were in a different country. We were the only white, english speaking people around.
Liz, I’m so proud of you! Traveling alone is a whole new adventure and it forces you to meet new people. I love to travel alone, I have met some real characters along the way. Your are growning up so fast! :} We missed you yesterday while we were snowblowing ourselves out of the house. Lydia wanted to come over to see Addy for a snow day play date. Have a safe trip back!Hope the whole grain bloating “passes” soon! HaHa
Who’s a big girl? Liz is a big girl! Good job you globetrotter! And not the basketball-playing kind.
That IS creepy!
Are you home safe and sound? I was thinking about you traveling in this crazy weather!!