The Wombat in Brazil

Oh, how The Wombat was looking forward to visiting Brazil! Cocktails, women in bikinis, beaches and sunshine.

The reality of his visit to São Paulo was a little bit different. He saw some palm trees, but he got stuck in one while checking for coconuts...


And then he somehow ended up in a big bird of paradise plant.



He didn't get to a beach, but he did get to sit on a sun lounger by his hotel pool.



And the views from his hotel were impressive. (The flag proves he was actually in Brazil!)



Plus, he sampled rather a lot of the local food... especially at Fogo de Chão.

Portland Bites (but so does The Wombat)

The Wombat had a great time at Bite of Oregon festival in Portland. He got to listen to some blues music.
 

He got to try out some local cucumbers...



And later on, he went to a local bar wearing his festival wristband as a fancy head-dress. Best not to ask, probably.
 

Flavours of New Orleans

Food is such an important part of New Orleans culture, and The Wombat wanted to try everything! He gorged on jambalaya, shrimp etoufee, and especially gumbo... Here he is at the Gumbo Shop restaurant.


New Orleans is famous for its cocktails as well as its Cajun and Creole food. The Sazerac was invented in New Orleans, and another popular cocktail is the Hurricane, which was invented at Pat O'Brien's Irish pub. The Wombat liked Hurricanes.


One of the MUST-DO things for visitors to New Orleans is to have coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde. The coffee's made with chicory, and the beignets are fresh-made doughnuts covered in powdered sugar.


The Wombat really enjoyed his beignet.

Travelling back in time

The reason for The Wombat's recent absence has finally been explained - he'd taken a trip across the Atlantic, and while there, attempted to travel back in time (and not just in the sense of having to post archive photos). The best he could manage, however, was a trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, where he ate, drank, and made merry with the best of them.

The Wombat tried on a dashing red cloak - if only it came in his size!


The Wombat considered buying a dress for a particular lady-wombat... alas, this also did not come in wombat sizes.


He got to sample some Steak on a Stake, a traditional RF staple! (Although he wasn't sure if curly fries were very authentically medieval.)


He had one of the best seats in the house to watch the Rogues playing some excellent music!


And after the show, The Wombat had an opportunity to meet the bodhran player and lead singer of the Rogues, Nelson Stewart.


Oh, no! Nelson turned out to have a secret taste for Wombat! Help!


Safe from the hungry bodhran player, and having had an otherwise fantastic day, The Wombat flew away on admired a beautiful piece of dragon metalwork.

Do Wombats eat meat?

The Wombat likes a good meal (and a good drink, too). But for this particular dining experience, he's not entirely sure about what's been ordered for him - braised lamb shank on a bed of mashed potatoes. Those sprigs of rosemary look appetising though.