I love The Onion. I’m proud to say I went to the university where this “fake news” was born in Madison, Wisconsin. When it comes to comedy, they truly have a gift (you can hear what the fantastic radio show This American Life has to say about The Onion’s process of picking headlines each week here).

But I was particularly impressed by The Onion today when I read this article: Underfunded Scientists Force Lipstick-Covered Rat With Cancer To Run Through Maze. Perhaps, like with most topics, they were merely setting out to say something funny about animal testing. But they’ve also managed to support the argument against animal testing by describing (in exaggerated form) how ridiculous, unreliable, and cruel animal testing is. And because The Onion is so popular, this article is going to reach thousands, and perhaps even convince some of them that animal testing is, in fact, horrendus. Or, perhaps they’ll simply get a kick out of just how unlucky poor Mendel the rat is.

It’s time for Emory and I to start thinking about where we’re going on our honeymoon. Our wedding is in October, but we won’t be taking our honeymoon until the end of the year- when I’m on winter break from school. Emory’s mom has been so sweet in offering to pay for our honeymoon! Initially she was offering us a European tour honeymoon, where we’d travel to Paris and Rome with a tour group. Emory was not too fond of the idea of being part of a tour group and a tight schedule on our honeymoon. He’d rather do something more relaxing and less scheduled. I tend to agree. And also, I have been to Paris and Rome before and was kind of hoping to go somewhere new. BUT since it was such a lovely gift, we decided we’d accept and enjoy it, no matter what. But then Emory discussed it with her further and she said “hey, it’s your honeymoon, not mine!” and now we’re back to square one and can go wherever we would like.

So now I’m excitedly and obsessively searching for “vegan honeymoons.”  One thing I find amusing is that “vegan” resorts are often paired with “yoga and fitness.” Now, I have nothing against yoga and fitness resorts, but I’d rather not have our honeymoon be based upon regimented exercise, strict dieting, and detox. I’ll save that type of excursion for another date. But I would like it to be warm, relaxing, and exotic.

One place I’m considering (because it’s the first thing to pop up in a Google search) is a place called The Lodge in Grenada in the Caribbean. It’s all vegan, overlooks the ocean, and seems very chill. Maybe too chill? In the FAQ’s on their website someone asked “What is there to do in Grenada?” and the response they gave was “Grenada is a place to be; not a place to do – so bring your own silence and let Grenada welcome you.” So I’m not sure if that will result in a wonderfully relaxing trip, or relaxation to the point of boredom. It does look beautiful, so it’s still on the list.

_________________________________________________________________________

Then there’s the Bali Mountain Eco Lodge in Indonesia. It’s 2 hours from the airport, is very secluded, and ideal for nature lovers. And there’s a protected rain forest ten minutes away! I’ve never been to a rainforest so that sounds pretty sweet. They advertise the multitude of edible plants surrounding the Lodge. I imagine we’d get some great fresh green nourishment there. It also has some lovely options like 1-2 hour massages, day trips, Balinese workshops, and for honeymooners-

• Romantic bungalow – On arrival your bungalow will be beautifully decorated with handmade Balinese decorations and flower petals.
• Candlelight dinner – A romantic Balinese candle light dinner in the garden bale with Balinese flute & gamelan players and complementary drinks.

So that certainly has potential.

_________________________________________________________________________

Next, I’ve discovered The Greenhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. Not only is the food all vegetarian, but so are the pillows, duvets, shampoos, etc. And they’re against animal testing. If that’s not cool enough, they’re very focused on energy efficiency. I’m going to have to agree with Tina Fox, the former Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, who said, “If you ever needed an excuse to sample the delights of Edinburgh this is it. Good food, great establishment and a brilliant location – what more can anyone ask?” You’re right, Tina. This would be the perfect excuse. I’ve been wanting to visit Scotland for years. This is high on my list. Downside: it’ll be cold during the winter! Boo.

_________________________________________________________________________

Cashew Hill in Costa Rica is yet another option. It’s vegan and vegetarian friendly. They have fun activities like canopy zip-lining, water fall tours, snorkeling, surfing, national parks, and more! So we wouldn’t get bored! It’ll be beautiful, tropical, and warm, we’ve never been there, AND there’ll be vegan food. This is looking pretty good…

So those are just a few of the options I’ve come across. If you know of any other good candidates for Emory and Emily’s Amazing Vegan Honeymoon Adventure, do tell! My search continues…

photo by letouj

This yellow curry dish is healthy and light, but still full of flavor. It’s easy to make and was loosely inspired by a recipe I found in Food Editors’ Favorites Treasured Recipes for Curried Chicken Roll-Ups. Among other things, I replaced real chicken with Chik’n Strips, and used this great Not Chik’n by Edward & Sons to replace chicken bouillon. It’s fun to veganize old recipes.

ingredients

• Morningstar Chik’n Strips
• grilled eggplant sliced
• grilled zucchini sliced
• 1 cube of Edward & Sons Not-Chick’n Bouillon
• 3 to 4 teaspoons Penzey’s Sweet Curry Powder
• lettuce
• white Basmati rice

Combine chik’n, eggplant, zucchini, curry powder, bouillon, and 2 cups water in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Separate liquid and cook with rice for great seasoning. Once rice is done, pile onto a bed of lettuce (for crunchiness), and finally add Chik’n, eggplant, and zuccini. If there’s any sauce leftover, pour on top. Enjoy! (serves 2)