Hangin’ Out #8
Sometimes hangin’ out with friends is as simple as a sharing a light lunch outside and connecting through a fun conversation. So today we’re suggesting that you pack a picnic to take to the beach or a park. While you’re driving or dining, share some laughs over some funny phrases from around the world. Then round out the discussion with other interesting things to talk about.
A Lovely Day For A Picnic
We’re always up for a picnic. It doesn’t matter whether it comes during a hike, or if we just go the park and find a nice place to sit. Everything just seems to taste better when eating outdoors. The fresh air, the sights and sounds of nature, and the natural sunlight add an extra layer of nourishment to the meal. So next time the weather permits, we highly suggest calling up a buddy, grabbing some goodies, and heading out for a relaxing bite. To help keep the event stress-free, here’s a quick list of ideas to fill your picnic basket, as well as other essential picnic items. Oh, and here’s a link to find good places to picnic near you!
Picnic Finger Foods
- French Bread Baguette, Crackers, or your own Artisanal Loaf
- Cheese
- Tomato
- Basil
- Salami or other cold cuts
- Chicken or Egg Salad
Combine any of the above for a fresh sandwich!
- Olives
- Nuts
- Fig or Onion Jam
- Avocado
Combine these with the bread/crackers for an easy charcuterie.
- Veggie Sticks (Carrots, Celery, Cucumber) and dip of choice
- Fruit
- Potato Salad
- Greek Salad
- Fresh Green Salad
- Water, Wine
Any of these help round out the meal… and keep you hydrated.
Other Picninc Essentials
- Picnic Basket – (or backpack) to carry all the goodies, of course!
- Ground cover – a waterproof picnic mat or blanket, or an old sheet
- Small Cutting Board – on which to slice & serve
- Plates & Cups – reusable plastic is preferred
- Silverware – just bring from home and wash when you get back
- Paper Towels/Napkins – nobody wants to wipe hands on shirts or pants
- Corkscrew/Bottle Opener – so you can get into your drinks
- Trash Bag – don’t leave a mess
- Frisbee – always a fun activity
- Sunscreen – stay protected
- Bug Spray – because bug bites suck
Cool Fact:
The word ‘picnic’ originally stems back to 1794, exactly 100 years after ‘pique-nique’ first appeared in the French language.
Funny Foreign Phrases
Have you ever noticed that some phrases in English make very little sense? For example: “Spilling the beans” means to reveal secret information. The literal words don’t add up, but the phrase makes some sense if you know that ancient Greeks used to vote anonymously by putting black and white beans in a jar. The vote counter had to spill the beans in order to tally them up and determine the winner. Similarly, other languages have very colorful and fun sayings that don’t seem to make much literal sense. But with a little thought, you may be able to figure out what they’re getting at. Let’s check out a few funny phrases that are worth a giggle.
“I’m going where the Tsar goes on foot.”
A Russian saying for going to the bathroom, since his royal carriage can’t carry him there.
“An ant milker.”
An Arabic way of referring to a tightwad.
“There is no cow on the ice.”
Swedish saying that means there is no reason to panic.
“Hand of the cow.”
Another term for a penny-pincher, but this time from Brazil.
“Bang your butt on the ground.”
How the French slangily say “to die laughing”.
“Drawing a snake with feet.”
A Chinese saying that means telling a long-winded story with unnecessary information.
Cool Fact:
There are 2,700 languages with over 7,000 individual dialects spoken around the world today.
What Are You Talking About?
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: few things bring people together better than a good conversation. Whether you’re on a date or just chillin with your pals, bonding over some banter is a great way to pass the time. You can even do it while hanging out remotely over snapchat, zoom, facetime, or the phone. Gain insight to what is going on in the world -and in the head of your friends- by taking time to discuss topics that are trending in the news, social media, or just in each other’s lives. Here are some things to talk about that popped up recently that may stimulate your minds.
Have you heard about that boat stuck in the Suez Canal?! That thing is massive!
Yeah, I’m glad that fiasco is over. But I knew if we can send three ships to Mars, then we had to be able to figure out how to get it free again. Bravo!
I actually watched the NASA rover landing. It was pretty neat. And it’s interesting to think they may actually find water on Mars.
It is fascinating. But if we’re going to spend all that time and money going to space, I really wish we’d figure out how to resolve ocean pollution first. Its not going to fix itself!
Very true, and so sad. After that sobering thought, we need to check out some uplifting memes.
Haha! That may be from last year, but it still applies. So profound. I loved watching “The Joy of Painting” back in the day! So crazy to think Bob Ross is even more popular now.
Cool Fact:
Many ancient cultures have stories of dragons, but nobody actually know where these legends started.
Me, too! I am always amazed how he could just make those happy little trees appear. But have you seen this lady paint in virtual reality? Mind blowing!
Speaking of cool things to watch, did you get a chance to see Raya and the Last Dragon on Disney+? I loved it.
Not yet, but I will. If you like fantastical stories, then you may like A Monster Calls. It’s a couple years old, but is fairly new on Netflix.
Thanks for that tip. I can definitely use another more light-hearted tale after watching Seaspiracy.
I know what you mean. It’s heart-wrenching to see the havoc we cause on nature. But it really is great to see people fighting hard to make things better. I know it inspires me to do more to protect our oceans…
We are all one.
Not only with humanity, but with the Earth, the environment and all creatures.
Any damage we humans inflict upon the planet, we inflict upon ourselves. Therefore, Kaldzar believes in responsibility and sustainability, and stands by the side of those fighting to protect Mother Nature and all she provides. We urge you to do the same. To choose products and foods that are manufactured, grown, and harvested in ways that do more good than harm. And if you have the means, support those that defend this planet we call home.
Learn more about SeaShepherd and donate to their causes.
Although we may be social distancing, that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of it. Whether indoors or outside, spending time with friends is what makes life worth living. Enjoy the moment and be present while hanging out. Share the sunshine and your biggest smiles with those close to you.
Let us know your favorite way to hang out! We’d love to hear and share all the fun ways to stay connected with friends and family. Drop a note in comments below, or email us at contact@kaldzar.com.
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