Let the Traveling Begin
Two weeks ago, I was back in California, Redlands to be exact, for a residency at the University of Redlands. As a conductor, I also consider myself an educator and I take pride in speaking with and mentoring the up-and-coming generation of musicians and conductors. The residency included working with the two conducting students, who were absolutely lovely, working with the Orchestra and the Concert band, working with the students in the beginning conducting class, and giving a talk to music majors during the recital rep hour.
Speaking with students is always a highlight for me because one of my goals is to break the misnomer that conductors are these godly beings or elitists. Seriously, people think that. I like to call this the “Maestro Myth.” I always start my talks with an icebreaker called “Two Truths and One Lie.” The question that always raises questions is the following:
What kind of music do I enjoy listening to?
a) Rap
b) R&B
c) Death Metal/Harsh Vocals
I’ll give you a second…If you are like most folks, I’m sure you thought A or B. However, I am a huge metal head and as soon as people discover this about me, the image of who a conductor is in their minds is instantly shattered. And you’re welcome.
Aside from the students, my residency was exactly what I didn’t know I needed with another highlight being that I was also able to find food to eat. The hardest thing about having CSIDs is eating while traveling. Before my diagnosis, I could easily buy a bag of chips in one of the airport stores for a snack. I can’t do that anymore which can be stressful if I have long travel days. Therefore, I have learned never to travel without my snack pack.
These are some of my go to snacks that are both low sugar and low starch.
Breakfast can also be tricky when traveling because aside from eggs I can’t any of the breakfast meats. Most meats are cured with sugar and other spices which can make me sick. Therefore, I always buy hard boils eggs and fruits via grocery delivery and bake almond flour muffins that I will have every morning in my hotel room. As a meat source, I will have a few pieces of Biltong (sugar-free air-dried jerky).
Recipe for Muffins below
I was also able to find some really tasty dinners while in Redlands. Typically, it takes me 45-60 minutes to find a restaurant that can accommodate my diet vis uber eats or door dash, which is honestly frustrating when you’re hungry. It was nice to see so many options available to me. One night I felt like having fish and ordered a Paleo Bowl from California Fish Grill that had seared salmon over a bed of cauliflower rice, zucchini, tomato, and cilantro.
On the last night of my Residency, I was treated to Rok n Fondue, and let me tell you, a treat it was indeed. They had a few cuts of meats and veggies that I could eat and I ended up ordering a Ribeye Steak with a side of green beans. What was cool about the experience was that they bring you the meat raw on a slab that is heated to 500 degrees. As your meat cooks, you can baste it with the various kinds of butter and sauces they provide. I couldn’t eat any of the kinds of butter or sauces, but I really enjoyed my meal. If I ever find myself near a Rok n Fondue, I will definitely be back.
California just hits differently and it always feels great to be back. I ended the week with a very full heart after my work with the students and I look forward to the next adventure!
