Earth Hour 2010

Don't forget! This Saturday, the 27th of March at 8:30pm (local time), is International Earth Hour. Millions of people in more than 80 countries will be participating by turning off their lights for one hour as a call for action on global climate change. Even the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, the Great Pyramids of Giza and Chicago's iconic skyline are planning to go dark for the cause. This article (http://ow.ly/1qNaP) has some suggestions on how to spend your hour of darkness... anybody have their own ideas??

Green

A little late for St. Patrick's Day and not at all reminiscent of corned beef and cabbage, nevertheless, I thought I'd start off showcasing some of my recent favorite finds with a couple green goodies. I've been collecting cutting edge products that have sparked my imagination and that make me excited about the future and I'm looking forward to sharing them with you over the next few posts!

First, I am thrilled to present my most recent purchase, a water bottle that can roll up and fit in your pocket! Now, I am a die-hard Nalgene fan and have carried one with me wherever I go since college, so this is big :). There are two earth-conscious companies that deserve mention here, although I ultimately went with the former because they offer a 1L size. Platypus actually has an entire line of products that are made of an incredibly durable triple-layer laminate and polyethylene lining (BPA free) that won't retain flavors or taste like plastic. They even have a wine preservation pouch! When not in use, it takes up very little space, which is key when all I've got is my backpack! Alternatively, Vapur has a colorful assortment and a great message. Did you know that it takes 17 million barrels of oil each year to make bottles for water just for the U.S. market?? Imagine the world over! Check out their website for more information: http://vapur.us/world-water-crisis.php - Invest in a water bottle my friends and take advantage of the beautifully clean tap water that we are privileged to have in this country :).

Another cool product on my wish list is this set of foldable, self-powered, eco-friendly speakers. Again, saving space is key and they require no batteries to boot! You can slip them right inside your laptop bag and easily carry them to any function. Made from recycled material, they have several designs to choose from, a blank set to let your creativity run wild or you can even send them your own custom design! Check out their new Rock-it device that turns anything (cereal box, paper cup, plastic bowl, even your refrigerator!) into a speaker: http://www.origaudio.com/ - awesome!

I'll leave you with this insightful film short about the fictional life of a plastic bag. It's 18 min long and it's a bit slow, so I don't blame you if you break it into parts, but the bag's last words really made the video for me. I never thought I would feel such emotion for, well, a plastic bag! :)

I'm back!

I'm back! It always seems that when I have the most free time, I have the least motivation to publish. The truth is, I've started a draft several times online and even more times in my head. Does anyone else find themselves thinking their blog throughout the day? When I'm jogging, everything from the bright spring colors and fellow joggers to the various scents that I consume along the way spur first paragraphs. Meals that I cook, friends that I hear from, magazines and the plethora of videos and news articles that I catch online spark themes and even the evening conversations with my parents can be poetic.

And yet... here I am, more than 2 months later! In the mean time, January brought the battery charging visit by my dearest Alisa. One week of relaxation, exploration and wandering. Seven days of cheek splitting smiles, tummy clenching laughter and one photo-shoot after another (I swear we must have set a record!) That is not to mention our riotous and racy romp north of the border! With a 'blue' theme (yes, we have themes :) we spent the first day stopping in nearly every shop along the road to the coast. Thanks to Alisa's skillful internet research we had a fantastic room with a balcony overlooking the sea and the city, just blocks from the water in a chic area of Vancouver. Our first thought after getting our bearings, was that we hadn't given ourselves nearly enough time to try all of the sumptuous offerings! One by one, we were bombarded by the aromas from the cookie shop, the shawarma shop, the chocolate cafe, the pizzaria, and the cupcake store! How to decide?? (hint: we didn't ;)

Next up, a stroll along the waterfront including a hilarious set of statues (photos taken), skeletal tree silhouettes (photos taken), the famous symbol of Vancouver and subsequently the 2010 Winter Olympics, Inukshuk (photos taken) and even a giant set of engagement rings in the park (photos AND a video of Alisa's version of "Single Ladies" taken :). All that and we were left with no choice but to stop in a couple of our favorite shops on the way back to the hotel... to stimulate the poor Canadian economy of course... and perhaps a little sugar for our dancin' feet!

Playing dress-up is something that Alisa and I never left behind in our childhoods (one could make the argument that we've just extended our childhood - another reason we get along so well ;). In fact, dressing up has become a veritable requirement of any reunion. Thus, Vancouverites witnessed these two American girls dressed head to toe in blue (and a little black and silver thrown in the mix), hit the town. We tracked down a super-secret, ultra-posh restaurant down town, along the way meeting a magician that mysteriously made ash appear on my very own closed hand! How could we not fall in love with this place!

Our last day was spent exploring more of Vancouver, especially the Olympic Venues. Vancouver is such a lovely city! Everybody that we met was, as cliché as it sounds, so polite and helpful. They were smartly dressed and friendly and truly seemed happy. If it wasn't as rainy as Washington, I could see myself spending some serious time there! Alas, all good things must come to an end and Alisa must return to her family. Skype video chats just weren't enough for her adorable little boy :). I always miss her, but feel so proud of us for making these reunions happen every year. Love ya Lis!

The day she left was the day I had told myself that I needed to start finding my new path - a fairly ambiguous goal. I'll save the trials and tribulations of this quest for later entries, but it has definitely been a challenge to nail anything down. Do I continue traveling? There are still so many places that I have yet to see and languages to learn and people to meet and foods to taste... Do I focus on finding a permanent job abroad? Do I commit to a job in the States for a time? Finally, get a place of my own that I can decorate and feel, as foreign a concept as it is, at home? And then there is the matter of defining my true north. What are my most poignant passions? When am I the most satisfied and what are my talents? ...so many questions.

So! As I continue my journey, I've picked up a new side job. I have plenty of time these days to work on getting back in physical shape so I have been running consistently (met my goal of a half-marathon in Feb :), using Wii Fit for yoga and strength training and I've found a dance class that I absolutely love! About a month into attending classes, the instructor, whom I admire a great deal - this girl can move! - asked if I had ever considered teaching. Absolutely made my day! I took some time to mull it over and next thing you know, I was choreographing 14 songs including hiphop, salsa, reggaeton, bachata, bollywood and I've even thrown in a Greek song for the fun of it. I had my first class on the first of March and I am simply loving it! I get a wonderful workout AND I get to share my music and moves with a group of lovely ladies!

I'll try to stay more current from now on. I've got a blog coming up with some awesome products that I've come across and also... drumroll please... a possible international trip coming up!! Stay tuned ;)

Imminent Arrival

I've just returned from one of the most relaxing and enjoyable New Year in-ringing with some of my closest friends. The menu included such delectable foods as bacon-wrapped chicken bites, authentic guacamole, deluxe chili, vanilla strawberry torte, secret recipe Italian cheeseball and "pita fritas" as well as the famous Mohr-tinis. The activities ranged from deep, philosophical conversations, book swapping, and watching movies to Wii competitions (especially a raucous game of Super Mario Bros where at 3am, bouncing on eachothers heads was the best part), intense games of handball (okay, I'll be honest, I haven't played in ages and it showed, but it was a blast nonetheless) and circuit training.
At midnight I got 3 cheek-kisses which in my book is 3 half kisses or one and a half total, so I fared pretty well :) and most importantly, I felt at home for a change so here's one last plural thank you - you know who you are!

And best of all, the fun is not yet over! I am expecting a much anticipated arrival early Monday morning. My dearest of dears, Alisa, will be joining me for a week of relaxation, catching up, wandering, site seeing, photo snapping, dressing up, dancing, cooking, baking, crafting, laughing, in all 'round goofballing! What a wonderful year 2010 has already been! See you in approximately 24hrs Lis!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Flames a'flickering in cozy fireplaces
and driving a car to all sorts of places.
Sausages and cheeses and home cooked foods
with spiked hot cocoa adding cheer to the mood.
Getting back out in nature and consistently running.
These are a few of my favorite things!

Letterboxing in wild crannies and nooks
and my night stand chock full of riveting books.
The electric blanket pre-heating my bed on cold nights
and seeing old friends in person and skype.
A fully stocked kitchen for experimenting.
These are a few of my favorite things!

Each time I return to the States, I relish the things that are my sole continuity at this point in life. Some small and some not, coming from someone who thrives in ever-shifting environments, adapts and learns so much from change, I've also learned that balance is a necessity. My friends and family, of course, are the biggest connection to this country and the only reason that I can still genuinely call it home. Whether they know it or not, they provide the emotional and spiritual support that is necessary to wander as far and wide and prolonged as I do. Without that base, I would be lost.

To those of you reading, I owe the happiness in my life to you. Thank you for the mail, the email/comments, the skype chats and phone calls. I am so lucky to have seen some of you in Florida, Oregon, Utah and Washington this year. I am so lucky to have met more of you in South America and heard from those around the world as well. I can only hope that 2010 brings more joyful reunions (can't wait to see Adam, Kate, Alina, Dan, Nikki, Dave, Lauren, Steve and Jeremy over New Years!), good health and fortune for everyone.

As for my plans for this upcoming new year (I would not have to worry about a plan if I just had a silver farthing for every time someone asked me this question ;), the only thing I can say is that I have some serious soul-searching to do. I plan on enjoying the previously mentioned 'favorite things', driving a car, cooking and savoring home-foods, a running routine, a hair-dryer, my favorite hoody that I never bring abroad, a change of shoes, catching up with friends, letterboxing, reading and watching the movies that I've missed... but I've also got a list that is slowly being compiled of projects that will be attended to and future career ideas that will be researched. 2010 is yet a tabula rasa... anything is possible! Suggestions?? :)

PS: Some of you know that I just returned from a months stay in Florida. My lovely friend Dawn, opened her home and life to me for which I will be eternally grateful. We worked together along with her daughter, my newest friend Carly, for Nintendo, promoting the Wii and DSi and had a blast! I got to avoid the frigid Northwest a little longer, basking in the sunshine state weather, playing catch, hitting the batting cages (it's been ages!), painting pottery, chatting over wine and Dawn's fabulous cooking, all while playing games every day... for work! Plus, I got to hop down to Orlando for a couple days to see my friend Heather, meet her sweet fiancé and visit Disney World for the first time! What a wonderful month it was!

Illegal Immigrant

Phew! Although it is true, it feels good to be back in Peru, it has not been the smoothest of trips!
I left Vilcabamba, dragging my toes after a splendid stay. Three wonderful days were spent hiking and biking the surrounding hills with my new friend Paul and I cannot speak highly enough of the hostal!

The self proclaimed "backpackers resort" was exactly that. Although, they hesitate to use the term resort because of certain expectations that come with that label, for all intents and purposes, it was the nicest place that I have stayed since the actual resort with my parents in Bali. A nice 2k walk from town, (even if it is 11pm and you are walking with your now 50lb pack because there are no taxis at this time of night), the place is gorgeous! A lovely view of little Vilcabamba from the dining area, a menu featuring German specialties that is reason enough to visit, a giant outdoor chess set, bar with billiards, darts and pingpong, a lagoon style pool, lofted dorm rooms with cobbled hot showers and a free gormet breakfast buffet... All of this for an unbelievable $10?? I immediately booked myself another night! (For more info: Izhcayluma.com)

Mornings started with a dip in the pool, followed by a fresh and filling breakfast taking in the view. Afternoons were spent enjoying the scenery (maybe getting lost just once high above town during a 5 hour ridge trek?) and the evenings were spent relaxing, enjoying the gulasch and spaetzle and pineapple curry and exotic fruit juices, the bar and of course Halloween night with a random mix of travelers! I was so glad to have the company of Paul while our schedules permitted, but as is always the case, our time came to an end and he had to leave west, while I spent one more day in Vilcabamba and left south into Peru the next night.

The trip was actually a lot smoother than it should have been. I took a bus to Loja and then boarded another an hour later for Piura in Peru. The next thing I know, around 7am, I find myself in Piura. Does anyone else notice what I missed? I cant rightly be in Peru without having stopped at the border to get a visa stamped in my passport, but that is exactly the situation I was in. I was suddenly illegally in the country and the border was 2 1/2 hours away! I was quite surprised that they has never told me to get out at the border crossing, that I had slept right through it and that the security for either side had not checked the bus. I argued with the bus company saying it was their responsibility to carry everyone into the country legally and that if it is an overnight bus that they should make sure people are awake. Eventually they granted me passage back to the border for free, but the next bus didnt leave for 2 hours. (I tried to go to the consulate in the mean time, but just my luck its some kind of holiday and it was closed). So, after arriving on an overnight bus around 7am, I had to retreat all the way back, get my stamps, hassle the next bus driver to let me on without paying and finally return to Piura around 4:30pm! An unfortunte waste of a day, but such is life on the road. Now at least, Ive had time to upload a blog entry and try some north Peruvian street food :)

I am of course sadly behind in my Ecuadorian updates. I had a remarkable time in the seemingly small country, jam-packed with noteable places to see and things to do. I promise to catch up soon. For now, my last week will be spent winding my way down to Lima for my flight next Tuesday night!!!

Colombia - The Highlights

Once again, I hate to summarize the last few weeks of travel, especially an entire country, but I'm afraid it's either that, or spend tens of thousands of pesos on the internet while I try to document every detail. Bare with me, I will try to stay more current!

Before leaving Peru, I spent my last day back in my village of Socma. It is not the easiest journey to make. You have to know whether there is a big truck, carrying people and supplies going up and which town it is leaving from. I left Cusco around 6am in order to get to Pachar, a small town just before Ollantaytambo, by 8am. From there, I walked for about 20 min to a point at which I'd been told that there may be a truck passing by and into the valley. I was in luck. I climbed in the back to find several ladies from Socma and a nearby village also heading up. It was so nice to be recognized and we shared bread and chatted all the way up.

Once we arrived in Socma, I climbed down and was instantly surrounded by the people that had been working in the main field. I had been looking forward to surprising them and it was such a warm feeling to be amongst the people Id become so close to again! I toured the coops of some of the houses, visited with those that were still home and when I returned to the school grounds, the kids saw me and came running over. I've said this before, but there simply is nothing like the love of a child and to have 3o of them rush towards you, calling your name and scrambling to hug you... ahhh, words cannot suffice. They even broke into song and dance and I caught it on video! Eventually, I had to pull myself away. After being invited for soup at one home, I was told I must join the ladies down by the river for their artisans training. I sat in the circle of ladies, watching them learn to sew dolls and weave the most intricate designs. I shared in their snack of corn and rice and even helped sew a little. My heart swelled - those are the moments (days) that stay with you and that you can never get as a tourist!

I said my final goodbyes to Cusco (for now at least) and boarded 3 planes to Barranquilla, Colombia. I did not have much of a plan, so I just chose an airport in the north. Turns out, my instinct did not choose well this time and Barranquilla is just a big city. Luckily, I stayed with a sweet couchsurfing couple, one American and one Colombian and they got me started. I had a fantastic night of dancing before I left for Cartagena.

Cartagena

• A famously romantic city, with 3 distinct areas: The charming old city, surrounded by castle-like walls and towers, rainbow colored buildings, women in Columbian flag ruffled dresses selling fruit from baskets on their heads, horse drawn carriages, jungle-like plazas and latin music reverberating from one venue or another. Boca Grande, a lizard tail peninsula of expensive high-rises and packed beaches and what I consider the real city, a fairly dirty, congested and poor area with a lack of green and too many vehicles.
  
• Incredible heat and humidity!
• Delicious variety of street foods, especially the cups of fruit.
• Interesting night life, with dancers performing in the streets, salsa, rock and reggaeton. The juice shops begin selling smoothies with a dash of rum - yum!
• A friend of mine and I, went to Columbia's largest mud volcano (I don't know how many actually exist) by bus and motorbike. Through lush green scenery, as I imagine the african savanah to look, we zipped until we came to the base. Up the ladder we climbed and it was one of the coolest experiences that I've had in Columbia. You submerge yourself, but only just below the surface. You can't reach the bottom, but you can't go further down. It was almost like anti-gravity! Men in the crater push you to a spot and then give you a massage (for a tip of course) and then afterwards you descend to a lake nearby where a lady grabs you and begins to bathe you. She reached in my top and cleaned out my ears... Ha, I knew they would also ask for a tip, but how often do you get bathed these days! I wish I could do it again!

Medellin

• Again, as a tourist/backpacker you don't really get to see the real city. Most of the hostels are in a ritzy, very safe and cool area, quite removed from down town.
  
• THE place to hang out is "the park". Surrounded by cafés, restaurants and clubs, you will most likely meet everyone there at some point. Most nights started here with a bottle or two and eventually the group, that had slowly grown over time, would decide on one club or another to dance the early AM hours away.
• My hostel had everything. A restaurant, bar, internet, comfy TV lounge with cable and a huge DVD library and even a pool. When the weather was rainy, I found myself more than once cuddled up amongst the pillows and 10 other backpackers watching movies - quite nice for a change.
• I spent one day seeing the rest of Medellin. I joined a worker from the hostel on his bike around down town, not much to see really besides a couple nice buildings, statues, a nice big market with whole animal carcasses on display and more prostitutes than I've seen anywhere else. We continued about an hour out of town to Santa Elena, a tiny town set in lush greens and flowers. I spent the day relaxing in the fresh air, hiking around the paths and generally enjoying the slow pace of the countryside.
• I was lucky enough to be in town to see Colombia play Chile in their quest to qualify for the World Cup! Ahh, there is nothing like football in South America and even though they lost, I relished in the competitive, happy, frenetic atmosphere of a crowded stadium.

Bogota

• I had been warned against Bogota on grounds of violence and theft. I decided I wanted to see for myself and was rewarded with a holiday in town and therefore an extended cyclovia where several of the main roads are closed and thousands of people ride bikes, rollerblade, jog and walk their dogs through town. I was delighted to find families, kids and friends of all ages outside, enjoying their city, watching an interesting mix of street performers (a great guineapig show and a talented set of rappers to start) and getting some exercize!
• El Monserrate is an imposing mountain looking over Bogota with a pretty church atop. I was only able to admire it from below unfortunately because the rainy weather would not have permitted a view.
• Once again, the bakeries and street food stalls were like magnets. I cannot resist trying something new and there seems to be no end! Delicious.
• Being a bit museum-jaded, the Gold Museum is definitely worth a visit.
  
• San, a new traveling buddy and I decided to check out the famous Salt Cathedral. I was not expecting much, since I'd been to the salt capital of the world in Bolivia, but this was apparently the number one marvel in Columbia. I was so very impressed! The town that it is situated in, Zipaquirá, was a lovely little town, clean, wide streets and friendly plazas. The salt cathedral itself was actually carved inside the mountain and incredibly unique. Symbolic chambers, cool lighting, a beautiful mirror pond, a great guide and a cheesy but funny 3D movie! I just wish I had had time for Colombia's highest rock climbing wall!
• I couchsurfed once again with a guy named Oliver and he was a wonderful host! These interactions truly enrich my experience and I want to send a big thank you out to him!

I left cold and rainy Bogota with a list of things to see when I return. What was supposed to be an 11hr journey turned into 15 for some reason and I am now in the salsa capital of Colombia, Cali. Last night, I joined a friend at his dance studio for a class and it was fantastic! They even mixed it was a little hiphop and reggaeton - so fun! Afterwards, we went to one of the hottest salsotecas in town and I was in such awe of pure talent there! I can only hope that one day I will be able to dance like them!