Monthly Archives: May 2012

Ohhklahoma!

Hello again! After my last post, I put the blog away as I flew back to the states for some quality family time. First stop… Oklahoma!

Although I was raised in California, I’ve been coming back here for years so it’s very familiar to me. To the several people who have never seen this place and for all of my amazing friends abroad (who haven’t taken the time to research “middle America”), here is a quick look at the country life in Oklahoma.

This is looking at the main street of central Agra. When I say “main” or “central”, I mean the only road in town that has THE school, THE gas station, THE post office and THE cafe.
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These were all taken from the road traveling in-between Agra to the next “big city” called Stillwater.
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Almost to Stillwater and we’ve got some neighborly competition!
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Okie (pronounced Oh-Kee) – A native or inhabitant of Oklahoma. The term Okie is usually used in slang describing an uncivilized person, a redneck, or a person from Oklahoma. Usually used in the negative.
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Sonic is one of the top selling fast food joints around here. It still uses the old fashion style of parking at an open spot in front of the restaurant and waiting for the waitress to come out to you. Some of them still wear roller skates!
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Main street of Stillwater. Adorable!
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Funny sights I thought I’d share.

I found these at the local gym… Only in Oklahoma.
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Really? Yep… In a local garage.
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Ill have one more Oklahoma post before I depart for my hometown of Folsom California!

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Last weekend in Peru

After Huacachina, I caught a 5 hour bus ride back to Lima for my last weekend in Peru. Ashgan and Simon stayed back to plan their next leg of South America as I load up and head out.

Some pictures from the bus ride.
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With only two days in this huge city, I follow my usual routine and get lost.
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Performing artist on the streets! (although it would be entertaining, the kids were not break dancing to the traditional band on the left).
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These two lovely ladies knew as much English as I did Spanish which made for great conversation! Sweethearts.
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Look what I found! An outdoor gym over looking the coast.
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Peru, you have a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing your culture with open arms, beautiful wonders and positive energy!

An afternoon flight sends me north with a layover in Columbia… I’m back to the United States for a temporary visit. Always great to see friends and family (Who started to believe that I would never come back!)

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May I please get a little sand with that?

Huacachina Peru – check it out!
click here for the full website
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Do we look like little kids on a holiday morning? Felt like it!
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Getting all strapped in for the buggie ride to the peak of the dunes. This is one of my favorite pictures of Ashgan, what a darling smile!
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…and we’re off! (clearly not having any fun at all).
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We made it to the top with time for some quick action shots. Please keep in mind our shoes are standard snowboard boots, meaning it would have been easier to handstand with center blocks strapped to my feet. I really have no excuse for my late jump in the third picture… Way to go Simon and Ashgan though!
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Time to get strapped in!
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..and then we ride!
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Thank you Augusto for a great day! (Including the mouth full of sand you so kindly offered mid flight and let’s not forget the bruised bum from the “landing” of your ever so talented jumping skills). All smiles though!
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Machu Picchu

I feel a huge challenge trying to describe through words and photos the magnitude of energy and massive beauty that this place holds. If Machu Piccu has been on your “list” or this page intrigues you whatsoever, please remember:

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN… SO DO IT!

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Earlier in the week we met a retired tour guide. He invited the 3 of us to sit close as he described in full detail the secerets of making the best of this experience. From the less known routes to the best times to be in certain places. He was so kind to “let us in”.

TAKE NOTE: I will not be exposing all of these hidden treasures. If you are arranging to go to this sacred place, please email me directly and I will then possibly share more information… Maybe.

3:30 alarm clock and my eyes have no problem adjusting to the dark as I tip toe around the other backpackers who are peacefully sleeping their “sunrise on the mountain” away (enter sneaky giggle here).

We are on one of the first busses to the top of the ridge and can actually see the entrance gates! I must add during the ride we met a sweet girl from Switzerland that was traveling alone… A new friend! We invite her to join us and now there are 4.

As we near the gentleman taking tickets, I hear “passport ID please”…. I feel my heart hit my feet and my stomach hit my throat. I didn’t have it on me. I had made it all the way to the entry gates with no form of ID to prove that I, Erika Young was indeed the ticket holder of “Erika Young”. He asked me to step aside so others could enter. As I make eye contact with my sad stricken friends on the other side, I realize there was no “talking” my way through this one.

I closed my eyes (seriously stood there with my eyes closed for a min) and said to myself “he will let me in”.

I hear “seniority…miss!” I opened my eyes to see him flagging me over. As I approach he says “I’m only allowed to excuse one a day, go ahead.” I may of heard bells of “Hallelujah” at that moment, either way I take only a second to thank him then rush through before any mind changing could happen. I’m in!

We follow our confidential intstructions from our new friend (the retired tour guide) and up we go. Steps, stones, rocks, stairs, curves, cliffs and ridges… We reach a peak and stop to observe the sun rising over this beautiful city. Please excuse the bum shot but I wanted to show the extreme of some of the steps.
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Not only are we alone up top, but observe the number of tourist that haven’t reached the lower city yet:
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After watching the sunrise and toasting to the incredible beginning of this adventure, we make our way down into the city.
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On the left is a woman who was in the much later years of life being piggy backed all the way to the center… What’s your excuse?
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…and of course I was honored to add this one to the list!
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Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 6 Comments

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