Monthly Archives: September 2012

What do you get when you mix 4 Germans, 2 Dutch and me?

Posted on September 26, 2012 by erikamae82

A party in Amsterdam!

Quick recap: I met Carina and Florian, years ago at Oktoberfest who introduced me to Julia and Sebastian this year. Denise and I met while studying in Spain last year and just met Ioni in Argentina this March. Since I know all 6 of these incredible people I felt more than than driven to connect us all at once. Success!

We met up early in the day to wander the streets before heading out on the town. I got to take them to one of my favorite open markets!

I honestly couldn’t figure out if this was a real man. He didn’t budge or blink for the awkward moments I just stood there… I’m still not sure.

We were extremely tempted to purchase snow suits and wear them out as a huge group, next time!

Most vendors have some sort of design on the outside of their closed shed. Gotta love the one and only Bob Marley!

After snooping through bags, books, clothes, tools, posters, jewelry, plants, and still trying to figure out if that guy was alive or not… we head to Dam Square to meet up with the rest of the bunch.

While waiting, I offered to take a picture of a group of lovely ladies that ended up being so sweet! Besides the great conversation with these intelligent girls, I now have a place to stay in Indonesia!

Who took the group photo of us? Italy on my right and Spain on my left!

All right, time to dance! Amsterdam is full of bars, clubs and offers a variety of entertainment every night of the week. We didn’t have any specific plans which led us on a walk to see what we could find.

A crazy disco club? A loud sports bar? A classy cocktail lounge? Nope. An old school bar in which we were the youth by a solid 35 years… priceless! All eyes peered over in curiosity as we bounced through the entry way. I wonder what they were all thinking?

After only minutes I saw this woman ever so slightly shaking her hips to the tunes and that was my cue… That girl wants to dance!

…and this was the beginning to our self-made dance party with new friends. I hope the locals will look back and smile remembering the enthusiasm we brought and the energy we left with.

The first photo is the owner playing bottles of liquor with two sticks making them chime to some crazy Dutch song. Then naturally Carina and I end up behind the bar pouring drinks. We both agree that these taps poor differently than back home.

As the evening wrapped up, we handed my camera to one of our new pals for a group photo.
Judging from the pictures, he wasn’t sober. Here’s what we ended up with! (In the exact order they were taken).

The closing to the night was finding a solution to the growling tummy’s of my dear buddy’s.

What’s this? For those of you in the dark like I was, this is a form of fast food vending machine style! Instead of a bag of nuts or skittles, you have your choice of hamburgers, chicken strips, friend cheese, hotdogs and so on. This smile says it all!

Carina, Florian, Julia, Sebastian, Denise and Ioni… I hope you stay connected as this evening should be the first of many! I’ve got to be the luckiest “tourist” around these parts, thanks for joining me! Doei and Tschuss!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: bob marley, dam square, Dance, Dutch, German, locals, market, Music, party, vending machine | 1 Comment

Do you stuff your bra?

Posted on September 25, 2012 by erikamae82

Do you stuff your bra? Of course! Even if I’m not wearing one and especially if I’m without my backpack, I’ll always have tissue stuffed somewhere on me.

If you score big and don’t need the tissue for your public bathroom use, there’s always the eyes and nose with an occasional need.

Let’s not forget the spilt wine, a dripping peach or handful of salty nuts the elderly man from the local market gives (forces) you as a sample gift. That after you politely decline, he places in your hand anyway as if you said “Oh yes please, that would be amazing!”.

I’ve torn off a square and rubber banded it to my finger until I could find a bandaid or tape.

Stuck some in the heel of my boot after hours of dancing in the wrong shoes.

Wiped off fruit, absorbed sweat and cleaned the mouth piece of a water bottle that I dropped in the sand (not all with the same piece of course).

When reading the following you can use your whisper voice: I’ve been that girl dabbing off a greasy meal in order to get it down without feeling like I’m drinking the oil is was cooked in. I usually don’t order fried items, I’m actually talking about the “salad a’tun” where they use fish and oil to top off the raw veggies. I really don’t need to eat my salad with a spoon.

I’ve given my bra-o-paper to a young mom with a runny nosed child that was hovered next to me on a crowded bus. Please visualize for a second, when I say “crowded”, I mean two dozen standing passengers on a bus that seats 10. With the “I know this guy isn’t happy to see me” and “Her hair smells like corn” kind of bus ride.
Not to mention you’re the tallest whitest female with all eyes not hesitating to stare at you. I can only imagine they have innocent wondering curiosity, “Is that Angelina Jolie? Did she finally come to our village? No, couldn’t be. This girl has entirely to small of…. Lips.”

I suppose the only disappointment (if you call it that) coming from carrying spare tissue in your bra, is if you cross a “special” guest of the evening that ends up totally confused when all up top disappears. I suppose that’s their issue, not yours!

All said and done, the main reason for the traveling tissue stash, is the hard to avoid toilet use. A portion of the bathrooms don’t provide toilet paper and if they do, chances are it’s dripping wet on the floor or possibly sold to you out front from the person who probably took it from the stalls. Either way, there’s a certain level of hygiene that’s easy to maintain by simply being prepared.

Here are some different bathroom pictures I’ve captured along my journey. Honestly, these are just for some visual stimulation to enhance this post.

These are from a hotel in Timaru New Zealand.

Random toilets:

…and the winner for “Eh, I can hold it”, is:

Categories: Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: emergency, napkin, paper, restrooms, spilt wine, Toilets | 2 Comments

How to get lost in Amsterdam with incredible people!

Posted on September 25, 2012 by erikamae82

They call it the city of bikes. No need to wonder why!

My first time hitching a ride on a bike! I felt safer with this guy than with a seat belt in a Peruvian cab. Recognize this face? It’s Simon! Him and Ashgan were the fun duo that hiked Machu Picchu with me.

If a bike isn’t your preference of transportation, you can take your pick of one of these. How can you look at some of these photos and not smile!

Are these mini smart cars? They must be “brilliant”.

Not fond of wheels? The first two are my favorite photos of people choosing to walk. This little girl is adorable and the elderly man with the boy wore the clogs throughout the entire central station, “click, clack, click, clack…”

Other random sights to be seen while walking or riding about the city.

Can you see the name of the shop?

Dam Square is pretty much the most central as you can get in regards to an open area perfect for people watching! If you’re ever bored in Amsterdam (I say that sarcastically), find a seat in the square and just watch the free entertainment. Here was the show I got!

It’s Marshall! This is the amazing chef I met in Las Vegas, that I reunited with in Atlanta that now has joined me for a wonderful portion of Europe! Here we are acting like the “grown ups” that we are.

The handstand shot!

Last year-

This year-

The last night in Amsterdam I was honored to introduce Marshall to Simon and Ashgan (the duo that I spent time with in South America). The first picture is us at the top of Machu Picchu followed by a shot of us sand boarding in Peru! Then the most recent photo.

Marshall also got to meet my dear friend Denise… I love great people meeting amazing people!

The Netherlands has always had a special place in my heart. It now has several people that have added to the indescribable warmth I feel when thoughts of Holland cross my mind. I miss you already friends… Soon enough we gather again! Doei!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: Amsterdam, bikes, Bus, clog, dam square, holland, smart car, tram | 2 Comments

Surprise trip to Recklinghausen!

Posted on September 22, 2012 by erikamae82

I took a small detour from Holland to visit my dear friends Carina and Florian in the small German town of Recklinghausen. I met them back at my very first Oktoberfest and have kept in touch ever since. Here we are last year in Munich at Oktoberfest.

Instead of meeting up at Oktoberfest again, they invited me to their home town for more of a personal visit. (Turns out it’s kind of tricky to really connect during the dancing on picnic tables, singing German songs while balancing your stein of beer in one hand and a giagantic pretzel in the other.

Rather than jumping directly into the photos of my 48 hours of Recklinghausen, let’s all sit for a short story of “Proper English by the Dutch.”

To get to my sweet friends I had to take a train from Amsterdam to Munster, then another from Munster to Recklinghausen. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable In my abilities with public transportation because well, it’s all I use now. I have my 8:50am ticket to Munster in my hand as I shuffle through my bag when the train pulls up. I double check the watch in my purse… 8:50. European trains, on time as always!
I skip on board (maybe I just walked, but I felt like skipping) and sat down for the 3 hour journey. The train pulls away jusy as my eyes catch the well lit number clock above the schedule sign… 8:48, Oh no. This may be the first time a watch set 2 minutes fast will cost me. Once I put my stomach back to it’s orginal position, I gathered my thoughts and decide to go back to Amsterdam to catch the next train in then correct direction.
You can imagine at this point that I’m a little more assertive when making the decision to board but with confidence this time, I’m on my way!
A solid hour into the ride, we make a 4 min stop which gives me time to confirm my future transitions.Wonderful, a kind looking gentleman in uniform stands by at the station, he”ll validate my direction form sure! I walk over not rushed, but certainly with a pace to give the idea of “Let’s not sit and chat over tea.”

The conversation goes as follows:
Me: “Excuse me sir, am I on the correct train”? (as I show him my ticket).
Him: “No mam…”
This is when my stomach returns to it’s dropped lower sick position.
Him: As he cocks his head slightly to the side, “You’re in the right train.”

With little time to figure out if this frustrated me or tickled me, I continue:
Me: “Ok great, will they call out my stop?”
Him: “I’m sorry no…they will not call it out.” With no eye contact at all, he finishes his thought.
Him: “They will announce it upon arrival.”
Me: “Thank you for your help.”
My inner thoughts: “Aahhhhhhhh!!”

I actually don’t remember if I did or said anything here besides a smile and thank you. Either way, looking back it makes me giggle.

Ok, on to my amazing time with Carina, Florian and new friends Sebastian and Julia.

Upon arrival I was warned that the only neat thing in Reckinghausen is the flat of Carina and Sebastian. I knew they were correct judging by the front door…

Check this place out!

The beautiful woman in the frame is Carina!

Couldn’t leave this place without a few pics with effects.

For the bathroom, can you pick out his and hers?

They love to recycle!

As soon as I arrive they have a spread of fresh ingredients for us to make our own sushi. What a perfect start!

I was informed during dinner that their favorite futbol team was playing and we were headed to a local joint to watch it, score! If you know me at all, you know I was game to dive into the appropriate jersey and cheer when necessary. I also mastered how to say the team name and where they were from (just in case I was questioned… Which I was). Wooohoo BVB!

The following day we went for a little “sport”, as they call it. Carina showed me the highest point in Recklinghausen where the Horizont-Observatorium sits. There are over 500 steps that lead to the 360 degree panoramic view.

Side note- On the way there I pulled over to ask in all seriousness,
“Is the second set of random letters a real word… and if so, how do you say it?”.
Turns out it is! If you’d like to hear what it sounds like, I suggest you find a German friend to read it to you.

The start to our mini climb.

Up we go to the first level where you can rest and sneak a peak of the panoramic view. I personally found the fence more intriguing. This is fairly traditional in Belgium but I’d never seen it here. Couples take a key lock, some even have it engraved, and together as a symbol of their commitment, they attach the bolt to the fence and toss the key. In Belgium it’s done over rivers and canals. I wonder where these keys went? Either way I think it’s the closest thing to marriage that I’m comfortable with so far… Maybe.

After this level we turned around to find this inviting set of stairs. Let’s do it!

At the top, we reach a view stretching as far as you can see! I’m still learning the panoramic setting on my camera, but you get the idea.

This enormous man made structure is the Observatorium shown on the diagram above. It also ended up being the pick for the handstand photo. Can you see me?

For lunch, the crew decides to show me one of their favorite meals, currywurst with french fries and mayonnaise. “Sure!”
(Please feel free to insert whatever face you think I made followed by a clearing of the throat).

Carina’s plates is on the right and my dish is on the left. I ordered beets, saurkrauat and a homemade dill coleslaw. (Yes, I tried hers and “No thank you” was my response).

Florian’s plate before…

…and after.

To wrap up my last night, Carina bundles me up and leads the way to the roof for the sunset.

That cool design in the distance is the Observatorium from our earlier climb earlier.

I found these two pictures for a fun comparison. The first is a shot from last year then followed by a photo from my recent visit.

As always, I want to thank my amazing friends for the extremely warm welcome, fun food, and the opportunity to experience the local life in Germany. Turns out they all don’t wear dirndls and drink from steins everyday. Florian and Carina, I’m so thankful I met you years ago and even more grateful that we’ve stayed in touch. Next round is on me! Tschuss!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

A BIG reunion in Holland

Posted on September 19, 2012 by erikamae82

I’m looking forward to showing the beautiful city of Amsterdam and the friendly country of Holland (yes, there’s more to this place than the red-light district and cheese). But for now, I’m excited to share my most recent reunion.

Denise and I met by rooming together in Alicante Spain while studying Spanish last fall. Here we are a year ago. (Almost to the date!)

Then we got to see each other again when I passed through Holland about a month later. Here we are in Amsterdam where we dreamt that maybe someday we could gather again in a different country.

When you want something bad enough… You make it happen. Five months later we met at the front door of our own apartment while volunteering and studying in Buenos Aires.

A few from volunteering at a local orphanage.

This is one of my favorites snap shots after getting our hair done by one the young girls… Gorgeous!

This is the location we met Ioni, another Dutch girl that happen to be in the same school. It was an easy friendship right off the bat as the three of us quickly connected and made priceless memories. I could make an entire post reminiscing of our month in Argentina… But here’s 3 pics instead.

Since both of the girls are from Holland, it was decided that we would reunite someday near Amsterdam. Viola! 6 months later we are getting ready for a night on the town!

A colorful night of bright smiles and positive people!

This club played your typical American top 40 hits and a variety of who know what hits from Holland. I'm a fan of most music, however the Dutch music of the evening sent me directly back to the childhood memory of being at a carnival debating if I liked clowns or not… Weird.

I’m only putting one photo of the actual city at night because I want to save the rest for the future amazing night life post!

Fun photo!

To recover from the 4am arrival of the evening seen above, we decided to hit a flea market on the outskirts for an entertaining walk. I didn’t snag any photos of Denise’s good friend Jella or her sister Manouk, but there will plenty more of them later.

To get to the market do we bus, train, cab or tram? Oh it’s convertible time!

We don’t need hats…we’re wild and crazy girls!

Ok, maybe a little hair control is needed…

Hmmm, just the bangs back?

All right, that’s it… Scarves it is!

The entrance is a small example of the popularity of bicycles here. It’s very typical to have more bicycles in a parking lot than cars.

Like most flea markets, there are vendors providing items for all of your needs… or at least what you think you need that day because its just so cheap! From house decor, clothes, appliances, and lawn decorations to food, treats and a farmers section for fresh fruit and vegetables.

We skimmed through the house decor and lawn section. (At least that’s what I think it was).

Stopped for a pic of this awkward set up.

After being entertained by the walking band and skipping the games, we sit to eat. This is a a Turkish pizza, a thin dough smeared with a light red sauce that’s open toasted on a grill. It’s then filled with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber with your choice of spicy garlic sauces and/or your pick of meat. First time for everything!

After our meal we survive through the sweets with only a stop at a traditional Dutch pancake stand. Jella told them I was from America and had never experienced this delight before. I was handed a complimentary sample… Flag and all!

We end our mini adventure at the farmers market which of course is my favorite!

Finally a quick story. At the market we passed by this green cake that my friends starting raving about. After moments of watching them try to explain the magnitude of amazing this dessert was, we decided to grab a slice and split it so I could try what they considered to be one of the best!

Ooh I was so excited for this new fabulous flavor to hit my taste buds…

It was angel food cake.
(A sponge cake that Americans traditionally top with strawberries and cream.

Categories: Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: Alicante, Amsterdam, Argentina, Dancing, Flea market, food, holland, reunion | 1 Comment

48 hours in Switzerland

Posted on September 17, 2012 by erikamae82

Don’t you love it when the universe hands you a unexpected surprise that takes your journey down a beautiful path that you yourself couldn’t have planned any better? Me too.

So, I’m in Spain when I get a random email from Varee. This pure hearted, open minded friend started out as a hair client of mine back in California and for years she sat in the salon chair as I cut and fluffed her hair. I looked forward to her honest words of wisdom and always welcomed her encouragement of my life choices. We shared the love of traveling which led us often joking about someday meeting up over seas.

If you have been following the blog, you’ll know a large part of my journey has been either reuniting with fellow backpackers or staying with friends that I’ve met abroad. Varee had a new one for me as she was making a whirlwind trip to Switzerland and invited me to join her! Our dates, flights and schedules happen to link up close to what some may say was “perfect”.

Before I knew it, I was on a flight and Switzerland bound to see my dear friend in a brand new destination.

We were lucky to be hosted by a delightful Swiss couple that did a fantastic job of showing us a well rounded 2 days in this gorgeous country.

Upon arrival, their kind smiles and open arms was more than a welcome needed to know right away that we would be in good hands. Our first morning Edgar and Helen started us with a breakfast spread of fresh bread, jam, cheese, meats, as well as cereal, coffee, tea and juice. I’m not sure what I enjoyed more, the food, the conversation or the wide view from the table!

During the first 24 hours we were shown around their local city of Zug that surrounds the massive lake shown above. It’s comparable but slightly smaller than Folsom Lake and can be see from the top of the mountain. To reach the peak point, there is an inviting scenic climb on a famous gondola ride pulling you up 1039 meters (3,408 ft).

Here are some photos from our walk to the base of the mountain and our journey to the peak!

Edgar stopped to join the smiles of these adorable students who, to my best guess, were on a field trip. (I think he’s the biggest kid there!)

Up up we go!

Once you reach the top there are trails to trek, cafes to rest at and views that force a picture around every turn!

I visualized myself and two best friends with linked arms looking like this in years to come. Still walking, laughing and enjoying this beautiful planet together!

I love this simple shot (with a neat camera effect) of an old Swiss house.

We stopped for a tea and treat at one of the cafes. This is a flaky crust that hugs around a center of some sort of sweetened nut mixture bound together with sugar and spices. Yum!

Waiting for the tram to head back down into town. I love her smiling eyes with the slight eyebrow lift as she was saying “I know what you’re doing Miss. Erika”.

Helen and Edgar surprised us with a private entrance through this sneaky door that led to the top of an old watch tower. This is the height of the town where the firemen would keep a look out for fires nearby. So cool!

Once you got inside it was a climb of several stairs that directed you to the lookout. Along the way I got to get inside the old jail cell where prisoners were held hundreds of years ago. I couldn’t even stand up straight inside… Imagine that for part of the punishment.

I’m not quite sure what this sign means. Is it saying, “Please enjoy a smoke while you’re in here!” or “Cigars, pipes and cigarettes only please”?

The panoramic point was a small room with a table and several windows. I can only imagine the stories that these walls could tell.

..and my favorite shot from up here (with another slight camera effect).

This day wraps up with a chilly walk to a classy restaurant where I gladly put my backpacking meals to the side and allowed myself to thoroughly enjoy the quality dishes that were served.
Here are some photos that don’t do the flavors any justice of the fabulous dining!

Day two brought a stroll through Lucerne, a nearby small city known as the gateway to central Switzerland. Excluding the rain and my brilliant thought to wear sandals, it was an eye full of fabulous sights!

100% Success so far… A pub in Switzerland!

This is the inside of one of the many churches that create a distinct beauty that seems to be everywhere. I was so excited about this shot with my camera, I forgot to snag a picture of the outside, oops!

Here is the same church and a couple of other pics.

Before departing, we made a final stop where I got to see Edgar’s original weapons used back when he was a part of the Swiss army! The first picture is me being a goof. I mainly love this picture because of the genuine smile on Varee’s face.

Thank you Helen and Edgar for the memorable days in the beautiful country you call home. I feel honored that I was lucky enough to have been a part of your life for the 2 short but thrilling days!

Varee, to say you’re “easy to travel with” or “a joy to be around” just doesn’t seem to capture the way I feel. You’ve enhanced my journey in an unexpected way and I thank you. Where to next?

Categories: Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: Basel, Buildings, castle, dessert, firehouse, fish, lamb, lucerne, steak, Zug | 1 Comment

La Tomatina in Spain!

Posted on September 15, 2012 by erikamae82

I’ve “Prost” through Oktoberfest in Germany, beaded my way through Mardi GRAS in New Orleans, danced through Kadooment in Barbados, spent Australia day in Sydeny, and dressed up at the Sevens Tournament in New Zealand… Now what?

La Tomatina Festival in Spain!

Welcome to one of the largest food fights in the world. A battle where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets at tens of thousands of participants.

At around 11 a .m., the first event begins. A ham is placed on top of a cockaigne pole (a large, greased pole), and the tomato fight can begin only when someone is able to climb up and bring it down. People struggle against the huddle while climbing on top of one another. This is necessary in order to be “the one” to pull down the chunk of pork. With this victory (that I’m sure is claimed till the following year) a loud shot is fired from a cannon and the tomato-throwing begins.

After exactly one hour of chaos, a second shot sounds and all throwing stops and turns directly into a dance party in the streets!

Just a reminder, I’m with Ian and Bevan. Ian is my long time friend from Folsom California who randomly jumps in and out of my journey around the world. Argentina is where we last met the pleasantly crazy (I mean that with love) Australian, Bevan!

To reach the small town of Buñol the beginning of the festival it was necessary to catch one of the first trains out of Valencia.

Here we are before the crack of dawn patiently waiting at our bus stop.
Banana… Check.
Beer…. Check.
Goggles… Check.

Once you arrive you see food and drink vendors with hundreds of eager adults dressed in whatever the day calls for. In this case, clean clothes (to start with), protective goggles and shoes you plan on dumping in the garbage directly exiting the venue. Most of them have a beer in hand, a slight skip in their step and a smile that says “ooh pick me, pick me!”

Notice how clean we all are in the start of the walk towards the central of the fight.

We’re getting closer so we figure now is the time to fuel up for the day ahead. The boys make a pit stop for some pork in buns (I’m sure they would describe this meal with much more enthusiasm). Judging from my face at their kind offer for me to try some… I went for the tuna sandwich that, to my delight, came with fresh green olives and a Spanish hot pepper! Of course all of the above is nicely complimented with the local beer.

As we continue to march towards the center, the crowd grows to a massive sea of some of the biggest kids I’ve seen. Not one tomato will be thrown until the fire of the first cannon. This means we all mob to squish as close as we can to the road where the trucks will launch from.

As soon as the cannon sounds with a large puff of grey smoke in the air, the people go crazy!

It made me giggle because we were so far back, that when it fired the crowd went nuts and nothing happened for awhile. It was like the lights going off for your favorite band to come on stage and you scream… then shout and jump… and wait…. and yell again… and wait. Then you all kind of look around… and wait some more until finally, show time!

This is where I would normally insert dozens of photos of the real life action. However due to the fact that we only brought Ian’s camera and it was so mashed that you literally couldn’t move your arms unless you got aggressive, we only captured the before and after.

So, here is the walk back towards the train. Imagine dance music being drowned out by the sound of voices, these of which you can barely understand because they’re either really intoxicated or from another country… or both for that matter. The smell of acidic sauce sizzling in the sun with spilt beer flooding the streets. The sweaty liquid keeps the lost articles of clothing afloat as it all drifts down the road towards the center.

As you near the station, several of the locals bring out buckets of water and hoses to wash off all of the participants. Nice and refreshing after a day in the sun and paste everywhere. Sun dried tomatoes if you will (please snicker just a little bit here, for the jokes sake).

So the crowds have dispersed, the tomatoes are crusting over everything in site and we are heading back to recoup. I’ll give you one guess on what we DIDN’T have for dinner…

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: beer, bunol, Festival, Ham, Spain, Tomato fight, tuna, Valencia | 2 Comments

Siesta’s and Fiesta’s in Spain!

Posted on September 14, 2012 by erikamae82

The culture here tends to feel like a slightly more “grown up” version of the college life. I’m not sure what exactly it is, but they all seem to live it to the fullest and love it!

So what is this lifestyle I speak of? Let’s run through a typical 24 hours in Spain. Of course I realize that being in tourist cities can bring out the party people, but even when I’m with the locals, they claim that they do it bigger than the travelers!

7a – 10a
If you were to stroll the streets at this time, you would mostly find a few locals bringing in the fresh ingredients to prep their shop for the day or an eager tourist family patiently pacing the streets waiting for one of the vendors to put down their coffee and open the front door.
Me? I’m an early bird and thoroughly love strolling the empty beaches and quiet streets while watching the city wake up. Smelling the buttery batch of croissants and homemade bread from the corner bakery, watching the birds search for the first crumb, while listening to the family in the back of the restaurant argue about what should go on the “Menu del día”. (Momma always wins).

Here are some random shots of the beaches, cities and cafes at this time of day,
Awh… Buenos Dias.

Here is the view from the balcony at 8am followed by a shot taken around noon.

This is another duo picture with the first being around 9am and the second photo was in the afternoon.

10 – 14:00 (10a-2p)
The streets are coming alive… barely. It’s comical to look around and see the difference between who had a restful night compared to the ones who crawled out of bed to try and recover over coffee and toast at the local cafe. Let’s not forget the hooligans that are still going strong from the previous evening. The vendors are now open, the tourist are happy and the fresh sand now has little toe prints from the early birds.

I stumbled upon this little antique street fair and caught myself wondering why things are so much more “adorable” or “cute” when you’re on the road, verses just at home.

I passed by this venue that had chairs with little fish swimming around in the foot tanks. What? Sure I’ll give it a go! It felt like tiny little taps of dull needles all over as the hungry fellas nibbled off any old skin cells. Once in awhile you could see (and feel) a determined one get a little aggressive… And I thought pedicures tickled!

As the heat peaks, you can see the beaches that were once made of sand now home to a number of umbrellas, towels and sun craving people.

14:00 – 18:00 (2p – 6p)
Although not every shop closes for this length of time, most break for the typical siesta. No, this doesn’t mean the entire country goes home for a nap. After chatting with several different locals, I found that this time is used wisely depending on their personal life. Many spend these hours prepping their business for the busy night to come, others go home to take care of errands and chores while the kids are still in school. If you wander the streets, you may get lucky and catch a group of locals sitting outside appreciating this time with multiple generations of family.
If you’re a new tourist to this culture, you’ll find yourself lost in empty streets… hungry, confused and wondering if there was a bomb threat in which you didn’t get the memo to hide and cover.

Here’s a main indoor market during “Siesta”. Only just an hour prior to this photo there were hundreds of shoulders squeezing their way through the crowds. The sounds of casual conversation mingled with the shouting of product prices and sales… Kids with chocolate covered faces playing hide and seek while their parents (with stress on their faces) reach for the last item before the doors close.

18:00 – 22:30 (6p – 10:30)
For most around here, the earliest dinner isn't until 7p and the usual time to sit and eat is 8p – 9:30p. If you're not prepping dinner or finishing up your sight seeing, you might be out roaming the streets shopping again or in my case, having a cold beverage with a friend. Either way this is the down time before the fiestas kick into full swing!

22:30 – Daybreak (10:30 – Sunrise)
Depending on how late your dinner or when the celebrations begin… once the sun goes down, the energy goes up!

Some evening pictures of the “calming before the storm”.

The last night in Alicante, a group of us gathered for appetizers and drinks for a relaxing start. Pretty tricky to top tasty food, adult beverages and a variety of nationalities lounging to the relaxing sound of your friend on the guitar. Did I mention it was on the beach that sits below a castle? Kind of forces a deep breath, right?

Here is a mess of photos that should give you a solid idea of the “party” scene in Spain (or at least the one shown to me!)

To truly understand the excitement of my buddy Ian celebrating his 30th birthday at a show in Ibiza, you must first know TIESTO (funny that my auto correct puts his name in all caps). This DJ is award winning, Grammy nominated, and recently titled a “Universal phenomenon” after he performed at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles before an audience of 26,000 fans. That’s the largest single headline DJ show in United States history.
So here’s a glimpse of the Ibiza birthday night that started with a bus ride to a concert, traveled to the VIP section (notice that we’re standing slightly above the crowd) and ended to the sun coming up… Happy birthday pal!

All thumbs up and a sunrise to hug us good night…

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: beaches, breakfast, Dance, dinner, drink, Ibiza, lunch, party, sleep, Spain, sunrise, Sunset, TIESTO | 2 Comments

Sleep in Spain! (on a budget)

Posted on September 13, 2012 by erikamae82

It was a whirlwind this month going from city to city, so I’m going to throw you the basics of each stop just to give you an idea.

FABRIZZIO’S GUEST HOUSE IN MADRID:

With Madrid being so large, it was important for me to have a good location. Fabrizzio’s couldn’t get any better being in the Plaza Mayor, pretty much as central as you can get!

My favorite factor: The view from each rooms private balcony! The first pictue was early one morning in which I got to observe this group chanting something with enthusiasm. Sure wish I could tell you what they were so excited about.
The second is a “fancy photo” of the night scene in this gorgeous square.

The inside of the house was nothing more and nothing less than you needed to feel comfortable, clean and safe. Here are a few shots including some friendly faces I got to connect with here at Fabrizzio’s.

This is the owner of that decided to join us out for a night!

THE FUNKY HOSTEL IN GRANADA:

To start with, Granada is an adorable place with warm people, beautiful streets and fresh markets everywhere! For the short stay, this was my pick and it was a great one.

The decor is by far the best quality of this hidden little treasure. I even got a “welcome” note!

It was time to replenish some of the Euros spent to get there, so I hung this up in the common room.

To say my room was “colorful” would be an understatement.

This wall had clearly been designed by backpackers passing through, so of course I added a touch for travelers sake! I figured since the theme was creatures falling uncontrollably, I’d add a pic of me hand standing next to a tower of balanced rocks.

This is the portion of the post in which I get to apologize for slacking in the accommodation photo department. Valencia, Alicante and Ibiza somehow slipped through the cracks. So just for kicks, here IS a few of what I got…

VALENCIA: Remember this was the tomato festival I have yet to expose, but I will introduce (or re-introduce) you to my fellow travel partners that ventured with me for a part of Spain.

Here they are arriving to Valencia. On the right is Bevan, an Australian I met back in Buenos Aires earlier this year while touring with Ian (on the left). Ian is a long time friend that flew to Argentina and hit the Iguazu Falls with me.

Rub your eyes for a minute, because here’s a picture of them back in South America when we went to a percussion concert… Yes, that’s really Bevan in the middle!

ALICANTE:
Meet Sofieke! I connected with her last summer while studying spanish. She was one of my flat mates and ended up moving here! The first picture is us on the beach a year ago, followed by this trip on the same beach, almost to date!

If you can look past Bevan (oh… boys) this is us out on the town. Thank you so much Sofieke for the warm welcome, great girl talk and a perfect reunion. Besos!

IBIZA!
Similar to Las Vegas, you don’t spend much time in the room so standards aren’t as high. Well, we got spoiled with a large room and ocean view. Again with the lack of pictures, here are a few just showing a smidge of what we saw.

Off we go to Barcelona!

FABRIZZIO’S IN BARCELONA:
Yep, the same family of Fabrizzio’s in Madrid. After hanging out with Ernesto (the one running it in Madrid) he sent us a connection to the one in Barcelona. It had the same comfortable vibe as if you were just lounging at a friends house.

(Enter really neat pictures that i didn’t take of the hostel here… My apologies again).

MANA MANA HOSTEL IN TOSSA DE MAR!
This one has got to be one of my favorites so far. Not because the property was spotless, not due to the amazing kitchen, spacious rooms or the roof terrace… No, not even for it’s prime location! Why is this one my favorite? The owners, Marta and Dani. Two incredible people that go above and beyond the call of running a hostel. Not only did I feel welcomed, I felt cared for. I won’t get too mushy, but they came into my life at the right time with the perfect energy. Thank you so much for everything and Mana Mana is the only place I’ll stay if I head that way again!

You can barely see her sweet face at the front desk. (Wow, I totally blew it on this post… sorry friends)!

So there you have a general idea of what some of the options are for sleeping in Spain. Obviously it wasn’t a focus on this part of my trip, but please feel free to shoot me an email if you want more details about a specific accommodation or city.

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: beds, bunk beds, Hostel, kitchen, people, view | 4 Comments

Feed me Spain!

Posted on September 12, 2012 by erikamae82

The number one most typical Spanish dish is Paella. For those of you who love it, you’d be bright eyed and tempted all of the time. To the ones who could do without would probably get sick of the menus, promotions and pictures advertising this local cuisine.The portions of paella served at restaurants are generally for 2-3 people or a teenage boy, so you can imagine my hesitation to order it. Instead, I cheated and took some photos of the menu pictures and a few from my friends plate. Judging from their responses and the people scraping every last crusted piece of rice from the edges, it’s a tasty choice!

Tapas and Pinchos. Another typical Spanish treat that is absolutely a delight for me! Small portions, sometimes for sharing and always the perfect snack to compliment a cold beer or glass of Sangría. To clarify: a tapa is a small plate ranging from fish, veggies and meats to olives, omlettes and anything you can fry. Pinchos are those adroarble little temptations in the windows that include a creative combination of flavors placed on a piece of fresh toasted bread.

This is Ted, a traveler we met at a hostel. I plan on reconnecting with him in Amsterdam and that’s when I’ll share his incredible story with you. For now, check out the plate in front of him. That’s Patatas bravas, roasted potatoes with an Aoli cream and hot sauce drizzles over top. An item on almost every menu.

Im not a huge fan of pig, unless I’m playing with them on a farm or reading about them talking to spiders in children’s books. This was a challenge for me due to the popularity of specialty pork products. Sometimes the judgement I felt from the locals after declining the ham was as if I had kidnapped their first born or sent a personal insult to their family. They would just kind of stare, as if to wait for me to realize what they were offering and then change my mind. “Oh BACON… Im sorry, Of course I’ll indulge!”
So for you pork lovers, here are the few pics I snagged for your delight.

Really…Next to the ice cream?

They love their desserts! Cakes, cookies, marshmallow, candy, Gelato, ice cream, pastries, pop cycles, and now growing in polarity… Drum roll please… plain frozen yogurt! (I type this while secretly jumping up and down in my head).

Ooh, just my size! (And it comes with a tourist on top!)

Now for my indulgence, Las frutas y Venduras!
It was around every corner in every city. Sometimes more than others, some with larger varieties and many offering nuts and seeds as well. They were everywhere and it made me happy!

Did I mention the fresh fish?

To sum up eating in Spain here are just some random pics that will give you an idea of the scrumptious sights that are so inviting in this beautiful country!

The boys tried to offer me their meat… Clearly I declined. Instead I got a tuna sandwich that came with hot sauce and green olives. (Side note, these were taken at a tomato festival that I'll show in detail later).

I dedicate these to my mom. This is the bar she occupied during her visit to Spain almost 20 years ago! She sent me with the printed photo to find the exact street… success! Love you

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: fish, food, fruit, meat, paella, pinches, Sangria, Spain, Tapas, venduras | 2 Comments