Monthly Archives: May 2013

Push ups on a dance floor?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by erikamae82

Remember during the last bus ride, how we were plotting out an opportuntiy to reunite with the brightly spirited newlyweds? Please officially meet Muli, a joyful man with a sincere presence and his equally happy wife that carries a genuine smile wherever she goes.

All of us agreed that sealing up the trip at a nice resort would be a delightful way to decompress (as if our life is hard) before the long flights home. Since I had already been there with Hayden, the guarantee of quality accommodations brought no hesitation as the bunch decided… Off to the Hilton we go!

Again, my camera just seems to disappear when my shower shoes come off. With that said, here’s a small piece of our luxurious ending!

Daytime fun!

I was able to learn some new German card games and I taught her a few that I grew up with as well!
Fun fact: In Germany, they call the Jack a “Bube” and the Queen a “Dame”.

Food fun!

Night time fun!

SIDE NOTE: To mix things up at the resort, we decided to act like a couple of kids and create a “list” of items to find or things to happen while staying here. Examples would be a polka dotted bikini, someone skipping, a “mom” tattoo, etc. Who ever spotted a “list” item first would then get to deliver a drink or dare to the other person.

Carina pointed out an elderly couple holding hands (also on the list) so I received the first dare. 10 push ups in the middle of the dance floor at the disco tech! Of course I waited until an Usher song, then randomly dropped for my set. Raise your hand if you’ll ever see me again?!

Our new friends have departed and now Carina and I are left with one more van ride together as we make our way towards the San Jose airport. Can you see the difference in our eyes? The smiles just aren’t the same when you know that the next hug, will be the last one for awhile.

Carina, you are a friend that blesses us with your bright heart and fun loving spirit. You’re the type of woman that gives us all such a great example of “independence” being used with positive drive. You’re worthy of all the amazing things this life has to offer and I truly thank you for being you!

Next stop, USA! I’m flying directly into Oklahoma to visit my father and fabulous family that always has arms open, smiles waiting and eager ears to hear the stories I bring back. The photo below is the card I needed to get into Costa Rica and the document to get out.

This next stretch of travels will also allow me to put my hands to work for the victims of the EF5 tornado (strongest category measured) that destroyed over 17 miles of central Oklahoma. With packed winds between 200 and 210 mph and a rotation of almost 2 miles wide, several innocent families are left to pick up the remaining pieces of what was once their home. My thoughts go out to them and I’ll be there soon!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Costa rica, Dancing, food, Hilton, Punteranas, Swimming | 1 Comment

A sloth and toucans… Monkeys oh my!

Posted on May 25, 2013 by erikamae82

When Carina and I were deciding where to venture next, I got in touch with the crew from last week and realized they were just south of us! What a great excuse to take a speed boat along the coast to the beautiful town of Manuel Antonio. Cliff side beached lined with natural jungles make up the most visited famous National Park of Costa Rica.

We get up and head out for our 9am departure. Just follow the blonde dreads as he leads us to the boat. Apparently it’s a wet ride as they bag up everyone’s luggage and load us up.

Going on the list of “things that make me giggle” is when the tour guide tells the entire boat that “life jackets aren’t necessary because it’s going to be a smooth ride”. Then he follows by putting his on! Notice, he’s the only one wearing one.

I’m entertained at what his definition of a “smooth ride” is, but never the less it was a blast! We saw dolphins and turtles, caught some air and was treated to the occasional complimentary shower.

Getting to shore brought a quick disembark as we hopped into the van for the final stretch to Manuel Antonio.

Most of you know by now that I don’t support “coincidences” as I believe more strongly in the idea that all happens the way it should with great purpose. With that said, meet our new friends and future travel partners, Or and Muli! All the way from Israel, they’re here celebrating a honeymoon. What started out to be a casual conversation of the usual “where are you from?” and “where are you headed?” ended in plans to reunite in Puntarenas on our last days of the trip. This idea was also partnered with the thoughts of visiting them over seas! Did my journey just take yet another unexpected thrilling detour? I hope so!

We say goodbye to the newlyweds and hello to this familiar face. Remember her bright smile from a few weeks ago? Her and the group from Santa Teresa are still here and now I get to introduce them to Carina!

It was no surprise to me that Carina meshed right in and was immediately adopted by everyone. We were both welcomed with open arms, sincere smiles and a villa view that defines Costa Rica.

Our first day consisted of a humid jaunt through the unofficial National Park to a private beach that sits below. As you walked the path, you could hear the uncountable amount of crabs that were wrestling in the bushes. Loudly enough, that some of the girls didn’t want to stop walking. “Just keep moving!”

“She works out”. (To be sang in the tone of the LMFAO song, just for fun).

Boogie boards and body surfing… Use please! I also love the way Michelle’s toes in the photo capture the pure relaxation happening from shore. Pura Vida!

Hand standing on an empty private beach just shy of the jungles of the Manuel Antonio. Internal thought to be shared: “Erika… stop, take it all in and appreciate it with full gratitude”.

How do you clear the crowd of people from the water? Stand by a tree and point up. Sloth! Toucan!

A sloth, toucan, crabs, dolphins and turtles oh my! Why not finish it all up with what she’s been waiting for… Monkeys!

If you recall from the last post, Carina has yet to see a monkey. Well this morning brings us some fluffy tailed, round eyed pals that almost seemed to know she deserved a good show. Over our morning coffee and wonderful girl talk, the trees behind us began to rustle around in an unnatural way. Next thing we find is a white face peering into the balcony.

Please tell me the look on her face shouts pure excitement! The tiny monkey toosh behind her is all I could catch as it moved quickly out of sight, leaving her grinning like a kid at Disneyland.

A sneak peak of the beautiful villa and the sunset that comes with it as our time here has come to an end. Michelle, Morgan, Nick and Graham… We thank you for sharing time, space and energy with us during this guacamole fiesta! Cheers till LakeTahoe!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: boogie board, Costa rica, crab, Manuel Antonio, monkey, national park, sloth, Villa | 1 Comment

Jaco Bell to Montezuma!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by erikamae82

About an hour drive from San Jose, is the dark sanded beach town of Jaco (sounds like “Ha-co”). With a recent boom in development, this hideaway is now lined with shops, galleries, hotels and restaurants that invite travelers and surfers to come stay and play.

Since Carina and I were just using it as a pit stop, we decided to entertain ourselves and walk the entire town.

We usually go to the store and create our own meals, but here in Jaco it was too easy to swing in and split a snack for less than what you may spend at the market. Our first shared bite was a beautiful piece of Mahi Mahi, layered over fresh greens and veggies with a splash of tropical fruit.

At the Taco Bar, $2.50 gets you a burrito, pita or taco filled with your choice of meat, fish, veg or hummus complimented with an all you can eat salad bar. Im not sure if it was the scrumptious food or the swings for chairs, but this was our favorite eating spot. If you ever make your way to Jaco, please make time to visit the Taco Bar!

Our final treat was an adult smoothie in the open air at Surf Dogs. Doesn’t the vibrant decor just invite you in?

The walk home was made complete with our toes in the warm sand and all smiles as wrap up our stay in Jaco.

Creative beach photos!

The next morning brings an easy bus ride to the Puntarenas ferry. We were told to “stand here” and “get on any bus that’s not colored white”. Easy to love the Tico way of giving directions!

Now a 90 minute float that allows taking in the sun while enjoying the Costa Rican breeze.

Reaching the opposite shore, we jump on yet another bus and head towards Montezuma!

If you can remember, this was the same ride that Hayden and I took when I had to stop the bus as they were passing our road. With this in mind, as we got closer to the town, I showed Carina the name of our hostel and jokingly said, “If you see this place out of your window, let me know so I can stop the bus!”. She giggled as she looked through the curtains, then with a sober face pointed and said, “Wait, I think we just passed it!”. No way! I went to the driver to confirm and sure enough, he stopped the bus and out came our bags as the left us in the dust. You have to laugh in these moments and realize the simple comedy that makes life so entertaining.

We turned back up the windy road to find our new home waiting for our arrival. Casa Colores is a property with separate houses that are lifted above the earth and fully self contained.

A bungalow made meal (complimented with some sweet dance moves) of veggies, tuna and guacamole send us to bed for a good nights rest.

Tomorrow brings a day of waterfalls, trail hiking and zip lining. Good night Montezuma!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bus, Casa Colores, Costa rica, ferry, Jaco, Montezuma, taco Bar | Leave a comment

Zip lining -aka- “The flying fox” in Montezuma!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by erikamae82

One of the top tourist excursions in the tropical country of Costa Rica is zip lining, also known as an aerial runway, the flying fox or death slide. Doesn’t that last one make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Me too.

We decided to take the route that follows a river and crosses waterfalls giving you an opportunity to take a dive. With 11 platforms, a swimming hole and dreams of monkey filled trees, we were excited and ready by 8am. Instead of a greeting from the taxi driver, we got a call informing us that they were “repairing a cable” so our excursion was pushed back until 3pm. I’m not sure if we needed to know that we were the first and only to use the cable today, but I suppose it just adds more thrill to the adventure. Let the death slide begin!

Before the zip lining, let me give you a very quick tour of Montezuma. The main road has a market, a bar, several tour kiosks and a few restaurants.

My favorite part of the town is how the main street literally drops off to the sandy beach. That’s it, no more driving from here on out!

Ok, off we go to play in the trees! Safety first as they gear us up into these darling outfits.

Instead of describing each individual platform (because they’re all similar) here is a fun group of photos as we fly through the jungle tree tops of Montezuma!

A bit through the zip lining you can begin to hear the faint sound of rushing water splashing off of rocks. At this point in the hot day, it sounds so sweet and extremely inviting!

As soon as I spotted the rope swing across the water hole, I was edge side ready to go. Can I just remind myself through this blog… “I’m waterfall jumping to a rope swing in Costa Rica on a Thursday afternoon!” Ok then, I wanted to embrace that for a second. Moving on to the photos!

Carina’s turn! For her first jump, she went with the “frog” approach.

…and for her second form, the “scared frog”.

In my opinion, her rope swing technique was brilliant! Why wait to hit the refreshing water when you can simply drag your entire body throughout the swing?

Instead of the frog, this friendly boy from Austria went for, what I would call, the “fish out of water”.

For my second round, Carina complimented the perfect “starfish” dismount from the swing.

After our hour in the water, we climb out like water soaked, happy kids and get ready for the short hike to the final flying fox.

Flying through the green tops of Costa Rica… Check.
Jumping off waterfalls… Check.
Rope swing to a swimming hole… Check.
Carina finally seeing a real monkey? To be continued…

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Costa rica, Montezuma, Swimming, Tour, waterfalls, zip lining | 1 Comment

Germany meets Folsom in Costa Rica

Posted on May 18, 2013 by erikamae82

Meet Charles aka Chaps (and “Charl-les” if you’re in Central America). He is the most intelligent teddy bear that will keep you smiling until your cheeks crave a rest. This week brings him right into San Jose for work, which happens to be the exact city I’m picking up my next surprise guest! Here we are at my departure party back in 2011.

And now we reunite in Costa Rica for a quick weekend of fun. Tonight is bowling with his colleagues. Yeh, I didn’t mention that I had done it before (sneaky giggle here).

These guys invited me to take a tour in there home country of China. Is my journey about to take an unexpected detour? Maybe!

This is a native adult treat that is created with an olive being soaked in the local liquor. It reminded me of black licorice that had been set on fire then put out with olive juice. As you can see, some went unfinished… but I’m glad I got to try it!

The next morning brings a huge present that is being shipped to me all the way from Recklinghausen Germany… Carina! Here we were in 2010 at the famous celebration of Oktoberfest in Munich!

This round is it’s all hot weather, new food and bikini based adventures!

“Carina meet Chaps… Chaps, this is Carina”.

We decided to take a day trip to Isla de la Tortuga with his colleagues to enjoy a day of more sun, food, and new friends! The bus ride departs at 6:30am in order to get us to the boat on time. Then the festivities begin!

After an entertaining 90 minute boat ride full of dance music, cold drinks and fresh food, we arrive to the island which welcomes us with more music, local food and more cold beverages!

Although when translated, it’s “Turtle Island”, we were graced with the presence of these fun animals!

Having fun in the sun! (Do you remember writing that in the your school yearbooks?)

The ferry ride back to our hotel is all smiles and brings our last photo with all three of us together. Chaps, you made the beginning of Carina’s trip even better than expected. We are still sinking about all of the memories! Thanks for everything and cheers till next time!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Costa rica, Dance, horses, local food, parrot, pig, Tortuga island, Turtles | 1 Comment

Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight!

Posted on May 15, 2013 by erikamae82

A short walk from the random drop off point (see last post for that little excursion) you’ll find these sights before hitting our new accommodations.

The sweetheart behind this welcoming letter is my dear friend Michelle. A bright eyed woman who has a beam of light following her wherever she goes. Although we’ve traveled together in the past, this is our first path crossing out of the States.

Hidden by the vibrant greens of the palm trees, the beach peeks through and gifts you a sandy path to the front door.

Once reaching the house, the hammocks smile at you as to say “yeh, I’ll be seeing you later”.

…and they do.

No alarm systems are necessary here, but if I had to claim a watch dog, its either the red squirl monkeys that play in the trees or the tire parrot that overlooks the porch.

An outdoor shower, a full kitchen and happy faces all around. Life is grand!

Haircut swap! Wow, it’s convenient and extremely wonderful to have a hairstylist for a friend. Thanks Michelle!

Night starts to fall so we kick off the shoes and head for a sandy walk on the beach. Great people, peaceful surroundings and a sunset to say goodnight.

Although the visit here was short, I only temporarily part from this fun bunch as I plan to see them again before I leave Costa Rica. Now it’s time to get Hayden back to the International airport for his United States bound flight. (Also to pick up my next surprise guest!)

Instead of taking the shuttle to the ferry, then the bus to the taxi back to the city, we went the adventurous route and braved a jumper flight from a local runway to San Jose.

The journey starts with a friendly cab driver informing us (half way there), that he was going to take a “short cut”. Hmm, what exactly does that mean here? No more main roads! We went dirt, rock and straight through a stream to end at the “airport”.

You check-in next to the soda machines where you get weighed in order to keep the plane balanced. A quick bathroom break and now our flight has arrived!

Boarding the flight consists of a 2 step ladder and a swift head duck to squeeze into your seats.

The pilot describes the safety rules as he’s finishing up his candy bar and buckling up. Comfort at it’s finest.

No chickens on the runway, doors are closed… All clear for take off! Please sit back and enjoy the flight, we did!

As we came into land, I tried to keep my camera completely horizontal so you could see the angle of the landscape. There’s really no photo that can capture the force that you feel as they drop down while turning to line up for the landing.

Safely on the ground (enter my inner backflips here), it’s time to collect the baggage at carousel number… Oh wait nope, just look for your bag to pop out of the hole in the wall.

Haydens last night brought fun conversation as we recapped the numerous adventures that now hold place in our memory. I’m always honored when someone has no hesitation to spend such time away from home, especially in a foreign place while trusting my traveling experience.

Hayden, as much as you expressed your appreciation for my travel companionship, I’m equally grateful for your presence during this stretch of my journey. We now have enough inside jokes to last for awhile…. Well, at least until the next adventure. Cheers till then my friend!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Costa rica, san Jose, Sansa flight, Santa Teresa, Sunset | 1 Comment

Trading in shower shoes for fancy pants

Posted on May 14, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been another wonderful adventure Peru. Some may say, “It’s never as good as the first visit”, however I totally disagree. The first trip left me craving another round and this year has captured my attention even more! There is always a special place in my heart for you, until next time…

Knocking on the door now? It’s Costa rica! Let’s welcome the iguanas, the monkeys, jungles, and beaches. Although I’ve been here before, Hayden has never and we agreed to visit spots that I have yet to explore.

After his open minded, dirt filled, hostel living in Peru, he reminded me that he was technically “on vacation” and a resort wouldn’t hurt for a day or two. As you can imagine, the arm twisting was minimal and before I knew it, we were beach side in the coastal town of Puntarenas.

Due to my new “holiday” mind set, the alarm clock was packed away along with the shower shoes, hostel locks and my camera.

I felt like we were kids in Disneyland with no parents to rule! Attempting to hit every option that was offered to us, here are a few photos that were captured during the mini vacation.

Poolside!

Evening dance classes (that resembled salsa styled jazzercise). Please take notice to the thrilled woman glaring into the camera, makes me want to smile even more!

Laying out and taking in the sun.

New friends!

Iguana friends!

The complimentary “fancy” dinner with… what’s that, real wine!

Peace, love and sandy toes!

Time to say farewell to our luxury weekend and get ready to reunite with my dear friend Michelle! Hayden and I find the ferry with ease and enjoy the hour and a half ride.

Next is a bus that had no wheels. Imagine the confused giggles as we rounded the corner to find our “convenient” transfer propped up on center blocks with no driver. I regret not snagging a priceless photo for you. Needless to say, a few cab offers and some other travelers to join, we waited for the back up bus to take us all to the coast.

Let me pause here and show you the only information we have to find our friends.

Notice this doesn’t have much detail in regards to a bus stop or any clue of where to start.

This leads me to a semi-proud moment. In my past, I really haven’t had a very good sense of direction. I used to get lost coming out a store in the mall. Well, being a solo traveler without an iPhone and rarely having maps, I suppose I’ve naturally started to develop a stronger awareness of my surrounddings and even more directionally capable than I thought possible. So it’s been awhile in the bus and my internal clock started to alarm me that we need to pay attention. I kept my eyes peeled and ears open as they would surely announce upcoming stops. Quick reminder, they do things a little differently around here.

Here is the view and the next picture would have been that of “Hotel de Luz”. It dawned on me within seconds that they were passing the only thing I recognized from that tiny map!

“¡Por Favor, aqúi aqúi!” I managed to stop the entire bus and get them to let us off on the side of the road. This all happened so fast that I had payed no attention to Hayden and his deer in the head lights look. I didnt hold back my laughter when I finally paused to see him fighting between panic and relief. Good times my friend!

After walking the trail, we finally made our way to find this incredible view and an adorable note by my dear friend. Enjoy it with us, as we wait for the next chapter in this exciting book that I call “Life”.

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Costa rica, Hotel, iguanas, Pool, Puntarenas, resort, swim up bar | Leave a comment

Markets, street food and exploring (eating) the unknown!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by erikamae82

Shoes on, empty tummy and friends to join! Open your eyes and let us welcome you to the streets of Cusco!

One hard boiled egg next to a baked potato topped with a green chile sauce… Yes please!

Our curiosity finally got to us after passing by this bucket mounted with what looked like a pile of compost. Turns out, they pour water over the goodies and let is seep through to create a tea. We each tried a sip from the warm recycled water bottle that it came in… none of us fought for the last drink.

This was simply a barrel of baked potatoes. You could a decent bag, warm and ready for less than $0.15.

Sopa, sopa, sopa!

Back into the markets…

Fresh juice smoothie anyone?

Sharing is caring as we continued to get one of everything that looked intriguing. Grab a bite and pass it around!

This little surprise treat was warm white rice mixed with sweet milk, layered with a mild fruit jelly like substance, all topped off with a saltine cracker.

On the way back we skimmed some of the non edible items that offered up hammocks, sweaters, jewelry, wallets, dishes, tattoos, and more.

Ann and I decided that instead of getting matching tattoos (enter sarcastic laugh here), that we would go with Peruvian friendship bracelets.

Sometimes it’s necessary to stop and remind yourself of where you are. We were all just chatting away before we glanced over at this beauty. Handstand time!

For more photos and info showing a different side of this gorgeous city, click here to be directly linked to last years posts!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: cusco, markets, Peru, rice, San Pedro, shopping, soup, street vendor, tea | Leave a comment

Aguascalientes… more than just hot water

Posted on May 9, 2013 by erikamae82

After the memory filled days of exploring Machu Picchu, the boys took the long route and made it up even higher as Ann and I skipped the bus ride and walked back to Aguascalientes.

One of the outstanding features of this city, is how it sits hillside with a beautiful river running through it.

Even though it is fully stocked with several gift shops, craft markets and tienda’s, we went for the group effort and indulged in a game of “table hopping”.

This pleasant pause was with a local woman behind a card table, whom I believe was fully impressed with our enthusiasm for her amazing stuffed peppers and veggie potato snacks!

Not only did we find Jenga at this pit stop, we found one of the last empty blocks to make our mark!

Wrapping up our self entertaining excursion, we boarded a train to connect us to a bus, that finally dropped us off back for the walk to our hostel.

Tomorrow, the markets and inner streets of one of my favorite cities in South America… Cusco!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Aguascalientes, Bus, food, Jenga, Machu Picchu, peppers, Peru, river, train, walk | Leave a comment

Jump kick in Machu Picchu

Posted on May 7, 2013 by erikamae82

Last year, I wrote about some secret tips that were given to me by a local. My promise still stands, if you’re ever going to make experience the sacred city, please write me and I’ll gladly expose a few hints that will enhance your journey! Until then, the secret remains amongst them who have made the trek with me.

4:00am- Alarm sounds to an already awake room of travelers.
4:30- Showered, packed and ready to leave.
5:00- Lined up at the first bus to depart!

5:30- Bus ride in the dark to the base of the city.

6:00am- Whats this? We’re the first people in line to enter the sacred city!

The next 20 minutes is to remain undocumented for the strength of the “secret”… but here is one photo along the way before reaching our lookout point.

Once arriving, the fog acted like a curtain that requested patience as it protected the artwork we all came to see. We took advantage of this moment with a few fun photos!

Layer by layer, the curtains gracefully lifted as the masterpiece was revealed.

On the way down into the city, I realized that I wanted to mix up the handstand photo from last year . How amazing are my friends? They patiently waited as I ran into the empty field (that was apparently off limits) and snagged the picture. Can you spot me?

Time to head in and explore the walls that make up this mystical place.

A happy picnic break to take it all in as we watched the herd of people (who slept in) make their way towards us.

Between the four of us and our enthusiasm for fun pictures, it was hard to pass up any of the next photos!

Here’s the classic pose and snap shots taken before our final hike down the trail.

A sincere thanks to my new friends Colin and Ann for the incredible partnership and enthusiasm towards this remarkable journey. Hayden, you blindly booked a flight with the trust in me to make it happen… I’m honored for your company on this priceless journey as you enhanced the experience for all of us!

Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: Aguascalientes, Bus, city, cusco, hike, Machu Picchu, Peru, picnic, train, trek | 2 Comments