Accommodations

Last of Cambodia and a rice wine welcome to Vietnam!

Posted on November 6, 2013 by erikamae82

Once we returned from Angkor Wat, I had just a short time before I was to depart for my next stop.

He are some random shots I took as I walked the streets of Phnom Penh. I wasn’t looking for anything specific, just moving about with my eyes open (and realizing… You just don’t see these things every day).

Last edible surprise dishes turn out to be sweet treats. The first is what looks like pomegranate seeds (they were squishy, not crunchy) with jelly noodles, a soft grain in coconut milk with ice. As refreshing as it sounds, it was fairly tasteless. The following is some type of sea noodle-like items with pumpkin and coconut milk. I prefer the darker noodle bowl as it was warm, savory and sweet!

I return to work on my last night with all of the lovely ladies that have made home away from home. Popcorn toss, a party hat and great conversation was the perfect way to end my time here.

What’s this? An adorable detailed list of suggestions from Mel in regards to my next destination… Vietnam! Thank you sweet girl, the time and effort that went into this puts the lonely planet book to shame!

With that said, here is me, Mel and Semhal on the day of my departure. Miss you already girls!

No way! It’s our buddy in the pink tuk tuk again! “Lady lady!” He says. I smile like a little school girl (and probably squealed like one too). Off I go to the airport… In style.

A quick flight and hour drive sends me to Hanoi, Vietnam. The hostel of choice was Tony’s Hotel due to its prime location and quirky description of the hospitality. Sure enough, I arrive to be greeted into a game of cards complemented with the local beverage of choice, rice wine. Side note, it has no similarities to wine… at all.

What do you get when you mix rice wine and a group of backpackers? A Japanese guy arm wrestling a local Vietnamese, refereed by a German while being viewed by the Spanish and captured on camera by an American girl. Gotta love the hostel life!

With only a few days here, tomorrow will bring a day on foot getting lost through the city!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Cambodia, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Tony's Hotel, tuk tuk, Vietnam | Leave a comment

The Siem Reap Night Market and a Mad Monkey!

Posted on November 2, 2013 by erikamae82

“Home” for a couple nights, was a hostel just situated in walking distance from everything we needed.

The Mad Monkey Hostel has a restaurant, swimming pool, common area and a sand bar on the rooftop terrace. Excluding the smell in our room and the Aussie’s partying next door all night, it was comfortable, easy and affordable.

My personal favorite quality was the art covered walls that kept you entertained on the way to your cozy room.

Here are a few night shots from the roof top bar. It all starts by kicking off your shoes and hoping that you can find them on your way back out.

We finally found our shoes from the sandy terrace and with a successful donation at the Angkor Children’s Hospital we chose to take it easy and explore the famous Night Market of Siem Reap.

This street venue is so massive, I truly don’t think you could see every stall in just one attempt. There’s several different sections ranging from clothes and jewelry to house decor and souvenir trinkets. Want to make your own creative pattern? Just get lost in the maze of fabric and materials.

If you get tired from all of the shopping, you can always take a break and enjoy a $1 massage! Snag a seat, sit back and relax. If you step up the price to $2-3, you get a curtain for privacy (so nobody can witness them) as they bend, kick, knead, twist, punch, pinch and massage you to bruises. Some may refer to this as borderline assault… we may or may not know this from experience.

Along the way you’ll see several artists crafting their own offerings. Much respect to the creative and driven mind!

You defiantly won’t go hungry as just like every other street market, there are food vendors, push carts and restaurants lining the path. On this night, we chose authentic Indian food. A moment of silence for the amazing meal that was set in front of us to share. $2 later, we’re pleasantly full and ready for the walk home.

A solid evening walk and a fantastic meal… check and check. Tomorrows sunshine brings the temples of Angkor Wat!

Categories: Accommodations, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Cambodia, clothes, food, Indian restaurant, massage, night market, Siem Reap, The mad monkey hostel | Leave a comment

Ticket for one please… and a Cambodian beer!

Posted on October 21, 2013 by erikamae82

In the last 22 months, I’ve slept at over 300 different accommodations. A guest house, tree house, above a restaurant, in an office, a staff room, back of a van, loft of an orphanage, on the floor of several airports and I’m sure there’s more that I’m not recalling.

I’ve slept on a boat, in a train, and in a plane (if you want to count that), on a bunk bed, hide-a- bed, cot, couch, bean bag, bathtub, and in the dirt of… lets call it a “campsite”.

Not to forget the fancy resorts, average hotels, bed and breakfasts, family villas and the good ol’ hostel dorm rooms.

All of these of course, don’t include the spare space of my dear friends around the world who have opened their homes as I pass through.

My current location of residence is downstairs from my volunteer work place, which happens to be a movie theater! In the home, there’s a kitchen, shared bathroom, open living area and 3 other bedrooms.

The patio acts for a parking lot and shoe storage for all of us, including movie guests. As you round the corner, you’re welcomed to the entrance of The Flicks, the first movie theater in Phnom Penh! Every week they put out a schedule of specific screenings ranging from documentaries to recent blockbusters. The website is definitely worth checking out at www.theflicks-cambodia.com.

As you reach the top step, an outside balcony invites you for a sit before and after the films or you can choose to enter the hall and chill out by the bar.

We serve food, candy and what cinema would be complete without an old fashion popcorn machine (which made for a perfect “creative photo” of the day)!

They also sell locally made coconut oil, body scrubs as well as rich jams and syrups. All of these are made by hand and provide sustainable opportunities to those in need. Learn more at cocokhmer.com.

We always encourage a cocktail to enjoy while you lounge during the show. When I say “lounge”, I’m not speaking of sitting up strait in those awkward movie theater seats with the arm rest digging into your elbow as the kid behind you creates a drum solo on your chair. I’m talking about the couches and bed cushions that make up this cozy room for viewing. Place an order, grab your beer and lay down… The show’s about to start!

The guests range from locals to expats and include a bundle of fellow backpackers that are excited to feel a touch of home with English films and familiar junk food.

My job? I giggle as I type that, because the work here includes preparing the snacks and drinks, selling tickets and starting the film (watching it too if we want!). Clean up is a breeze and socializing with the guests comes naturally and is definitely my favorite part! Remember Bree? This is the fun spirited girl I met on the flight over here in which we departed by saying “maybe our paths will cross again”. Two days later…

Who is the operator of the genius idea? Meet my new Dutch friend Ramon. I’m positive there’s a handful of you out there who already know this popular guy of many talents. Author, artist, traveler, and retired backpacker, he has paved the ways for many couch surfers and exchange volunteers.
Words to describe this fella: quirky, smart, energetic and (based off of his panda bear hugs) certainly warm hearted.

Turns out I’m surrounded my amazing talent as Gillian, his roommate, is a dancer that is now the choreographer for a national broadcasting program. In fact, just this weekend she judged a televised dance competition where she spoke in the native language while scoring teams of K-pop. What a motivated young girl who took a one way flight from America to start a new journey in Cambodia. Want to see beyond the surface of this intelligent girl? I highly suggest sneaking more than just a peek at her blog pixiedustdance.blogspot.

Now we have Ashley, volunteer turned almost local, she’s also a part of The Flicks crew. Although I haven’t gotten to know her well, her straight forward personality leads me to think she’s confidently independent and her artistic creations expose her creativity. Here she is taking a photo of my “Backpacker go-to” layout. She has started documenting the difference between each traveler and what they always carry with them. (I was out of honey and hot sauce or that would be in there as well!)

Last but not least is my fellow workmate and volunteer, Semhal. She’s a driven college student born in America, native to Ethiopia and now traveling the world in the service of teaching English. With similar interests and instant chemistry, I feel like we’ve known each other for years! Between her quality listening abilities and natural positive outlook, kind and considerate doesn’t even begin to express the genuine heart of my new friend.

So there you have it, my short term home and new friends in the middle of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Next post… Heading to the streets!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: accommodations, Cambodia, cinema, Movie theater, Phnom Penh, The Flicks, Volunteer | Leave a comment

Crete, the hometown of Zeus

Posted on September 24, 2013 by erikamae82

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and sits just north of Africa. The wonderful people here consider themselves “Cretan”, not Greek and do a fine job of representing their independent culture. One of my favorite fun facts, speaking in mythological terms, Crete is believed to be the place where Zeus grew up!

I’m here visiting a dear friend of mine that I met years ago while dressed in a dirndl (I was, he was in lederhosen) singing German songs on a table at Oktoberfest in Munich.

Year after year we’ve stayed connected and this time, our reunion sweeps me to his summer job at a hotel in Chania. Before I take you to Crete, lets sneak a quick look at the journey to get there starting with a hanging tram in Dusseldorf to a layover in Athens. I got excited when I saw the writing on the back of the seat. Almost there!

Landing in Athens brings you an open designed terminal with many options to keep you occupied. With several museums, gambling halls, and cafe’s you’ll find quite a selection of entertainment. There’s even a kids play room if you care for a sitter while doing a little souvenir shopping. Hayden was behaving that day, so I let him hang with me.

The dreaded airport lunch? Not today! A salad buffet full of raw veggies, herbs, toppings and fresh dips like tzatziki and hummus. This definitely beats the usual option of an iceberg lettuce bowl with a few slivers of carrot and a bag of dressing for the same price!

A friendly and helpful side note to all of my frozen yogurt fans out there, at the Athens airport there are two different options for this cold delight. No need to worry, I did the exhausting hassle for you and tried both to confirm there is most certainly a better choice! Your welcome. The winner is…

Ok, finally landing makes my stomach fill with excitement as seeing sweet Florian is soon to be! If you know this guy, you can confirm that his kind smile matches his sincerity and his German quirky sense of humor leaves your cheeks aching from laughing!

We meet up for our first breakfast after a good nights sleep, meaning a few hours as the sun was coming up (thank you to the unofficial welcoming crew and the deck of cards). Check out this view!

Right away I felt my shoulders drop a notch and my busy mind lower gears. Between the Cretans love for food and drink, the warm sun on my skin and the ocean as a back drop, it only seems silly to allow any stress to hinder positive thoughts. Let me take you for a quick walk from our doorstep to the main road that hugs the shore.

Next, lets explore the work place of Florian. This type of hotel is new to me as its specifically designed for German travelers on vacation here. Not only does the staff speak German, but their news letters, guided tours and special events are all centered to help the guests feel connected and comfortable. Welcome to Hotel Dimitra!

Johanna and Jule, both here working from Germany, greeted us with eager smiles and fun conversation. Maybe its because we just came from their home country, but their sweet and spicy personalities made me feel comfortable instantly!

On this evening, the hotel was throwing a themed party they described as “bad taste”. Apparently you’re supposed to dress in an awkward fashion and sport a “unique” look. Of course we were invited and yes, I encouraged (made) Hayden dress up. I think we did just fine! The walk from our place to the hotel was the best part. All of the tourist on the street and people dining on the terraces staring at us as we giggle our way past them. Great memories!

A flash back of Jr.High popped into my mind when we were peaking around the corner to make sure we weren’t the only ones in costume. Coast is clear!

I am one lucky lady.

What better way to mingle with a crowd of Germans while visiting Greece than a theme party!

Such an energetic event to kick off our time here. Also, many thanks to Florian for not only the personal invite, but the exposure to bring me some haircut clients along the way!

I’ll end this post now with a neat photo I snagged from the bar decor. More Crete to come!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Chania, Crete, Dimitra, Dimitra Hotel, German, Greece, party | 3 Comments

Cologne, how come we’ve never met?

Posted on September 21, 2013 by erikamae82

I’ve been coming to Germnay for years now and for some reason, I’ve never made a pit stop in the home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals that sits central next to a large river. Cologne is just south of Recklinghausen and is a hot spot for travelers in the area. With restaurants, pubs, bars, a brilliant shopping strip and many hotels, I’m surprised this place hasn’t made the top 10 “must visit” places in Germany! Maybe it has and I just never payed attention, either way, I finally made it and the short 24 hour visit only left me craving more!

A train ride from Recklinghausen to Cologne with one transfer cost about 30€ total and takes just a few hours. The nap is free of a charge.

Ill start by introducing the accommodations we chose. To be honest, it was a last minute decision to even come through here, so we didn’t do too much research on our options. With a view over looking the river, a private bathroom (which is like gold to a backpacker!) and a location that finds you center to entertainment and walking distance from the train station, we scored at Hotel Löwenbräu. Although the restaurant down stairs is convenient, it was a little awkward trekking through the candle lit ambiance as two backpackers coming in and out.

With limited daylight we headed straight to Cologne Cathedral to experience what used to be the tallest building from 1880 to 1884 and now is the largest Gothic church in Germany and tallest Roman Catholic cathedral in the world. This massive structure had the foundation laid back in 1248 and was continually worked on until the celebration of its completion in 1880. Photos rarely capture the grand size of beautiful buildings and this beast was even hard to get a handstand photo incorporating the entire structure! We tried from two different angles.

Before entering, here’s a few sights you may come across.

As you approach the entrance, the architecture already begins to reveal itself and once going through the doors, the magnitude and detail take over your senses.

There are several areas designed for prayer. Lighting a candle is a way of extending one’s prayer and showing solidarity with the person of whom you’ve prayed for. I’m unfamiliar with the details of the Catholic rituals, but it was interesting to learn about!

I would love to be present when these pipes chime with glorious sounds on a Sunday morning. Again, the large size just isn’t exposed in these shots.

After circling the main floor, we headed for the opportunity to climb the tower that raises above the cathedral. An innocent staircase starts the first of over 500 steps!

You can see how years of traffic have worn the steps that guide you up the tower. Makes me wonder who and what these walls have seen!

Once you think you’ve reached the tip top, the next set of stairs just smiles at you with the “thought you were done?” grin and invites you for another couple hundred steps.

The view was exactly as expected allowing you to see a majority of the city that hugs a portion of the river.

Do you remember the locks I spoke about in Germany and France? They’re secured by a couple in love and then the key is thrown into “Never going to unlock our love” land. This was my favorite chosen spot by some darling couple, makes for a great photo!

The rain started to get a little heavier as we made our way back down the steps. Some parts are open air, leaving you to experience the elements and others are covered.

We chose the long route home never minding the rain and watched the people as they indulged in the souvenirs and local shops.

A quick bite was necessary at this point. “Does that say Frozen Yogurt!?” I asked with excitment. Hayden then responds with “No…where? I only see hotdogs”. Funny how we focus on what we want.

A “last night in Germany” toast was called for when we reunited with Dany, a French Canadian that we met along the way.

The very next morning, Hayden and I head for the train station with happy feet and the sun shining as the next stop is the international airport!

Crete Greece is the last stop on our joint trip and the first country we’re seeing that I’ve never been too! Why Greece? You guessed it, another international friend that I met years ago who has now stretched out the invite to visit him in Crete during his summer stay. Farewell to Germany and many thanks to the huge hearts and welcoming hugs that still invite me back. Cheers till next time!

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Cologne cathedral, food, Germany, history, love locks, towers, train, tram | Leave a comment

Tuffi the elephant lives!

Posted on September 20, 2013 by erikamae82

Although this isn’t necessarily something I’d research to do abroad, being here with friends and having a local guide to take us made it sound entertaining. Side note, the other couple you see in the photos below are from the very first year I went to Oktoberfest. So great to see them again!

Phantasia Land has rides, treats, costumes and more! This place reminds me of Disneyland combined with Great America (a popular amusement park in California).

Just like most amusement parks, there’s crowds of families, friends and eager children searching for the next line. In other words, they’re looking to spend the next hour tangled within ropes that lead to what you think is almost the front, until you round another corner and realize that you haven’t even reached the half way point.

What park wouldn’t be complete with a foreign town?

A play house is always fun, especially when everything’s in the German language! Watch as we transform into child’s before your eyes. I apologize for the blurry photos, the lights and movement made it tricky to capture.

After a great weekend of kid play, we made time for a quick pit stop to see the famous hanging tram in Wuppertal. It is the oldest electric elevated system with hanging cars in the world! Rarely can you mention this railway to a German without hearing about the story of Tuffi the elephant. As a type of promotion, they put an elephant in the tram to escort around the city. Supposedly after getting spooked, Tuffi leaped out into the massive river below. Not only did she survive with minor injuries, but she lived for another 39 years! I obviously took some of the pictures below from the internet to show you development over several decades.

Although it was a quick visit, I still made time for this unique handstand duo photo!

As I’m wrapping up our visit in Recklinghausen, I realized I hadn’t shown you the place we we’re staying in. I make a point of this because in all of my travels, this apartment above a dance club ranks in my top 5 favorites! They were even recently put on a German television show for it! For a complete tour, check out the post from my last visit!

What do you get when a backpacker, an American and a German go to the store for snacks? A quirky combination that made me smile.

Morning comes and it’s a personal ride to the train station by Sebel in his bands “tour bus”!

Carina, Alex and Jenni, you made my trip back feel even more amazing than last year. I truly feel like I was just hanging out at home with my girls! The donated clothes, 5 haircuts, scrumptious food and priceless conversations are still being appreciated, thank you! To the boys, all of you made me laugh and speaking for Hayden, kept a good balance for us and our visit to Recklinghausen.

Next stop, Cologne!

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Amusement park, food, Germany, Recklinghausen, tram, Tuffi elephant, Wuppertal | 1 Comment

A walk to the London Eye!

Posted on September 4, 2013 by erikamae82

Moving on to the sight seeing portion of our London visit. Since I’m not volunteering during this stretch, I decided to introduce the hostel life to Mike and Hayden. With over 800 accommodations offered, choosing one could of been exhausting, but this time it was easy to narrow it down… Why? I found out prior to this trip that one of the gymnasts I used to coach was going to be here at the same time! (For those who don’t know, I taught gymnastics for 10 years back in my “earlier days”).

Due to my love for surprising people, I got in contact with her mom and found out the hostel she was going to be in and booked it!

Here’s a picture of sweet Ashlyn back in our days of coach and gymnast. Now, she’s a beautiful young lady that has maintained her kind nature and sincere smile.

Introducing Hostel Clink 78.

From our hostel, the London Eye was just a few miles away which made for a perfect walk! Here’s what you’d see just wandering the streets of London.

Unlike the majority of the world, here in England they drive on the opposite side of the road (or as they say, “the correct side”). These fun little suggestions painted on the crosswalks I’m sure have saved many of pedestrian injuries.

After a refreshing jaunt towards the river, the London eyes finally exposed itself. Although it was tempting to ride, at 25Euro per person, we chose to make it a handstand shot instead!

The walk back presented itself with a few eatery options and bars getting ready for the happy hour in which business suits and locals show up for an evening drink.

I was lucky enough to make a pit stop at a local pub to reunite with another friend! Remember my buddy Scott from the Peruvian cooking experience?

Now, we meet again over 6,000 miles away! Scott, thank you for the perfect evening before our departure to Holland and I look forward to the next country in which we connect again!

Time to pack up and say farewell to England as we head east to Amsterdam. Lets go boys!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Bars, Bridge, clink 78, England, Hostel, London eye, restaurant, road signs | 2 Comments

Stonehenge

Posted on August 29, 2013 by erikamae82

Time for a quick background on the two faces you’ll be seeing a lot of in the next few weeks of posts. First, Hayden should look familiar to most you “experienced followers” as he was just with me in Peru and Costa Rica. I take partial responsibility for giving him the travel bug… I’ve heard it can be contagious!

Here’s a fun collage of some of our last trips abroad together.

Then there’s Mike. A fellow friend that I would describe as having supreme intelligence in the subjects he studies and an open mind that welcomes intriguing conversation at all times. We grew up with Hayden and all have remained to be a close friend throughout the years. Here’s a photo of me and Mike from 15 years ago (before the sweet dreads)!

Now, the three of us connect to for a mini Eurotrip. They’ll be joining me as I visit old travel friends and I’ll get to watch them experience the lifestyle of over seas for the first time.

We met in the New York City airport before boarding our flight to our layover in Iceland. I’ve been told that Iceland is beautiful, but I had no idea how tempting it would be to visit after just a quick transfer! The flight crew, the videos of what they offer and the inviting airport was enough for me to look into volunteering there.

The weather was a bit shocking to us after leaving Summer in the states and landing here. (Side thought: I feel like this poster might suggest that some may think 40 years old is old. Silly thought right?).

Finally landing in London, we jumped on a direct train to Salisbury which will be our overnight stay before seeing Stonehenge. Our hostel of choice was an adorable family owned bed and breakfast with great location and welcoming hosts. For more info, check out the Spire Bed and Breakfasast.

A couple quick pics of our room and the breakfast stand.

Check out this cute little city holding traditional pubs, tourist shops, historic cathedrals and a unique formation that makes for an entertaining handstand shot!

First dinner for the boys in England? They went with fish n’ chips and a juicy hamburger with veggies. Dessert made up of a sweet fruit cider.

Waking up early to catch the first bus to Stonehenge was highly suggested by the owners of the bed and breakfast. Thankfully we listened as our bus wasn’t nearly as packed as the ones to follow!

Im not sure anything can prepare you for the “wow factor” that hits your attention as you approach the massive boulders of Stonehenge. Most of us have seen pictures and some may have even studied it, but it’s incredible to see first hand. How did they get there? Where are the other stones? What did it all represent and for what purpose? Although I could go on and on about the religious representation or the human burial beliefs remaining here, I’ll let you research the history on your own. Amazing to think that it’s believed to have been built anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC!

Although you’re not allowed to touch them, a walk around the scenery is definitely enough to give you a proper idea of the entire property.

Why is everyone on the phone? No, that’s just the informational audio device that is complementary as you walk in. I just thought it was funny that it always looked like everyone was just chatting away at such a historic site.

Lets pause for a minute and bring back some photos that have now made there way into a tradition. First Machu Picchu, then Yosemite…

…and now, Stonehenge!

Finishing up brings us to a nice grass area that allows Mike and I to have some crystal talk about our favorite stones and let the magnitude of this place be fully absorbed.

Creative photo of the day!

Now it’s time to take another ride, this one is to the big city of London. I felt the need to bother my boys for a bit of “time eating” fun on the train. I’m assuming my abundance of energy came from the excitement knowing that our next set of accommodations happens to be with another familiar face (to be exposed in the next post)!

England… To be continued!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: England, Folsom friends, Iceland, Salisbury, Stonehenge | 3 Comments

A pit stop on the East Coast

Posted on August 28, 2013 by erikamae82

After an energy packed trip in Barbados and a tight schedule ahead of me in Europe, I found a small pit stop on the East Coast of the US being a great option. Not only was it a perfect addition to the journey, I got to stay with long time friends who are definitely considered to be family of mine.

First there’s Jennifer, a beautiful, bold and honest woman that won’t hesitate to speak her mind. I met her when slap bracelets and New Kids on the Block first made there debut. Although you’d probably enjoy a photo from 20 years ago, here we are back in California just a few years back.

After growing up together in the same little town of Folsom, she has now relocated (conveniently for me) to the East Coast. Since my long layover was in New York, this was the perfect time to put her apartment to good use!

To match her fun loving personality, is her companion of 7 years, Mark. This hard working guy presents a welcoming vibe that goes beyond an open door and big smile. Between the two of them, I felt right at home!

This trip was centered around a quaint get-away to the Thimble Islands. First things first, grab the snacks, load up and head out! That adorable little guy in between us is Chopper (I called him Chomper for the first two days… Oops).

The miniature man you see here is son of the other fun couple that we got to relax with, meet baby Luke.

A quick jaunt to their property and it’s time to unload and settle in.

I’m just going to post a few fun photos from the peaceful memory of a relaxing weekend with great people.

You can’t really tell, but there was a lot of great movement going on here! What weekend wouldn’t be complete without a 30 second dance session?

The boys didn’t partake in the boogie due to the preparation for their “clamming” (term for a common way to harvest clams). This can be done with a pitch fork, tongs, shovel or by the good ol way… your feet!

As if the weekend wasn’t already exactly what I had been looking for, we’re blessed with this gorgeous sunset that added unbelievable colors for our evening conversation and a vibrant handstand shot!

Thank you so much Jenn, Jen, Mark and John. Cheers to fancy movie projectors, lobster dinners and a new game that will forever have me giggle when I hum “It’s gettin hot in here”.

Sneak peak of the crew for the next leg of the journey… Flight to London!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Connecticut, east coast, island, thimble islands, visit | 3 Comments

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