Accommodations

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

Can you balance in a handstand on the equator?

Posted on April 20, 2013 by erikamae82

My final 48 hours in Ecuador was spent in the capital city called Quito. Between checking in, checking out, bus transfers and rides to the airport, my “tourism time” was limited so I’m going to wrap it ip in one post.

Although it was a short visit, my adorable accommodations made for the perfect hideaway from the busy streets surrounding it. The Butterfly Hostel is a combination of rooms for temporary guests and apartment styled living for extended stays.

The kitchen was useful and the common area was overflowing with vibrant colors.

The owner Diana is beyond welcoming, almost instantly feeling like family. She helped with directions, local eats and “anything needed”. Thank you for the wonderful conversations and warm greetings!

Exiting the hostel took me on a fun walk through the popular neighborhood called Mariscal, otherwise known as the tourist district or “gringolandia”. I really didn’t spend too much time exploring here because my ultimate goal for the day was to get to the equator.

My trek of reaching the equator consisted of a walk to the metro that dropped me off at the terminal to board the bus to the final transfer leading me to the “Metad de Mundo”. (Middle of the world -aka- the equator). Due to the crowded journey and not so safe areas, the pictures I captured along the way were minimal.

These are the only two photos I snagged. First, a woman selling chocolate covered strawberries topped with a marshmallow. I have yet to mention how much they love their marshmallows here!

To my knowledge, this isn’t a typical sight but it made me instantly say in my head, “In case of an emergency, please use as a flotation device”.

As I finally made it to the entrance of the park, I was fully prepared for the mobs of tourists and families that would be following the guides.

Hmm, looks like I have the place to myself. I actually felt a little awkward walking around this huge park as one of the only visitors.

Most of the store tenants that I passed appeared to be so eager to see another human, that it almost felt mandatory to stop and look at every shop. Even harder to say “no gracias” to all of them.

I made it!

They say it’s hard to walk in a straight line on the equator, turns out standing on your hands is easier!

On the way back I treated myself to a frozen yogurt, just my size! Can you imagine a chain shop in the states trying to stay in business selling this option?

I now leave Quito with a major announcement to all of the people who know and share my love for frozen desserts. An Ecuadorian traditional delight has now topped my list over ice cream, gelato and brace yourself… Even better than frozen yogurt!

Helado de Paila means “ice cream from a copper pan.” Sugar, pure fruit pulp, and egg whites are placed in a brass pan, which is on a bed of ice, sea salt and straw (to slow down the melting of the ice). The pan must be previously prepared by boiling it for three days with ash and bitter orange. The ingredients are then stirred as long as necessary to make the mixture freeze.

This simple but time consuming process develops what I can best describe as the creamiest snow cone mixed with the iciest frozen yogurt. My favorite part is the extremely cold, firm texture that prevents it from instantly melting in the South American sun.

I preferred the non traditional flavors that included but wasnt limited to chocolate and my personal favorite of vanilla. I devoured mine with so much enjoyment that I forgot to take a picture! Here are a few I found online. Introducing Helado de Paila!

Well that’s it for now Ecuador, next stop is Peru!

Travelers tip: I highly suggest not going on a city search for Piala the day of your flight out of the country… Without a map! I barely found my way back before heading to the airport. Oops.

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Butterfly Hostel, Ecuador, equator, Helado de Paila, Mariscal, Quito | 1 Comment

The Rastafarian Cancun of Ecuador, Montañita

Posted on April 16, 2013 by erikamae82

Montañita is a growing town that was once a hidden gem for local surfers. Back in the 60’s it was a fishing village and linked to the hippie movement, thus explaining the Rastafarian vibe that still exists today. Amongst the several residence, there’s a large population of backpackers, beach bums and travelers just passing through. I was told it’s the “Cancun of Ecuador” and to enter with an open mind, no intentions of sleeping and to have a proper exit plan. Thankfully, I had Sophie with me and we were both on a chill vibe during our whopping 30 hours in this tornado of controlled chaos.

We checked into our hostel, knowing not much time will be spent there. Quick tour of the Iguana Backpackers Hostel. The front area with kitchen is small, but a few backpackers show that it still does the job.

In the back there’s a relaxed open area for well, anything you want!

Our room equipped with the necessary sleeping nets. Ps, having the mosquitos trapped in with you is not beneficial to a good nights sleep.

My favorite part of this entire hostel was the sign that made me giggle out loud when it caught my eye.

Approaching the outside of town, it looks so innocent and welcoming.

As you turn the corner and head into the main strip, the vibrancy begins to deliver.

Perfect handstand photo, thanks Sophie!

Ceviche on the street? Yes please! The choices were shrimp, conch or fish. We shared a mix of shrimp and fish to be topped off with hot sauce and corn nuts.

Fortunately for us, there was surf finals happening the day we were there! After observing the streets we agreed is was time for sandy toes. Here’s the walk as we head towards the competition.

I haven’t had a real snow cone in years! I skipped out on the green goo topped with condensed milk and went with the piña and fresa (pineapple and strawberry).

As we near the action, you could feel the energy was building. Over the roar and applause, you could hear the announcer listing countries with their scores. Both of us had a confused grin as he says, “Ecuador… Peru… Brazil… Hawaii… and…” Now I’m not a part of the surf world, so there’s probably something I’m missing, I just didnt realize Hawaii had separated into it’s own country.
An additional peculiar thing, is seeing a sun loving surf crowd fully clothed, on the beach! Bizarre or am I unaware of another memo?

I also didn’t realize it was relay style. One would sprint out of the water as the other was racing in. Apparently I need to study this sport a little more before I observe!
Side note: If you say you’re from California, expect to give a full explanation to why you don’t surf.

I thought these were pretty cool shots.

As the sun goes down, the crowd doesn’t stop. In fact, the streets light up and what was once the fruit stands have turned to drink stands and the restaurants are now dance clubs.

Believe it or not, that’s all you get from my evening pictures, as we turned in for an early nights rest before the bus tomorrow. (Yes Bevan, I know… I’ll have to try again with you next time).

My favorite photo of the day in Montañita!

This was also the last evening spent with my (perfectly opposite) new pal Sophie.
You were such an unexpected gift that enhanced my journey along the coast of Ecuador. Cheers to broken bunk beds, awkward email names, and no bananas in a smoothie… ever. I send you off with much love and a “Salud” till next time!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: bug nets, Cancun, ceviche, Ecuador, iguana backpacker, Montanita, party, surf championship | Leave a comment

New friend + new path = F.U.N!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been a couple of days now and Sophie and I have stuck to our plans to head south together. Having a travel buddy adds a different energy to the journey and one that I’m always up for! (Hint-hint to all of the people who say they want to join me. When you want something strong enough… you make it happen. I know you can do it!)

We’re packed up and ready to depart from the Donkey Den and say farewell to the friends we’ve made here.

Another truck, another walk and another bus to get to our next destination.

I know exactly how you feel buddy.

We stopped here in Puerto Lopez for the gateway to visit the Isla de Plata, otherwise known as “The poor mans Galapagos”. I’m going to save the island tour as a completely separate post, simply due to it’s beauty and entertainment value.

A quick view at our new bedroom with a complimentary look at the guilt stricken face on Sophie as she “reconstructs” the ladder that she “disassembled”.

While cooking one morning in the outdoor kitchen, I starting talking with this guy from Argentina that is traveling around selling his jewelry. Of course I donated to his journey as he was eager to design one specifically for me. With the flame sealing the deal, you’ll see this anklet on me for awhile. Oh the days of backpacking at it’s best!

A walk around Puerto Lopez that leads us to the beach!

Instead of shopping our way through town, we decided to eat! Considering most items cost from $0.25 to $2, we thought to buy one of anything that looked interesting and share all of it! Let the taste buds begin! (This was done over a few days).

</a

Sunset brings a great evening before we rest up for our day on the island. Buenos noches!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, bunk beds, Bus, food, jewelry, market, pescado, Puerto Lopez, quail eggs, Sunset | 2 Comments

Pretend work and real play with my new friends at The Donkey Den!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by erikamae82

After my amazing welcoming present of the fishing last night (that fun post seen here) I wake up to get a nice tour before getting started with the others.

Looking at the guesthouse from the beach.

The view off the balcony looking back at the beach.

A walk through the kitchen and outdoor dining area followed by a peak in our room.

Did I mention there are 5 very relaxed dogs and 9 lazy cats?

Here is the creator, owner and very well known, sweet Linda. A generous woman who clearly has a strong drive considering she built this guesthouse from the ground up. I really have a hard time imagining the process she must of went through being new to Ecuador and having very limited knowledge of the Spanish language. That alone speaks in volume for her patient yet feisty personality.

We’re all here to pitch in to bring this place as far as it can go. Meet a power couple that has been here for two months already and has transformed the Donkey Den to what it is today. All the way from Australia, “just passing through” is Bernie and Trevor. (He usually doesn’t rock the pink top, but i think its a job well done).

Ann and Colin are what I believe to be a perfect balance of outgoing and grounded. With their creative powers combined, this adorable team turns everything they touch into a work of art. The love they have for one another is shown through respectful words and kind conversation. When I grow up… I want to be just like them!

PS: Ann has a blog too. Check her out at NeverLostAnn!

Finally, there’s Sophie. She’s laid back, naturally funny and extremely easy to talk with. Traveling through South America, we connected at the right time in the perfect place for our paths to cross and continue. Within hours of meeting we had plans to skip town together and spend a week heading south. For now, more work in the Den.

When the days work (if you call it that) is finished, you have many options to fill your time.

There’s reading, writing or sleeping in the hammocks -aka- “Hammock Therapy”.

Taking a walk through the town.

Our favorite is beach time of course!

I had a little (a lot) of fun getting side tracked with a stick in the sand and effects on my camera!

Each evening promises a gorgeous sunset to calm the mind and welcomes another peaceful night of realization that this is my life… I am so grateful.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, donkey den, guesthouse, hammocks, Paint, village, Volunteer | 6 Comments

The hidden gem of Macondo hotel in Canoa

Posted on April 5, 2013 by erikamae82

Hotel Macondo is tucked away in the beach town of Conoa, Ecuador. This place is a surfers paradise, home to several hotels and hostels that sit in the sand with a perfect view of the waves coming in. Although that sounds amazing, those hostels also include an abundance of backpacker parties, spring breakers and locals enjoying the tourists at happy hour. All of which I wasn’t up for this week.
Across from central park and less than a two minute walk to the beach, I had peace when I wanted and privacy all of the time. Once in awhile these things are necessary after living in dorm rooms or with other families.

Upon entering you’ll be greeted my the owners Felix and Betty. Without a doubt, they make this place feel like home. Always happy, helpful with suggestions and even a ride into the city (I’ll show that journey in a different post).

Felix being an incredible chef, appreciated my desire to want to use the kitchen. Often we would snoop at each others recipes and laugh at the different styles.

Up to take a quick peek at my room on the second floor with private bath and balcony.

Continuing up the stairs until you can’t go farther….

Brings you to my favorite part of the entire place, the roof top terrace!

360 degree photo shoot!

For $9 a night I get a private room with bath and balcony, kitchen use and the security of the owners who protect this place like their home… because it is! Thank you Hotel Macondo for a cozy, safe and welcoming stay in Canoa!

Categories: Accommodations | Tags: Beach, Canoa, Ecuador, hotel Macondo, park, private room, roof terrace | 2 Comments

Manso Boutique Guesthouse in Guayaquil

Posted on April 4, 2013 by erikamae82

A brief look at my enjoyable stay at the Manso Boutique Guesthouse. You’d never guess by approaching the stairs that comfortable accommodations are just ahead.

As soon as you reach the top, the main common area draws you in to observe the view off of the balcony.

Now with the street behind you, this is the sight as you walk towards the front desk. (That’s one of my buddies on the phone. This guy always had a smile on his face!)

They provide several tables and chairs for the guests to eat, work and gather around. I saw card playing, book reading and what I believe was a business meeting. There’s even a little private area where often I saw families or groups of friends feasting together.

Creative decor with recycled goods matched the unique gift shop of clothing, organic treats and natural products.

Need a bike for rent?

Although the 4 person dorm was small, it was clean and provided a private bath. The second picture below is an additional bathroom for guests and employees.

Finally the smile that greeted me hello and now is sending me off. Thank you so much Edu for your helpful advice… Canoa, here I come!

Categories: Accommodations | Tags: Guayaquil, Hostel, Hotel, Manso Boutique Guesthouse | 1 Comment

Does this make the adoption official?

Posted on April 1, 2013 by erikamae82

To be welcomed into a home for a good nights rest and a solid meal is heart warming but then to be invited to the families farm for a sacred holiday weekend is an honor. They informed me that the gesture was not an obligation but an invitation to join them in their home away from home in Arraijan. Of course I gladly accepted and packed up to head out!

The girls and I are ready to go! As we depart the city, you can quickly see the surroundings begin to change as the buildings turn to trees and the holiday traffic diminishes.

I’ve been informed that we’ll be stopping at a popular local spot to pick up a snack along the way. Here they make everything fresh including the empanadas, fruit juice, desserts, cheese and yogurt. Wait, fresh yogurt… and it’s frozen! Yes please.

Back to the car to share the goodies! Here are empanada’s they ordered, on the left is con pollo (with chicken) and on the right is con queso (with cheese).

For me, homemade yogurt that was just simply frozen. A bit sweet for my taste, but what a treat!

As we near the farm, they take me on a small detour to snoop around a local market. This one also included local artist selling their work, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I figure someday when I “settle down” (enter sarcastic finger quoting here) I’d love to decorate my home with things I’ve gathered from all over the world. It may be few and far in between, I enjoy supporting the local creators making a way of life doing what they love. Thank you Raman!

The next bulk of pictures are just shots I took from the passenger seat as we drove through the gorgeous country side. This is the Panama I’ve been waiting for.

As the gates are opened, my excitement increases seeing the hidden treasure that awaits. I’m not sure when this was built, but the grounds itself should be fully taken in and not just passed through.

My goal is not to fully expose this generous family and their belongings, however they were more than encouraging of my photo taking! Here is the open air play room that dubbed as my new hair salon as well.

Again with precious Allison not knowing what to think of it all. After we were done with the haircuts, she came up and grabbed my hand and with her other hand touched her head. Adorable, she wanted a haircut too!

My accommodations in what I think is the biggest room I’ve stayed in since the beginning of my travels (that doesn’t have 12 bunk beds included).

Here are only a couple of the homemade goodies that I got to sample. First we have the popular Panamanian fried bread called hojaldras. These traditional doughnuts are usually eaten plain at breakfast or topped with cheese and beans for a midday snack.

This is a basic rice, fresh pork and beans with a side of platinos.

On the last day here, the sun exposed perfect heat for the girls to have their swimsuits on by breakfast. As we take a walk, you’ll notice the guest house and a pool… with no water? Turns out the swimming pool area is in the middle of a renovation.

Being the creative and determined girls that they are, it’s been decided that a couple feet of water still makes for a good time! Can you remember the days when nothing got in the way of playing in the sun? The pictures below are actually a part of the 30 minute attempt to get her back out of the pool. All smiles from my view!

On the way back to the main house, we noticed a great location for the handstand photo.

A final note of gratitude to my new family in Panama. Dan and Lia, I loved observing the unconditional care that you have towards your children and I encourage you to keep guiding by example as I learned so much from you. Many thanks for sharing your home, food, family and time with me!

In the photo below, starting from the left: My coloring partner Elena. Your high energy and love for fun reminds me of the youth I still have inside. Keep practicing your handstands and next time we’ll have a contest!
Next is the oldest named Alexandra. Our walks and talks are still fresh in my memory as I enjoyed listening to your thoughts and sharing ideas. My fingers are crossed for you to get to that “One Direction” concert soon enough!
Oh sweet baby Allison, I loved connecting with you and was thoroughly impressed by your intelligence and never ending smile. (I’m not just saying that because we share the same birthday)!
On the far right sits Eliza. Concerned for my comfort, you were always the first to offer additional help…your consideration didn’t go unnoticed. Math can be a bummer, but finishing homework in time for dress up made it all worth while!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Arraijan, art, haircuts, La finca, market, panama, swim | 1 Comment

“Cabañas Time Out”

Posted on March 27, 2013 by erikamae82

Welcome to the “barefoot luxury” hotel of Cabañas Time Out located a short walk from one of the best surf breaks in Panama. In fact, next month Santa Catalina is hosting a massive surf competition right here! Hmmm, maybe I was two weeks too early?

I wake up with the sun to find the owner Phil sipping coffee poolside with a smile. We go over my duties that include but are not limited to cleaning the rooms as guests check out, showing the arriving people to their room, cooking, bar tending and landscaping as needed.

Before I get started, let me show you around the property. Here’s a tour of the general layout.

The poolside restaurant and yes, that’s a swim up bar!

The favorite spot to read, meditate, sip on a drink or simply take a nap…the hammocks!

This location also filled in for my hair salon (which back in California was ironically named “Erika’s Hair Retreat”).

…and the handstand location.

This is the new addition which is currently the accommodations for all employees and the owner. I’d love to see this beauty finished!

The view from the front window.

Here’s my bedroom and bathroom followed by a few house guests.

The “alarm system” here is mom, dad and their 5 pups equalling a total of 7 Rottweilers roaming around!

Meet the manager and my new partner in crime, Kristi. She’s a level headed spit fire from Germany, that knows what she wants and has the drive to get it done. Love her! Here she is helping Michael (the son of the owner) clean up around the yard.

A few happy guests that I connected with during their stay. If you’ve been following the blog for anytime now, you know I usually cross paths with incredible people more than once… We’ll see!

I got to have some fun around the kitchen as I updated his menu board and put some old bananas to delicious use!

I’ll finish this post with our juicy dinner of garlic sautéed fresh shrimp, raw cabbage salad and seasoned veggie rice. Clearly a meal in which napkins were invited, but not welcome.

Dessert was a treat of improved live music from a few guests. I smiled from within as we sat around with a guitar and harmonica humming tunes that we could all find in common.

Buenos noches.

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Cabañas Time Out, guests, haircuts, Santa Catalina | 1 Comment