Accommodations

Now I lay me down to sleep… In El Salvador

Posted on March 22, 2013 by erikamae82

Besides the one memorable night at the tropical farm, here are the two hostels we stayed at during our El Salvadorian adventure. The first place is called Hostal Cumbres del Volcan ran by Malcom and Gladys with tremendous assistance from Sarah and Walter. This place feels more like a bed and breakfast as the open kitchen and common area feels just like home.

The decorations are simple but vibrant and like any other good hostel, they have the usual collection of trading books and movies.

The personal interaction and helpful attention given to us by the staff there absolutely made our stay what it was. A special thanks to everyone at Hostel Cumbres del Volcan!

This hostel sat in the corner of the village of Juaya (why-you-uh) the place with the waterfalls and food festival. Equipped with an open kitchen and large common area, it was hard to bump into other travelers. The rooms had similar options with dorms, privates and shared.

Moms favorite place to sip her coffee was in the back garden area. Fountains, trees, fruit and flowers…. What’s not to love?

I was entertained by scoping out all of the recycled items that contributed to this busy yard.

Can you spot the shoe?

With the comfortable accommodations and the welcoming staff, I would definitely stay at either one of these if my journey brought me through El Salvador again.

I’ll finish this post with the sign that made me giggle every time I used the restroom.

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: El Salavador, garden, Hostel, Juayua, San Salvador | Leave a comment

“Do you ever make money on the road?”

Posted on March 13, 2013 by erikamae82

As most of you know, I volunteer in exchange for most of my accommodations and a majority of my food. However when I’m not working, I choose to stay in hostels as a way to save money… and make some too!

In my “home away from home”, I start out by hanging a sign that informs the other guests of my haircutting services and follow up by spreading the word in hopes for a few clients. The prices vary depending on the country.
For example, the average haircut in New Zealand is $65 so I charged $10-15 and here in El Salvador you can snag one for $8.

It may not seem like much (especially to my former clients back in California), but with just a few willing travelers, I’m able to pay for my stay at the hostel and pocket some spare. After simplifying my life, it’s amazing how rewarding this minimal exchange is to everyone involved!

Here are two lovely ladies that were here on a mini holiday after working in the medical field in Honduras. All the way from Oregon USA, meet my first two clients who were brave enough to sit with an audience and let some backpacker play with scissors.

Next up, a character from New Zealand finishing up his third year circling the globe. Thankful for my services, he explained that while in Mexico, he walked into a barbershop and in his best Spanish accidentally said, “Will you cut off my head please?”

Finally a vibrant personality that was such a joy to be around. Miss Jill had enthusiasm for her new hair cut that brought back pleasant memories of my days at the shop!

Ignore my half eyed shot here and focus on her excitement. After she checked out the cut, i got a genuine thank you with her Luxembourg accent accompanied with a huge hug. I love my “job”!

The next morning we found this note that was left before she had departed along her way.

See you next time on this beautiful open path my friend! Safe travels.

Categories: Accommodations, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: advertising, Hostel Haircut, paycheck | Leave a comment

Last 12 hours at the Tropical Farm

Posted on March 4, 2013 by erikamae82

Although these pictures will give you a decent idea of the eventful night in the jungle, I highly suggest making time to read the descriptions as the adventure continues…

I’m pleased as they show us our room for it has all of the necessities with four walls, a ceiling, a window, a bed and a door. I toss our bag to the floor and turn to see my mom intensely staring at the ceiling.

I see absolutely nothing so I make the mistake of asking, “What is it?”. Now when you’re dealing with someone who is, let’s say imaginative, you have to constantly evaluate the true seriousness. She explains her thoughts of what might be living in there and what could possibly crawl down during the night. Oh dear… It has begun.

Trying to explain to her that the bugs mean no harm is like trying to convince… well, you get it. After pointing out a few critters that she didn’t want to sleep with, we do a quick brush through. “Killing” things really isn’t my forte, so here’s a few “attempts” just for her peace of mind.

After reassuring her that we’ve gotten most of the crawling, flying and jumping creatures out of the room, I get a smile from her as we leave to go help with dinner.

Tonight’s menu is homemade tortilla bread, grilled veggies, sprouted beans and scrumptious hot oil made by sweet Gloria. The drink to complement this flavorful meal was fresh chestnut juice!

Check out the herbs we added straight from the garden, scrumptious! After we rolled it out fairly thin they through it over the grill. Are you jealous?

As we turn in for the night, I ask for a mosquito net. Mostly for moms sake (last year she survived dengue fever after being bitten) and partially for my sanity, as I wouldn’t get any sleep with her swatting flying objects all night.

Turns out I’m a solid 2 feet shy of hanging it, so we call in the other volunteers to help us secure our protective gear.

Does she look convinced?

Sweet dreams (ha…ha…ha).

Our morning coffee was accompanied by the fella in the first photo and I almost grabbed the second one that was headed towards my backpack. Not to mention the jumping spider that we lost track of last night.

After the exhausting night and eight legged company with coffee, the decision is made to leave the farm. The bags are packed and you can see sadness in our eyes as we head out. Must keep faith there’s a greater reason and positive purpose in the new path ahead!
Thank you Gloria, Mauricio, Chilly Willy and the other volunteers that made the last 24 hours a memorable event!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: dinner, homemade bread, mosquitio, net, scorpion, spider, tropical farm, vegetables | 1 Comment

Introducing the Tropical Farm!

Posted on March 3, 2013 by erikamae82

The morning starts off with a bus ride in which my brave mother followed my lead and took a seat. With one brow up, she was on high alert until eventually realizing that it’s all going to be ok… for now. (Enter mischievous grin here).

We get off at the appropriate stop to find our host Mauricio and a motor bike. He instructs mom to climb in behind him and for me to hop on the back with my gear (a backpack with all of our belongings in it). I didn’t snap any pictures of this circus, but it was extremely entertaining to me… As for mom, not so much. With a smile inside my helmet, I take in the surroundings as we make our way towards the farm.

Arrival to our new home, HARE KRSNA ORGANIC TROPICAL HOUSE!

We got an informative tour as Mauricio explains that everything you see on the property was either made from volunteers or the local kids using recycled material. Check it out!

All of the stone that’s used in this kitchen was collected from the side roads and within the village. The cylinder container was created with bamboo and broken glass that was cleaned off the streets.

As for the decor? It’s all recycled goods that’s been donated by creative people passing through. I even pitched in with a piece that I’ve been carrying for this entire journey.

Off to the garden to do some watering or for some of us, “aquatic organic therapy”.

This is our clean water tower followed by pictures that take you along the path to the outdoor “tropical shower”.

As the sun starts to set, we’re shown to our room and this my friends… this is when the experience begins to take a turn for my dear mom. Before leaving the states, we had a conversation in regards to the reality of volunteering in Central America. We discussed subjects such as limited food options, less comfortable accommodations, variety of transportation and the challenges of foreign language. Oh how we quickly learn that you can only prepare for so much, as the rest requires a flexible attitude and open mind!

With that said, I feel there are too many quality photos starting from dinner to the long night that’s ahead. I’m actually going to put it in a completely separate (and well deserved) post.

Until the next 12 hours on the farm, I’ll leave you with a couple of photos that find me enjoying a moment in one of the many hammocks.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bus, farm, food, hammock, jungle, organic, scorpion, shower toilet, spider, walk | Leave a comment

Day one in El Salvador

Posted on February 28, 2013 by erikamae82

While visiting mom, we were reviewing the general layout of the next stretch of my travels. Without second thought out of my mouth came “you should join me, I think it would be a great experience!” After listing all of the reasons she shouldn’t or couldn’t, I then replied with… “Those all sound like reasons of why you SHOULD go”!
A week went by of me discussing possibilities and after hard thought she came to me said, “I’m in.”
Can you believe it folks? One backpack, two weeks, a spanish farm and no french vanilla creamer… She’s in for an adventure!

Now boarding… El Salvador!

We landed safely and have an entertaining ride to our first hostel to San Salvador.

Welcome to our temporary home as we plan on returning after volunteering, Hostal Cumbres del Volcan. We had minimal time here, so I’ll share more photos later. Just an idea of our surroundings…

Remember that collection of classic movies I described that every hostel seems to have? Found them!

We woke up to an authentic breakfast provided by our host and new friends Sarah and Gladis. Scrumptious!

I asked for some spice and what did they provide…. My favorite sauce!

Our next destination is in the small country side of Libertad. We will be volunteering on an organic farm full of tropical fruits, a variety of veggies and other fresh items in need of harvesting. This is also a community in which they guide the local children in recycling product and material to create a sustainable lifestyle. Brilliant! This all starts tomorrow and we are both extremely excited to meet our new hosts. If you’re curious for more details about there organization, here’s where we’ll be!
El Salvador Tropical Farm

A few photos from their website.

I’m not sure of the internet acess or the wifi strength on the farm, so please bare with my quanity and quality of posts for the next 10 days. All smiles till next time!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: central America, El Salvador, San Salvador | 1 Comment

“Doing work in the AZ” (words by Christie)

Posted on February 11, 2013 by erikamae82

Although this post is mainly snap shots of the weekend, it holds a special place in my memory. On the way back across the country (working my way towards the east coast to fly south again), I made a pit stop in Phoenix Arizona to visit some friends. Here’s a quick recap of the personalities that I got to spend Super Bowl weekend with.

I’ll start with the owner of this new home, a girl I met playing with finger paint and Elmer’s glue back in kindergarten, Christie. This woman will add laughter and life to any gathering. With her sarcastic sense of humor delivered with pure love, she keeps those around her on their toes and usually running to the nearest bathroom doing the “potty dance”.
Here we are at age 5 together (rockin some rad hair) followed by a recent picture of her (rockin some rad hair). Thanks for letting me “play” with your golden locks lady!

Next up is Nate. The bodyguard, the the big kid and in my opinion a teddy bear disguised as a solid rock. This is why he makes an incredible travel partner! The first two pictures are from our trip to Europe a couple of years ago, followed by his “character” shot from the weekend. Love this guy!

Then there’s Hayden, I’ve known this fella for a solid 10, wait… over 15 years! To this day, he still has the ability to make me smile no matter what the circumstance. Unfortunately I don’t have any Jr.High pictures available, but if you focus on the two middle boys in the picture below, on the left is Michael (the owner of the bar I visited in Argentina) and to the right (the other red head), is Hayden.
Side note: Look forward to more posts of these two fine gentleman as they plan to hike Machu Picchu with me this year!

I’ll wrap up the friend descriptions with Christies perfect match, John. He happens to be my definition of “kind hearted”. I felt at home right away with this gorgeous power duo.

So it begins. Here is the house during construction followed by a weekend of playing in the dirt!

Did I mention that I love rocks?

A moment with my lady!

Break time with the crew as we take a quick road trip to prep for the Super Bowl!

What’s this? The ice-cream man! For all if my friends abroad who didn’t get the amazing childhood luxury of an ice cream truck, imagine this… A jolly man in a decorated vehicle driving around your local neighborhood. He’s playing familiar cheerful music that attracts children (and me) for a pick of any frozen dessert they desire! As creepy as it sounds when I describe it, it’s actually a very fond memory! Who didn’t love chasing down a van full of sugar?

I thought this was a fun idea to fill the void of an empty building.

Back home and getting ready for the big day. Food, drinks and far away friends? Check!
(Thank you for the great pictures Christie!)

Cartoons on for the small kids? Game on for the big kids? Check. Youngest follower looking at my blog? Excellent!

Appropriate dress attire? Not a chance.

A day of smiles with new and old friends for Super Bowl… Perfect.

What a sunset to finish up this brilliant weekend!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Arizona, cactus, Phoenix, Super Bowl, yard work | Leave a comment

Holidays in Florida

Posted on January 3, 2013 by erikamae82

Last time I was here in Panama City Beach Florida, it was bathing suit weather, a swimming pool and ocean fun with the dolphins. You can see those posts in the mid July archive (to the right of the page). This round it’s gloves, scarves and Holiday festivities!

Almost to her home from the airport she had me put on a blind fold. What? I listened carefully as we parked in what seemed to be a wind tunnel (it was a parking garage that sat sea side). She then took me by the hand and led me on a short walk to an elevator. To prevent me from hearing the “ding” of how many stories we were going up, she had me plug my ears and sing “Jingle Bells” as loudly as I could. I then shuffled behind her as we ended in a silent room. I took off the blind fold and here I stood looking at a cozy condo decorated with love. Partly for a belated birthday (to my memory, this was the first birthday celebration that we were apart…ever) and Christmas.

Candles in cups of frozen yogurt? When I was a child, I would leave my cake and go for seconds of the ice cream. That being said, my observant mother starting decorating rice crispy treat cakes, ice cream sandwiches and frozen yogurt. Now that’s love!

The following morning we woke up to a Christmas Eve with more surprises. The blind fold and 20 story elevator ride had led me to her friends condo that she had reserved as a gift for us. Welcome to our new view for the next week. Check out the cool storm rolling in!

Since all of our things are packed away in storage, she had prepared our day with new blank stockings to design with random art supplies. We added some snacks and adult beverages to enhance our holiday creativity.

Perfect timing to finish up and embrace the open water and a peaceful sunset.

After the sun went down we decided (in a fit of giggles) to get bundled up and go for a walk. Here are the only three pictures captured: The start of the walk, some beach holiday decorations at a local diner followed by the handstand photo.

Time for bed now in hopes of a white Christmas morning… In Florida? It happened! We thoroughly enjoyed it with a morning toast on the balcony.

Santa decided to put mustaches in my stocking which were then distributed throughout the house. Simple entertainment!

As the day progressed with reggae music as our theme music, we played with our food and put together a puzzle.

My Grams told me if you lick the piece… It’ll fit anywhere. Experience is knowledge!

All games put away, holidays cleaned up and now a sunset to be thankful for as I sit with the woman who continues to be my biggest fan. We reminisced of the years together and I’m thankful to be able to look at her (in person) and give gratitude for her unconditional support. I love you Mom!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: Birthday, Christmas, finger food, handstand, mustache, Panama city beach, stockings | 1 Comment

Helping hand in Kuala Lumpur

Posted on November 1, 2012 by erikamae82

My last night in Malaysia, I took a bus back to Kuala Lumpur for a good nights rest and an early rise for my flight to Japan. I chose the Reggae Hostel based off a suggestion from my local friends.

Time to make a quick acknowledgment to my new pal that went above and beyond his call of duty to help me. I had left my backpack with my previous host and needed to retrieve it before the evening was over.

Being that I was in one of the largest cities in Malaysia at night, by myself and caring all my belongings, taking the round trip alone didn’t seem like a brilliant idea. I asked this hostel employee if he had any friends in the cab service that I could just pay to do the whole trip with me. (At this point I wasn’t going to put a price on my safety).

He said if I could wait until he got off work that he would make the entire trek with me. He was a local and knew the streets, so I patiently waited for him to finish up work. My helpful guide named Usman is on the left.

Not only did he kindly lead me right to where I needed to go, he payed for the tram and cab with nothing but a smile the entire journey. This didn’t even include the history lesson I got along the way as we would pass different buildings and church sites.

I returned safely with my backpack and a new buddy! The next morning as I was reviewing the map on which path to take to get to then tram that takes me to the bus that delivers me to the correct airport… In walks my personal guide. As if he hadn’t done enough already, he says, “Let’s go, I’ll make sure you get there”.

Add this guy to the list of quality people on earth who have helped me reflect on being a better person… Would I have done this for someone? I hope so.

With an easy trip to the airport, all checked in and ready to board. Next destination is south of Tokyo Japan to visit my cousin Brandon. Great times ahead!

Categories: Accommodations | Tags: Cab, flight, help, Hostel, tram | 1 Comment

Penang part 1

Posted on October 26, 2012 by erikamae82

I was craving some “lost in a city solo” time so I thanked Kuldips family for the incredible week and priceless local experience as they dropped me off at the central bus stop. I heard that the island of Penang was one of the most culturally diverse states here in Malaysia. Sounds perfect!

A few hours in this bus and after crossing one of the longest bridges in Malaysia, I arrive at my new destination.

Cool effect pic from one of the bridges!

I had done my research as far as the hostel location, however I was unclear on which inner-city bus to snag to get there or if a $40 RM cab was worth it. I asked a friendly employee who referred me to a kind gentleman that was escorting an elderly woman (his mom) next to a youthful boy (his nephew). He was so helpful by drawing a map, verbalizing detailed directions and making sure I knew where I was going, then he says “You know what, I’m going that way, would you like a ride?”
(Family, take a deep breath… He didn’t offer any candy).

I felt safe and it was either him or a random taxi guy, so off we went. I kept the map in my lap so he knew that I was aware of exactly where we were going. Upon arrival he thanked me for the great conversation and gave me the spare change from his car and said, “Please use this to call me from a public phone if you need anything at all, God bless.”

What a way to start my adventure in Penang! A quick shot of my room, with the balcony, private bath and a sign that isn’t necessarily “comforting”. But for less than $20 USD I get a glimpse of what it’s like to have own place for a minute… I’m like a teenager with parents out of town for the weekend, almost tempted to jump on the bed in my pj’s!

I ordered a cup of hot water for some tea and this super cool thermos of boiling water came to my room, love it!

Right away, I put down all of my things and go for a wander. I’ve been slacking in the “fashion from a backpack” section, so here’s a classic mirror shot of my comfortable outfit to hit the road in.

In the actual order that I took these photos, here was my walk:

A couple of creative pics before the rain came…

I made it to the night market just in time before the streets got a proper soaking.

This friendly guy caught me admiring his fresh fish stand.

These are two random posters that made me smile. They’re promoting a japanese beer to Malaysians by hyping it as the #1 seller in the U.S.

Are there curry fries everywhere?

…and dessert for the walk home, fresh cut watermelon!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: advertisement, Bus, food, Malaysia, night market, Penang | 3 Comments

White Coffee and Egg tarts in Ipoh, Malaysia!

Posted on October 21, 2012 by erikamae82

Within just a few kilometers out of the city, the earth of Malaysia is starting to expose itself. A few pics of the road trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

We follow a few cozy streets that lead us to her families home. Shoes off at the door before entering (they have an amazing ability to step out of slippers without missing a beat) to find a warm kitchen with food on the table. Homemade chicken bone soup, rice noodles and veggies. I also got a sneak peak of Poa, a slightly sweet, very soft dumplings (reminds me of wonder white bread) that’s filled with either a curry meet, veggies or a sweet delight.

Here, it’s typical to literally wake up and go to the street market to collect your food for the day. What’s for breakfast? I don’t know yet, we’ll see what the vendors brought this morning and what seems to be the freshest!

Who doesn’t get dressed up to head to the market?! Meet Kuldip’s niece, a sparkling firecracker of energy with a sugary little smile. First lip stick, a wardrobe change and then a hair piece to match the bedazzling!

Off we go!

Fruit (I purchased two new ones that I had never seen before, it’s like opening a present!) and veggies…
I got to watch this woman, clean, cut and basket the fresh veggies to sell (not comparable to the pre-washed plastic bagged salads you get from the supermarket).

I’d like to think that I have a fairly strong stomach considering back in my coaching days, I’ve set broken bones, bandaged open wounds and literally caught vomit in my hands.
Well folks, today as we were strolling along I heard the sound of a chicken. As I gazed over and focused in on what what my ears had noticed, I felt my stomach hit my throat.
Take notice to the lid of fresh feathers on the left and the pile of feet to the right. Enough said.

On a lighter note… some random local treats!

Finished up with baggies of breakfast and we head back to indulge. People who own a vehicle here typically have hooks behind their seats to hold the bags up-right.

The drink above is something I had never seen before. It’s slightly sweetened soy milk with grass jelly and red beans over ice. It…is…delicious!

As if this morning wasn’t amazing enough, we head through some city streets for a well known pastry and the famous Ipoh White Coffee. “White”, not meaning a mocha or fancy flavored coffee, but a the name is actually referring to the way the bean is roasted.
Traditionally, Malaysian style “black” coffee is produced by roasting the beans with sugar, margarine and wheat. “White” coffee is produced with only margarine and without any sugar, resulting in a less dark roast. They add a splash of condensed milk and serve it hot or cold. Scrumptious!

Below is some pics from the journey there, a glass of chilled white coffee and the local pastry that we patiently stood in line for. People were crowding closer behind me as these velvety, custard filled, flaky warm crusted delights emptied from the tray (I actually got the last one!). Apparently “Ipoh’s Egg Tarts” are the most popular dessert item here and of course Kuldip knew of the best place to get them!

Although this can be a popular destination for locals to host weddings or other celebrations, it’s hardly known to the public eye and certainly not on the front page of any tour brochures. Thank you Kuldip!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: egg tarts, Ipoh, live chicken, Malaysia, market, Poa, waterfall, White coffee | Leave a comment