Accommodations

A friend from the states = another reunion!

Posted on April 5, 2012 by erikamae82

Ian is an incredible friend that has been nothing but amazing since the day we met. His gentleman like demeanor combined with his spontaneous “let’s go for it” attitude makes him the perfect travel companion for a South American adventure! I only get 10 days with him due to some wonderful airline mistakes, but he’s here and I’m stoked!

Here’s a picture of us last year at my birthday, followed by a photo from my “Happy trails departure party”.

Getting started the right way with a surprise treat from Ian… Tickets to the Foo Fighters right here in Buenos Aires!

Had to wash my hands 4 times…. With bleach.

Here’s a quick tour of our place for the night. The first picture is the “front porch” with our door to the right. We were on the top floor, so of course that means super stairs workout again!

A quick walk around the block before we head to the airport to get Ians bags (that a certain airline didn’t have for him when he landed).

On the way back from the airport journey, the clouds began to flash with striking bolts of lightening… the crack of startling thunder… and then the storm! It reached the point of cars parking on the freeway with no visibilty. Leave it to us, our sweet taxi driver put his flashers on and with a “Ayiah yai!” through it in gear and kept going.

We’re still alive!

After the rain stopped (and we were safe on our feet again) we took a walk to see some of the damage caused by this random chaous.

This is a telephone booth… Now decorated with a fallen tree.

The first pic is me in Amsterdam, the second was last night. Makes me giggle.

TOMORROW…IGUAZU FALLS!!

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Uncategorized | Tags: transportation, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Last minute trip to Cordoba!

Posted on March 28, 2012 by erikamae82

We decided that all though Buenos Aires is a magnificent city, it was time to live elsewhere for a bit. Cordoba is the second largest city in Argentina and is about 9 hours west. It’ll be a week here before we part ways. Denise is doing her own thing while I venture back to BA to pick up my dear friend Ian who is flying in from the states!

The bus ride had an 11:30p departure so we slept, or pretended to sleep for the entire trip. We got to pick our seats so we snagged the top deck and front row! Side note, we shared a cab with a local that told the driver in Spanish “She’s from Holland and the other is a Yankee”. Oh, makes me laugh…

We arrived in the morning to our temporary apartment that currently has two other students from our Spanish school. We lucked out and got a room on the top floor. This means a 10 story stair climb at least twice everyday? Score… A free workout! (Or you can use the elevator). Here’s the front room, our bedroom and the view from the balcony!

We took a quick walk around our neighborhood to check out the scenery.

Look what I found for only $6 usd! If I was a dog, my tail would be wagging as if you said the word “treat”.

Time for dinner! We went with brown rice, mixed veggies and mackerel. For desert, a bottle (I mean a glass) of local red wine.

After dinner it’s time to study. This is done by listening to a children’s show in Spanish while playing with a kids activity book I found for $1 usd. Here’s my view from the couch.

…and an evening shot from our balcony.

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: cars, free workout, magnificent city, transportation, travel, vacation | Leave a comment

Buenos Aires! Welcome to my new home… For the next month.

Posted on March 7, 2012 by erikamae82

Let’s recap. Last year I went to Europe and while in Alicante Spain I took a Spanish class for a week that included accommodations in a student residence. This is where I met Denise and Sofieke. 2 sweet Dutch girls from Holland that were also there to study Spanish. With their welcoming open vibe, we made friendship quickly and I ended up spending most of my free time with these girls. That same trip, I got to reunite with them when I made my way to Amsterdam.

Here we are at our residence in Spain.

Out in the town.

Reunited in Amsterdam.

During our adventure I had mentioned my desire to come to South America and keep up on my language courses, both agreed that if possible that would try to join me!

Well 6 months later I’m in a cab on my way to meet Denise at our apartment in Buenos Aires in which we’ll be studying and volunteering for the next month together! Sofieke will be missed, but she’s currently back in Spain livin it up for us!

We are living in a student residence that has several different bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom with a variety of social quarters.The building itself is street front to a main avenue that leads to the famous Congresso.

Here’s what you see from the road before entering out place. Can you find our front door?

The stairway up to our floor.

Dining, reading, card playing hang out space with more balcony views.

Entertainment and lounge area

Kitchen

Our bedroom with the balcony Views.

We barely unpacked and couldn’t wait to see what was walking distance around is. Here’s a quick tour of what we found:

Street art

An open market…

That went on and on and on…

With a walking (dancing) Brazil band

Anyone seen my basket?

…and the ladder?!

Ok, so did the tree grow around the old sign or was there a wicked wind storm?

Me and Denise catching up at a local park.

¿La mapa?

Suns going down, time to head back

It was dark, but can you make out what this represents?

First dinner in Buenos Aires… Why not on our private balcony under the Argentinean sky? (I apologize for the horrible lighting, just wanted to give you the idea)

Categories: Accommodations | Tags: alicante spain, social quarters, travel, vacation, wicked wind | 1 Comment

Last stop of New Zealand… Queenstown!

Posted on March 4, 2012 by erikamae82

We arrive and set up at the youth hostel centrally located on the main street.
Cute place with an incredible view of the mountain range appropriately named “The Remarkables”.

Here’s our room and our other new roomie Steph. She’s a down to earth, spunky Canadian with an approachable personality. Short and sweet visit with her, but definitely many smiles. Safe travels my friend!

Kitchen and lounge area with a balcony.

This pic was taken standing on the balcony.

I haven’t been doing a great job mentioning how common recycling is here. In fact, it’s harder to find a rubbish bin than it is to have a compost place and/or a section like this.

Ever since I got to New Zealand, I’ve been told that I have to go to “Fergburgers” , an extremely popular joint that only provides burgers and sides. Well, I haven’t had a hamburger in years and Erica had also heard of this amazing place so as she said “When in Rome…”.

When we arrived I was impressed by the menu which ranged quite a bit. Patties of beef, lamb, deer, fish, veggie or falafel. Every topping you can imagine and of course we had to get the chips (fries) too!

After a meal like that, it was time to walk it off (or atleast a fry or two)and have a night out on the town.

We spent a whopping 20 min in each place (I think we were trying to hit every variety of age and genre of music possible in one evening.

We started at the nearest place called “Buffalo’s”. This is your popular, tourist, college age, rowdy crowd. They were giving $300 for a bikini contest prize… Did NOT go in!
(But the picture was fun)

Then we found an adorable candle lit bar that drew us in with a live acoustic version of Green Day, “Time of your life”. We end up connecting with a retired Rugby League Pro and the group that was there with the band (of course).

What is that we hear? Finally good dance music… Is that you?

Nope. That’s 16 yeatan dingstanding around wondering if it was too cool for school to dance. I tried to fit in…

Last try of the evening was a place that had a tiny sign out front that said “Open mic night”. Perfect! Good crowd, local artist and a laid back vibe…

On the way back we stopped by the market for a snack and this is where we learned a new term. At least new to us. I was joking with Erica using the term “Dirty bird” (ask someone if you’ve never heard of that in the states) when two kiwis walk by and say “Oh, it’s right down that street, but don’t know if they’re still open”. We look at each other confused and they said “You’re talking about KFC right?” Turns out they call KFC “Dirty bird” and MCD’s “Mackers”.
We end up hanging out with these locals, Karl and Scott, and what a great connection! Extremely polite and hospitable. The next day Karl picked me up for lunch and a personal tour of Arrowtown, a cute town that is home of the historic Chinese village during the gold rush.

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We stopped by a local brewery for a taster and chat with the owner.

My last night there I was lucky enough to get an invite from my new Kiwi friends for dinner and a spare room. Woohoo! Laundry, dinner cooked for me, a hot shower, my own room and a ride to the airport in the morning… Thanks again Karl! No dramas

His place on the hill.

Front room and what you see while standing on the balcony.

Oh dear laundry, enjoy the view and the fresh mountain breeze!

…and view from the dinner table (I literally took this pic from the table)

Rise and shine! Off to the airport for my journey to Argentina.

Categories: Accommodations, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: rowdy crowd, vacation, when in rome | 1 Comment

And the universe keeps giving…

Posted on February 29, 2012 by erikamae82

After my extraordinary stay in Timaru, Ping was able to find me a ride with a kind gentlemen that was heading to work in the next main stop, Lake Tekapo. When I was notified that I had a ride (leaving in 10 minutes) I through everything in my bag, skipped the shower and ate my apple along the way. By the time we got there, my stomach was polity informing me that it was definitely time to eat. I say this because through finances and time restriction I wasn’t as prepared as I usually am in the food departnent.
We walk into the tavern where he was working and there sat a friendly family talking around a table. I smiled as I walked by and the guy says “Hey, are you hungry? The kitchen gave us too many sandwiches, please take one!”. I was literally handed a meal. No joke! Deep breath and a big smile. Blissful how it all works out.

So I planned (oh silly plans) on hitching out of there that same day…Then i looked around! This place is home of the highest mountain in New Zealand and known for the best star gazing on the island. Due to the popularity, I figured it would already be booked out for the night but it was worth a try. You think?

I walk up to the front desk and asked if there was a bed available. His response was “Hmm, well we only have a bed in the dorms which is our cheapest option. Would that work?”
Wow… Thanks kharma, I will be paying this forward at every opportunity.

Here is the main lounge of the hostel (just a basic YHA) and yes… That’s the lake in view!

Kitchen and dining area.

Door leading to my room.

Everyone in the room is doing their backpacker solo thing with light conversation and instantly I connect with this awesome girl from New York City. We chatted about random stuff for a bit then decided a walk around this gorgeous place was a must. As we’re getting ready to head out I say “I’m sorry, have I asked your name?”. She responds “Erika”. How embarrassing, she remembered my name and I don’t have a clue what hers is! “Right, and YOUR name?” I ask. “Erica” she says. “Oh…haha, your name is Erika too!”

So we walk! Here’s some of what you’d see around this stunning place.

Erica and I found this bench over looking the water and a historic church. Can you see the bride walking? Beautiful.

We decided to stop by the pub on the way back for a local drink. This your view while sitting at the main bar.

While enjoying or drinks, we got approached by some locals for a game if pool. A name exchange is necessary and from that point on we were named “The Erika’s from America”. To tell us apart they called me “Cali” and her “New York”. Others referred to us as “West Coast” and “East Coast”.

After we return to the hostel, I continued to ask around for a ride to Queenstown. (I forgot to mention that I had earlier asked Erica if she was going that way, but the answer was “No, but we’ll find you a ride!”)

So this is when it gets even better… Erica turns to me after awhile and delightfully says “Wait, what am I thinking, I should head THAT way… Wanna ride to Queenstown?”

All righty universe, now you’re just showing off! I received both rides, a meal, a safe place to sleep in a tranquil location and a new friend! I feel the love!

Remember how I mentioned New Zealand weather changes? This was the view leaving the next day. I still love the way this looks though.

Here is my new passenger seat. Pretty much a sweet ride if I don’t say so myself.

Quick stop to see “Meg Falls”.

Ooh, what’s this I see?

Last pit stop was a cup of tea from this adorable little country store (that looked like it was straight out of a movie).

Finally, Queenstown… One flight, one ferry, a campervan, bus ride, hitch hike and road trip with Erica… I made it!!

Check out the hill she had to park the baby beast on. Well done girl, well done! Queenstown post coming soon!

Categories: Accommodations, Uncategorized | Tags: girl from new york, girl from new york city, gorgeous place, lake tekapo | 2 Comments

Hitch hike to a hidden treasure in Timaru

Posted on February 27, 2012 by erikamae82

The best unexpected stop of my journey so far!
Things happen for a reason… The universe works in mysterious ways… I’m lucky… Kharma pays… It all happens the way it’s supposed too.(You can fill in your own phrase that may sum up the reason I was meant to be exactly where I was last weekend).

Let’s start with hitch hiking. I put on my big girl pants, made an awesome sign and took the bus to the edge of town. There I stood with my backpack, hoping someone would be going in the same direction and willing to pick up a smiling traveler headed south. The thumb out and look of desperation doesn’t suit me well so I went with a huge smile and the wave. Yes folks, I waved at each vehicle passing as if it was a long time friend I hadn’t seen in years. Did I score? Yes! Within 5 minutes a car pulls off and as I approach the window I see a sweet guy around the age of 18 with a genuine look and smile as big as mine. I jumped in with Hamish for the ride to his home town of Timaru.

So if you check out a map, Timaru is a little less than half way from Christchurch to Queenstown (my ultimate goal) so I was pretty stoked. I had him drop me off at McDonalds due to their free wifi and the opportunity to contact another ride. (Pause for a minute and really grasp that visual. Me at McD’s, that alone is awkward…then add all my bags in a small town… Spectacular!) After moments of research I found a hotel thats a part of my Help X volunteer program. I gave them a call and this is where my journey turns for a direction beyond my imagination. I meet Ping. When we spoke he mentioned it was a busy night and he already had help, but he would call me back. 5 minutes later, my phone rang and he says “In your profile, it mentions you’re a hairstylist”…. And then it began. He came and picked me up with a beaming smile and an energy that grew through our conversation.

The “Grosvenor” is a hotel with 2 bars, restaurant, lounge and casino. This place has the coolest vibe with an awesome staff… A staff that all needed haircuts! I arrived at my new home for the night (even though I ended up staying the whole weekend) and got my scissors out right away. During my stay I got to do 7 haircuts on a variety of thankful people. Here are a few of the gals.

After the cuts were done, energy picked up as I was informed that they were hosting a Maori Rugby event that night. Of course I offer my help and to my pleasant surprise, I get to bartend and bus the entire evening! Amazing how exciting it was to get back in the “work mode” so much fun!

As if I wasn’t already stoked for some work and a good nights sleep, they offer me dinner from the menu. I requested they make me their favorite dish however the chef would like. I got local fish and chips with tons of veggies, double score! (I’ll post about what exactly I did with this scrumptious plate to make it last the entire weekend. Look for it soon in my “edibles” category).

The next day I got to snap some photos around this enchanting building that was built in 1878. Ping has brought back most of it’s original foundation and added a modern “kiwi” flare. It’s clear he’s put as much thought into this creation as passion into his surroundings. An inspiration for sure. Check this place out!
www.eight wired.co.nz .

This is the front desk area that you see when you first walk in.

Then they close the doors. (Tui is the local beer)

Bar area

This is the “#8” which is the old sports bar. It was damaged by the quakes so they’re in the process of rebuilding.

I don’t know what I like best about this photo. Either the childrens booster seat next to the cigarette machine, the poster of Marilyn Manroe or the hilarious bathroom sign!

Fun around the place.

Men’s bathroom… Super creative use of an old keg and taps!

This is the wall the boys “use” for their toilet.

These are some paintings on the wall you see on the way to my room.

My room. Let me remind you that I’ve been sleeping in hostel bunk beds, tree houses and vans… This place made me feel like a queen! I had my own tea kettle, a bed with 2 pillows, private bathroom with a hot water shower and real toilet! Spoiled? Yes I was.

Ping decided to take me for a walk and drop me off for “Erika time” as he called it. We walked for a bit untill we hit the coast. He took me to a beach that most travelers don’t know about and suggested I just roam around from there.

Rocks. Love them. Started with this pile…

…realized the magnificent colors I was surrounded by…

…then combined all of them!

Got lost in the industrial park.

Found some train tracks.

Then just wandered the city…

Found some cute shops.

… And this little guy!

“Thank you” doesn’t really describe my true appreciation for everyone at the Grosvenor. I felt more than welcomed right away into such a positive, warm family that makes my stop in tiny Timaru my favorite so far. A very sincere personal thanks to my new friends for a memorable weekend that will always hold a place in my heart.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: awesome sign, volunteer program | 2 Comments

Christchurch and the Rucksacker

Posted on February 25, 2012 by erikamae82

After van camping and volunteering I was able to stay 3 nights in Christchurch. This is the city that was hit with two major earth quakes in the past year and thousands of aftershocks to follow. Unfortunately the buildings of the city are currently being demolished but through the rebuilding, people are still smiling and the surviving businesses are open and eager for visitors.

On my first day I got to reconnect with Andrew, a guy I met in Wellington. This gentleman gave me the “roll down your window” sign and yelled out his number from a cab at a stoplight after the Sevens tournament. Classic! Turns out he’s much fun and was so cool to show me around the city.

Us on the way to the beach

I then resided at a tiny hostel called the “Rucksacker”. This is by far the most cozy hostel I’ve stayed in so far. With just a few rooms and the staff that lives next door, you feel like a regular every time you walk in. There were also quite a few “long termers” that stay there during their work visa, this creates a comfy “home” vibe.
They all knew each other by name and if you forgot a name, you just referred to them by country ex: “Has anyone seen Belgium around?”
Although, you couldn’t use Germany due to the amount of them… They’re everywhere (and some of my favs!)
The building on the left is the hostel and the one next door is the employee residence.

The first night I arrived there was a costume party out back. Well who happened to still have the kitten accessories from the Sevens Tournament? I let this sweet girl borrow it for the night so I could cut some hair…woohoo!

I have never stayed with so many travelers that love to cook with fresh ingredients. This kitchen was full of chefs every night… Fresh veggies, organic meat on homemade pizza dough was the dish of the evening.

Meanwhile, I was out back sewing up a shirt of mine and got some requests. This character had a hole in his shorts so off they went so I could fix them up.

Last day there I took a walk through the outskirts of the city center. I took a lot of photos of the earth quake damage, but didn’t really focus on that part… so here are a few random shots.

Not everyday…

I was so excited to find this. You can buy any amount of eggs you want! I know this isn’t a big deal to most of you, but being a solo traveler, I don’t need a dozen at a time or even half dozen. I bought 3 and skipped out out there so happy!

Found a salon that sells Moroccon Oil, yeah! Can you see the price? So next time you buy a bottle… consider it sale price, haha! The hairspray behind it was $42.

This is a cute little bar lounge made out of shipping containers.

Time to get out of town!

Categories: Accommodations, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: earth quakes, homemade pizza dough, organic meat, sevens tournament, stoplight, work visa | Leave a comment

Volunteering on the reserve

Posted on February 22, 2012 by erikamae82

The past 5 days of volunteering has been a mind full of new information and experiences that brought unexpected lessons about maintaing a reserve. The “Hinewai Reserve” sits on the far peninsula coast, east of Christ Church. To arrive at this welcoming place you must first drive through an adorable town called Akaroa (that I’ve spent this entire time pronouncing differently every time i say it). Here are a few photos of the day spent in this cute town with Kuldip. She’s from Malaysia and is here to volunteer with me. We went from total strangers to roommates and work aquaintences within minutes of arrival. What an intriguing girl (who invited me to her home country for a personal guided visit… She only had to ask once, Malaysia is now on my list!

From here you have to drive over the hills and through the woods (no joke) before you peak over to the view if this gorgeous bay. Part of the drive is open to the public, however over night stay has to be reserved.

Once we arrived, we’re shown our new home for the week. This precious little cabin that sits away from the main house has a mini fridge, stove top oven, sink, table and 2 sets of bunk beds… Coolest clubhouse ever! Instant flash back of my childhood. (Quick love to my dear cousins- I look at your pictures often and remember sneaking candy to the tree houses, camping on the trampoline, and the countless hours sitting around together playing cards, spoons and every other game known to our crazy family! Thank you for the wonderful experiences that have enhanced who I am today).
Ok, back to the clubhouse…

Our job here is to pretty much help out with any and everything that Trisha and Paul need accomplished. Trisha and Paul are absolutely splendid to be around and have the most gentle way of running the property. They respect the land, animals and other travelers as much as they expect it in return. Both have been met with some health challenges as well as being hit with the well known earthquakes of New Zealand. We are here to help get things sorted! Here is a pic of the lovely couple and us at dinner.

Here at the reserve they have chickens whom I bonded with every time I went to check the clothes hanging on the line, rare birds that are always chatting up good conversation and sheep that force us to keep the gates closed so they don’t eat the veggies from the garden. As if the fruit trees, fresh veggies and beautiful scenery wasn’t enough, they also have an assortment of wild animals including but not limited to: rabbits, opossum, rare birds, and eels… yes wild eel!

The mailbox hut

When the sun is shining we do the outside chores and have a bit of fun at theta beach.

When the clouds roll in and the weather changes in seconds (totally normal here) we head inside to detail the house, make homemade goodies or finish up random tasks.

The last night here we had a barbecue birthday party for the owner of the property. This man needs to win some sort of “Super hero” award. His vibrant personality and enthusiasm for life left me reviewing my own outlook and forcing a positive evaluation of my attitude towards so many different subjects. I’m so thankful he was brought onto my path… What an experience. Happy birthday Hugh!

Colorful food and homemade cider (the adult kind)! What a great meal to wrap up this week. Thank you Trisha and Paul!

Time to get out of town…

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Hostel stop…

Posted on February 14, 2012 by erikamae82

Hugs and high fives as we part ways for the night. He’s off to camp in the peaks of a new mountain and I’ve decided to “camp out” at a local hostel in Westport. On the way we pick up a couple of hitch hikers, do unto others as you would have done unto you…

What a cool find! It’s called “Bazil Hostel”, a backpackers dream. It’s clean, comfortable and has a very laid back vibe with a variety of culture.

On the premises:

Laundry room… My travel partner shall thank me later.

Multiple kitchens… We know I love the food!

Outdoor chill area with music playing and a covered barbecue area.

My room (that I had all to myself!)

If you want to just camp out, do it… Literally!

Thank you super staff (which is this awesome guy who I plan on reuniting with in Spain).

Lastly, a haircut to this fantastic young traveler with a colorful outlook on life… With her ultimate goals and the lack of over planning, she was a fun splash of “different” during my stay here in Westport.