Her Happy Trails

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

Sebel and the Beatles in Germany

Posted on September 15, 2013 by erikamae82

Although I’m always sad to leave my Dutch friends and say farewell to Amsterdam, I was eager to move on to our next stop… Recklinghausen! Haven’t heard of this place? Not many have, as it’s a smaller city in the north west of Germany and the home to many of my dear friends. This trip we’ll be staying with Carina. Yes, the precious girl with a huge heart that came to Costa Rica with me last May after we had met during Oktoberfest years ago. Recap time!

Hayden and I reach Carina by fast train departing Amsterdam and arriving to Recklinghausen within a few hours.

Leave it to my energetic friend, she gives us the option at the train station if we wanted to go see her boyfriends band play or watch a different musician perform elsewhere. Considering I met her boyfriend last year and listened to his album during our road trip through Europe, it was an easy decision for me! We got back to her place, changed our clothes, got a bite to eat and off we went to the show!

One of the first things I noticed about this concert, was the variety of people in the audience. There was a range of ages and styles but all were enjoying the entertainment in front of them. How refreshing!

Naturally, I found myself behind the booth, sporting the merchandise (and getting sweaty hugs from the band members). What better way to sell it, than to wear it!

The show continues with a guest musician who decided to play “hands” with the guitarist, the crowd loved it!

A successful show and a nights rest leads us to the next day in which there was more music to appreciate. Sebel, the lead singer from the band above, also fills in as drummer when needed. On this day, it’s a Beatles cover band performing as a part of a street fair.

Also noticeable here is the range of attendees enjoying this sunny day in Germany.

Hey look! It’s Jenni and Carina, the two wonderful girls that came to Amsterdam to surprise me last week… Love you ladies!

As they finished the set, I took a quick walk around to the other performers and vendors.

What do you get when you combine Disneyland and Great America in Germany? Find out in the next post!

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beatles cover, Concert, curry wurst, Germany, Music, Recklinghausen, rock show, Sebel | Leave a comment

Eat, drink, dance and feel the love in Amsterdam!

Posted on September 12, 2013 by erikamae82

Denise should look extremely familiar to those who have been peaking at this blog for the past 21 months as she has made many appearances. I met this magnificent lady years ago while we were studying in Alicante Spain. We reunited in Argentina for some volunteer work and more studies and have spent many of evenings dancing the night away in Amsterdam. Last year, I even lived with her family in Alphen aan den Rijn. Here is just a few pics from the years of memories that I’ve made with sweet Denise.

Now, I return again to replenish my craving for her presence and this time, I get to introduce Mike and Hayden too! (If you’ve followed for long enough, you’d know that last year she got to meet three other of my American friends, Ian, Mike D and Marshall!).

The day starts with the introductory as we sit outside at one of the many terraces offered in Amsterdam.

Time for a snack which leads us to a variety of options. Here in Holland, there are many typical Dutch bites to pick from. In Amsterdam however, you have a wide selection from many parts of the world. Specialty stands to Turkish, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and more. I suggest just wandering the streets until your eyes, nose or tummy decides for you. Today, I went for a home baked spelt bread cone that was filled with Salmon, sprouts and a dill spiced sauce.

The group of us decided on trying out an extremely typical plate here in Holland which consists of herring fish, onion and pickle.

Flashback moment! This construction site has been here every year that I’ve visited. Just for fun, we shot the first picture years ago and of course it has turned into an annual photo. Enjoy, year one, two and present!

After a fun walk around the city, we depart from the boys to go back to her home town of Alphen aan den Rijn for dinner with my (her) family before getting ready for a night out on the town. We made a pit stop by the work place of Denise’s little sister, Manouk. Her and I connected last year when I was adopted into her family. Unfortunately this year, she is working so she won’t be able to join us out and about. Here is her “sad I can’t come with you” photo, followed by the “glad I got to see you” smile.

A little time in the kitchen, a wonderful dinner at the table and a complete evening with one of my favorite Dutch families! Writing this page made me realize I didn’t get a photo of them… Next time.

To get back to the city, we hop on a bus that takes us to the train that brings us to the centeral station. From there, we get her bike again and ride to find the boys.

Along the way, Denise hinted to me that there would be a few more joining us this evening which is always great to hear… the more the merrier! News to me, it was a surprise from my dear friend Carina! All the way from Germany, she had traveled here with another sweetheart Jenni for a night out with us!

Details about Carina and Jenni will come later. For now, here’s a peak at what a girls night out in Amsterdam can look like.

Two fun surprises in the coat check! First we have Denise’s hairstylist that we danced with last year, always full of energy!

Next, this wonderful woman has been taking care of the jackets and wash room here at this specific club now for 20 years! The first photo is from last year followed by this evening!

Not feeling like a big dance party? Other evenings leave you with choices like a nice dinner on a terrace, a walk to a coffee house (not to be confused with a coffee “shop”) or one of my favorites, a picnic next to a canal. Depending on the neighborhood, time of day and weather, you can find several groups, big and small, gathering waterside. Tonight, 4 of us went to a local store, collected goodies then found a seat next to a canal for snacks and great conversation.

Who’s the fourth in the pictures? Lets pause for a moment and reminisce of the times with Simon. He was one of the fellow travelers I met in Argentina that I reunited for the hike in Machu Picchu with. Take a look!

Night walks can also bring unexpected surprises. On this evening, I followed the sounds of a beautiful acoustical set. These three kind girls have been playing to fund their future worldly travels. Of course I’ll donate to driven people doing something they love to support a journey they desire, well done girls! Your voices caught my attention and your attitude kept me intrigued. Keep on smiling and doing what you do!

On Mikes last night here with us, we decided to stay low key and chat at a local pub when this woman approached our table and in the sweetest voice offered us a “reading” based on our names and birthdays. Very interesting and certainly entertaining as she called us out on some personality quirks, especially because the boys and I have known each other for so long!

Leaving Amsterdam before us, after two weeks in Europe, Mike departs back to the states. I watch him walk away feeling gratitude for his company and happy for his experience. Mike, I truly value our deep conversations and friendly debates that not only stimulate new thoughts, but keep me on my toes. Cheers till next time my friend!

My favorite picture of the boys this trip!

A few more days in Holland and then you’ll find me bouncing my way through Germany. Get ready for curry wurst, live music and roller coasters!

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Alphen aan den Rijn, Amsterdam, Bike, Bus, canals, club, Dancing, dinner, food, herring, holland, market, terrace, train | 4 Comments

Foot, wheels, trams and boats, lets take a look at Amsterdam!

Posted on September 10, 2013 by erikamae82

I’m so thankful for all of my travels to The Netherlands and the years of personal accommodations from dear friends that I’ve met abroad. This round, we get the keys to our friends empty apartment to come and go as we please! I would say “priceless”, but if you’ve ever done research, its definitely not priceless to stay the night in this popular city. So, a very big thank you to sweet Ioni for her open door and gracious hospitality.

Now, let me show you the magnetic energy that keeps me returning to the wonder world of Amsterdam!

Care for a stroll? So does most of the other people here! If you’re not feeling up for a walk, there’s also plenty of options with wheels to get you around.

Need to pick up the pace? Add a motor to the wheels! For those who don’t want to be in the drivers seat, you can always hop on a tram for only 2.80€ one way. (It’s the blue and white train looking object in a few of the shots below).

Yep, it’s for real.

For a guided excursion there’s a walking tour, or a comfy seat in the brightly covered busses with a knowledgable person behind a microphone. Love water? You can always coast throughout the canals of the city with a friendly captain explaining the sights that surround you.

Now since we’ve covered some options of how you might get around, lets take a look at what you may see as you explore the daytime streets of Amsterdam.

The “Hot Yoga Studio” made me giggle simply because I grew up in North America in which “40 degrees” is nearly freezing.

This sign stopped us in our tracks with a bit of confusion. What is it? A preventive new design that allows authorities to track thieves by a synthetic DNA code.

This is a lost and found station. If you find an item on the street or in a nearby cafe, you simply clip it up here with hopes that the rightful owner will come collect it. It also seems to be used as an easy way to advertise personal business or upcoming events. Today, I donated a sticker from the talented band Heritage. Side note, it was gone when I returned from a 30 minute walk… I’m thinking it was this happy fella who claimed to be lost and found!

Handstand shot!

Here are some creative pictures taken in this unique city using effects from my camera.

The next post will include but not be limited to food, friends and a smidge of the the nightlife!

Categories: Art, Uncategorized | Tags: Amsterdam, bicycle, Bike, Boat, canal, central, holland, streets, Tour, tram, walking | 2 Comments

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

Notting Hill and Jerk chicken

Posted on September 2, 2013 by erikamae82

The longer I’m on the road, the more fascinating people I get to meet. Through volunteering, hostel hopping or simply chatting with another passenger on a long train ride, friends are being made all of the time! Reconnecting with fellow travelers has become one of my new favorite pastimes, as it’s like nothing else I’ve experienced. Theres something to be said about bonding with someone by natural chemistry and to stay connected by choice. A neighbor is always there and you can grow to like a classmate, but to meet someone thousands of miles away from home and stay in touch for years to come takes energy and effort.

In the past, you’ve seen the follow up path crossings, however the next few chapters of this journey will have an abundance of these marvelous people that I’m truly thankful for.

With that said, time to reintroduce a new friend Sophie. Her and I met while volunteering at The Donkey Den in Santa Marioñita, Ecuador. After an easy conversation, we decided that linked travels were in our future. From there, we journeyed south together for a week and parted ways with the “hope to see you again” farewell. Here’s a collage from some of our South American excursions.

During our time together, the talk of reuniting in her homeland of England started as a casual joke that turned into proper plans. 4 months later and a train to London, brings us together again!

We spent the weekend with her and her friends as they showed what a holiday in London looks like. After checking out the view from her apartment, we dove into what is still my favorite thing to do in a new city…. the local market!

A group effort went into the dinner of Paella and greens with dessert being a pile of typical candy for us to try. I’m sorry England, you have not peaked on my list for best sugar delights. Even though the sweet treats weren’t my favorite, this great bunch of eager locals did a fanatic job at adopting us in for their holiday weekend.

This is a weekend in which London comes even more alive to celebrate Caribbean roots with the famous Notting Hill Carnival. Sophie and her friends took lead as our guides to experience the event. From the bus to the tube we blend with a crowd of participants shuffling shoulder to shoulder.

Reaching the top brings a huge deep breath and just enough time to adorn my purse with my Barbados flag that was given to me in Barbados, thank you Mikie! Feeling proud to represent my new bag (see the story of my old bag here) and “Caribbean roots”.

Heading into the festival you’ll see several stands offering souvenirs, drinks and food for sale. The parade really wasn’t what I had imagined as it was more of a group of people randomly making noise in costume as they tried to catch up to the next bunch. The street sights are visually stimulating and definitely a complement to the unique variety of styles that the attendees bring.

I understand that when you over crowd popular streets with music, food and drinks, a little waste is to be expected. I’m lucky enough to say that I’ve been to festivals, carnivals and holiday events around the world, but this was the first time in which I watched the trash develope into mounds along the roadside. Is suppose this just encourages the eyes to keep focus on the happy people and vibrant festivities.

Due to the Caribbean influence, the main dishes are ones you wouldn’t typically find in England but more so in the islands. The drinks included but aren’t limited to Jamaican beer, coconut water and Rum Punch.

Thank you to Sophie and new friends. Our first weekend abroad was filled with quality memories that are still being smiled about! Cheers to tiger suits, Curly Wurly’s and Jo-Jo’s dancing skills (my rib still thinks about her everyday).

Categories: Edibles!, Fashion from a backpack, Travel talk | Tags: Carnival, coconut water, Ecuador, England, jerk chicken, London, market, Nottinghill | 1 Comment

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

The rest of Barbados is a coconut shell

Posted on August 20, 2013 by erikamae82

Time to wrap up the eventful visit to my favorite island of Barbados. You’ve seen the controlled chaos of the mud and paint party in Jouvert followed by the boat cruise of big kids pretending to be adults. Hopefully you giggled at the 5 “not so” well known facts and thoroughly enjoyed the energy of Kadooment!

Now it’s time to bring you the other side of my journey through the land of “The bearded ones”, which is the original name given do to the islands fig trees that have hanging roots resembling a beard. Since we’re already talking about fig trees, lets just jump into more scenery that you may find while driving, walking or exploring around.

This is on the path to Cherry tree hill for the gorgeous panoramic view overlooking the “Scotland District”. What used to be an orchard of Cherry trees, is now a street lined with towering mahogany trees, perfect for a handstand picture!

Once reaching the peak, you have a wide view of the north part of the island, better known as the parish of St.Andrew. Another handstand for sure, this time accompanied by Ryan and his inverted pose as well!

Let’s dive right into the beaches! None of the photos below have been edited to enhance the color of the water, sand or sky… It’s just that gorgeous! In fact, the first photo was taken from a car window while driving south on the west coast.

What a glorious convenience that my dear friend and host Ryan teaches stand up paddle boarding. I score every time it’s “take your buddy to work” day!

This is the end of his “sunset lesson”. If you’re headed to the island and desire some SUP (stand up paddle boarding) please contact me… I know a phenomenal instructor!

Houses, markets, street sights and more!

This girl (that’s me) loves to eat and it’s easy to do so around here! Between the Caribbean treats and the local flare, it’s hard to go hungry on this island of flavor. Please don’t hesitate to let the next set of photos make you drool, ok maybe just strike a bit of hunger.

This is one of my favorite dishes to get here and its not hard to find being one of the most popular quick bites on the island. Although the origin of the Roti is from India, it’s also well known in Trinidad and has made its way into other parts of the Caribbean. From various meat to shrimp or just good ol vegetables, the curry sauce and mango chutney won’t do you wrong. You can get it wrapped up or my personal favorite way, with the “insides” on a plate and the Roti wrap separate to be torn and dipped with your digits!

Fish cakes are another ideal Barbadian snack food that can be served in rustic rum shops as well as elegant cocktail parties. Deep fried with salt fish, flour, egg and spices it certainly makes for a greasy treat that leaves you either wanting more… or a gym.

Sushi on an island? Of course! This was privately ordered through a local woman who makes every dish directly from her home kitchen to yours. Due to the popularity and effort she puts forward, you have to order at least 24 hours in advance before you drive out and pick it up.

Since chain fast food restaurants are limited (thank you Barbados!) you’re more likely to find a street vendor offering fresh made food and side dishes. Here’s one of our favorites that’s conveniently located on the drive home, The Rock Net Grill. With juicy options and service with a friendly smile, you can’t go wrong with this late night treat!
Side note: Its an average of 2 Barbadian to 1 US dollar.

On the side of the road you can find home mixed juices ranging from Golden apple with ginger to the floral flavor of Sorrel. Considering this is where sugar cane is harvested and Rum is said to be created right here, “Rum punch” is the top seller of mixed drinks.

Fun fact: George Washington insisted on a barrel of Barbados rum at his 1789 inauguration!

Keeping a healthy choice in mind, this gorgeous place holds one of the number one purest forms of liquid next to clean water… coconut water! For a longer list of this amazing drink and its benefits, I found a great website to checkout at www.coconutwaterlife.com

My favorite fun fact of this magical beverage: During World War II, coconut water was injected into the veins of soldiers when medics were out of blood plasma because it has the same electrolyte balance, thus appropriately called “the fluid of life.”

Although they sell it in stores and off the street, I’m lucky enough to watch my friends gather their own right in the backyard! Bajan cherries and coconut water for a snack, yes please!

The hidden treasure below won’t be found in the “top 10 things” to do in Barbados…. But it should be! From jewelry to coffee, organic veggies to fresh meals, this place starts every Sunday off just the way it should be.

My favorite magnetic stall is ran by two angelic characters that greet you with smiles and an abundance of positive energy that I’m sure comes from their products! Serving up power oat smoothies, homemade herbal seasonings and my personal favorite, Kombucha tea (if you’ve never heard of it, please do your mind, body and spirit a favor and research it)!

To finish up strong, I’m going to bunch together a group of random photos that didn’t make a specific post. Please enjoy this bundle of quality people, great memories and more reasons I’ll be back to the unforgettable island of Barbados.

Care to see what it looks like when a I’m packing for my next journey aside a Bajan heading to Costa Rica?

Turns out Ryan and I were on the same flight to Miami! After that, he heads to Central America and I’m off to visit my dear friend outside of New York!

I seem to always have a lack of words to fully describe my gratitude towards the warm open arms and sincere friends that welcome me wherever I go. Once again, I feel like “thank you” would be an understatement to my family in Barbados. Till next time friends… peace, love and sandy sunsets…

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, beaches, cherry tree hill, coconut water, holders market, kombucha tea, Roti Den, rum punch, sushi | 2 Comments

Down de road – Kadooment 2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by erikamae82

Drum roll please (my mom used to say that before big announcements) the post has finally come to expose another brilliant day of Kadooment!

Last year, I experienced my first Cropover here in Barbados and as usual I’ll give you the link to that adventure. To see details of the controlled chaos and more photos from the collage below, click here.

For this post, I’m going to teach a small lesson based off of my experiences to date.

First and foremost, it’s always more entertaining to get ready with a group. Everyone can use a little help from their friends! Meet Ethan, a kind hearted little man that was not only eager to apply my jewels, but did’t hesitate to dish out the compliments to me and his beautiful mother. “You are pretty girls… I come with you?” Its no surprise he’s such a gentle character coming from his parents Aldo and Jane, who are equally welcoming and full of warm energy.

Ready, set, oh shoots… we’re late! Lesson number two, here in Barbados, “time” is just a general suggestion of when one may or may not think about arriving. All this means for us, is that instead of starting at a snails pace like the others, we get a tiny workout by actually walking to catch up with everyone.

Side note: You’ll never be the only one running late. In fact, you have a better chance of being the only one there early!

Once the bands (a designated group in which you are representing) have gotten into order, we cross the big stage to officially kick off the 7 mile parade of dancing, chipping, whining and… are you ready for it? Wuk’n up!

Definitions:
Chipping – a dance step that is flat footed, knee bent and moving forward, almost as if to “chip” away the street.
Whining – a movement in which people attach themselves to one another by their ‘middle section’ and pulse, sway and thrust to the rhythm in every conceivable manner.
Wuk’n up – to gyrate the waistline upon another persons waistline, specifically to soca and/or calypso music.

A few photos from the crowds perspective followed by our view of the spectators, leads me to the next unspoken rule: just because you’re not in costume doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to get involved!

Unofficially official participants of Cropover.

You might be wondering, why is everyone holding those cups and where did we get the liquid to fill them? Reminding you of the brilliant Barbadian way of keeping the adults fully hydrated (enter questionable sarcastic tone) by having mobile bars that travel with the parade. Just walk along next to it and request your next drink. Looking down with a smile, they’re at your service!

All righty, the next portion of todays lesson requires an increased rating to PG-13 due to the dancing techniques and adult beverages now taking affect. Welcome to the world of open minded, bent knee, fun loving people “jus doin deir ting”!

Moving on to our next lesson, staying cool. If you care about your makeup looking perfect utill the end (you probably shouldn’t have come) anyhow, stay to the left! Although rain here during Cropover isn’t rare, it’s always guaranteed that you’ll have a refreshing source of water to drench you down during the walk.

Like some festivals I’ve experienced, there’s an over all vibe of “only doing it once, so go big” or “I’m never going to see any of these people again”! Not here. That alone is one of my favorite things of Kadooment, the loyal participants both local and traveling that return to share this unique holiday!

Lets have some fun and finish up this assignment with a few past and present shots of returning friends. So exiting to see you all again!

Remember Nisha? She’s the friendly girl I met last year who shares the health food passion in her shop here on the island. The first shot is us at her store last year followed by a photo from this Carnival.

Check this one out! Here are two of my favorite people Melodie and Kris, observing last year from the side lines, why not participating? Inside her tiny belly was little Tiernan from the next photo!

The first picture is me with sweet Jason at Soca Titans last year and the following photo is him with his beautiful new wife Beth!

Mikie my buddy with all smiles from last years boat cruise and this years Cropover!

It’s darling Jane!

The list goes on and on of precious people that surround this memorable event. Although its tempting to show you all 618 of my pictures (no exaggeration), I’ve got to pull it together and end this fun post. As you can imagine, plans for next year are already in order! I’ll leave you now with a collage of photos from my favorite local photographer Luke De Freitas!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: bands, Barbados, Calypso, Carnival, Chipping, Costume, Cropover, Dancing, holiday, Kadooment, Parade, Soca | 3 Comments

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Down de road – Kadooment 2013

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