Posts Tagged With: Beach

Germany meets Folsom in Costa Rica

Posted on May 18, 2013 by erikamae82

Meet Charles aka Chaps (and “Charl-les” if you’re in Central America). He is the most intelligent teddy bear that will keep you smiling until your cheeks crave a rest. This week brings him right into San Jose for work, which happens to be the exact city I’m picking up my next surprise guest! Here we are at my departure party back in 2011.

And now we reunite in Costa Rica for a quick weekend of fun. Tonight is bowling with his colleagues. Yeh, I didn’t mention that I had done it before (sneaky giggle here).

These guys invited me to take a tour in there home country of China. Is my journey about to take an unexpected detour? Maybe!

This is a native adult treat that is created with an olive being soaked in the local liquor. It reminded me of black licorice that had been set on fire then put out with olive juice. As you can see, some went unfinished… but I’m glad I got to try it!

The next morning brings a huge present that is being shipped to me all the way from Recklinghausen Germany… Carina! Here we were in 2010 at the famous celebration of Oktoberfest in Munich!

This round is it’s all hot weather, new food and bikini based adventures!

“Carina meet Chaps… Chaps, this is Carina”.

We decided to take a day trip to Isla de la Tortuga with his colleagues to enjoy a day of more sun, food, and new friends! The bus ride departs at 6:30am in order to get us to the boat on time. Then the festivities begin!

After an entertaining 90 minute boat ride full of dance music, cold drinks and fresh food, we arrive to the island which welcomes us with more music, local food and more cold beverages!

Although when translated, it’s “Turtle Island”, we were graced with the presence of these fun animals!

Having fun in the sun! (Do you remember writing that in the your school yearbooks?)

The ferry ride back to our hotel is all smiles and brings our last photo with all three of us together. Chaps, you made the beginning of Carina’s trip even better than expected. We are still sinking about all of the memories! Thanks for everything and cheers till next time!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Costa rica, Dance, horses, local food, parrot, pig, Tortuga island, Turtles | 1 Comment

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

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).

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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

Canoa – a rainy sunrise to a clear sunset!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by erikamae82

I was so amped to start my morning off with an amazing workout after scouting out a course yesterday. Well, the “sunrise” brought rain and just for a moment I debated my on my plans. What? It’s just water, let’s do this!

Goal: A warmup run to a strengthening set and ending with a yoga stretching session.

The jog is through the park and leads me towards the water. Apparently not many people were up for a mud run, so I had the whole road to myself.

Time for some muscle building! A simple pull up bar and bench is all I need. This has got to be my favorite bench press that I’ve ever come across!

After the upper body workout I head towards the sand for a jog to fire up the legs… and a quick (overcast) handstand photo!

I start to tune in on my breathing as I prepare for my yoga on the beach!

Turns out it’s not in rain or shine (enter sad and slightly pouty face here).

Oh well, the sun is starting to smile so now I’ll show you the brighter side of Canoa!

With this town being popular within the surf community, there are several hotels and hostels that line the streets and beach. I actually think there are more hostels than there are restaurants or cafe’s.

Here are some street sights that caught my eye!

Notice this structure is a ceviche restaurant on the left, a mini market in the middle and a home to the right. It’s very typical here for families to live and work from the same building.

Once you reach the water, you’ve got your pick amongst little food vendors, jewelry shops or typical bar shacks.

As I was finishing up my walk I met this group of surf instructors and bartenders. No English was spoken, so this connection was based off of my broken Spanish and a constant game of charades.

The daylight starts to dim and I treat myself to a sunset. Notice the complimentary snack is popcorn and plantain chips, classic!

The night brings more energy with new friends! She’s from Spain and he’s Peruvian (two of my favorite countries) and now they live in Ecuador. With a sincere invite, they encourage me to visit them in the popular beach town of Montañita. We shall see mis amigos!

Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Canoa, Ecuador, streets, surf, vendor, workout | 1 Comment

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

A closer look at Santa Catalina, Panama

Posted on March 30, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been almost a week now working at Cabañas Time Out here in Santa Catalina and the weather has been hugging us with 90 degrees of pure sunshine.

What’s this? A new volunteer who has come to help out! Meet Joseph, a fellow backpacker and a joy to cross paths with as he makes his way north and I head south.

Today we played with some fresh fruit for juice and smoothies. I feel like I’ve seen green skinned oranges before, but I don’t remember ever trying one. The taste resembles a lime mixed with an orange which would make this flavor perfect for a cold lime-orange-ade or a fresh addition to an adult beverage!

I love the contrast between the green and red with this beauty. Sandía (watermelon) is one of my favorites!

Where do we get all of these amazing fresh fruit and veggies? A few times a week these supermen pull up and offer what they’ve got for the day. You pick what you want then they weigh it right there and it’s yours! I think I’ve finally found the adult equivalent to my childhood love for the “ice-cream truck”.

Since Joseph is here to relieve me of some of the chores, I finish up early enough to take a walk and explore the quaint surf village that sits below us.

Leaving the hotel I followed the main road (only road) that led to the edge of town. Here are some random shots in no specific order.

I like her style.

“The Police”

If you were to close your eyes as you pass by this next place, you’d assume you’re hearing the hottest fiesta dance club that’s packed full of locals drinking their way towards a foggy morning.
Well, excluding the strobe lights of a club and a front door… That’s exactly what this is!

Need some gasoline to get out of town? You wont find it here, but next door is a man with barrels of it (that you can smell from the road) who will gladly fill you up!

Judging by what they offer, you can probably tell why this my new favorite hang out in the entire town. Massage, yoga and health food… oh my! Also including lovely people that I consider new friends that provide amazing service for all of the guests.

After snapping photos like a tourists should, I signed up for the yoga class offered here by the owner Michelle. (That experience is posted under the category “fitness”). Here’s a direct link for all of you yogi’s out there: Yoga at La Buena Vida!

I took the beach path home as a way to calm the mind and finish my walk.

As I round the corner I find my little path that leads to the few hostels and homes that share the same road back home.

This is also the same path that provided a sneaky boulder in the way of my foot while I was running the other day. I now have a very close relationship with the beautiful dirt of Panama… and a few new scars to prove it.

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, eat, fiesta, massage, police, run, Santa Catalina, surf, Yoga | 1 Comment

Happy and healthy with sandy toes!

Posted on January 15, 2013 by erikamae82

We’ve all heard the famous words, “Exercise releases endorphins”. These are natural hormones that flood the body with a feel-good energy that releases stress and uplifts your mood… and I love it!

I headed down to the complimentary gym of the condo to get my heart rate up and release those amazing endorphins.
Although small, I appreciated the cleanliness as I observed what tools I had to work with. They had a few treadmills, two seated bikes and a set of free weights all stored in a compact room with a magnificent view.

As I peddled away during my warm up, it hit me… wham! I’m sitting in a tiny room with florescent lighting, and a window that happened to be showing me a much bigger, brighter, and fabulous gym… We call it the beach!

I stopped the bike and headed towards mom to see if she was up for a workout in the sand. The gym was on the 4th floor, our place sat on the 20th and if you know me well, you know this was an invite for a stair climb. Ready set go!

Once reaching mom, 2 minutes and 18 seconds later (I timed my stair climb each attempt in order to motivate a quick pace) we agreed that a beach visit would be the perfect ending to this vibrant day.

Fitness time! I’m going to break this down into some basic thoughts for a proper beach workout.

Let’s start with some rules. First off, check your surroundings to make sure you don’t put yourself or any others in danger. That appears easy today!

Next, scan the sand for any seashells that can later be made into jewelry (that I’ll be taking abroad to gift, trade or donate).

Bring liquids to keep hydrated (preferably in self designed cups).

Be aware of seagulls and/or any other flying creature that could view your head as a target.

Time to get the heart rate up! I spy I tiny bird that wants to play tag, so I sneak up…

…and the chase begins! He won.

I take a breather to practice some press handstand moves. These are much harder for me than it appears!

Back to increasing the heart rate… Tuck jumps and running in place are two great ways to do so while triggering different muscles.

I then attempted to play with the waves. I chase them, they get me. I dodge them, they get me.

Now everyone STOP! Its time for the dance portion of this work out.

Followed by a quick photo shoot requested by the photographer (my proud mom of course).

A peaceful stretch after the energetic fun seems to align the mind and body to a calm sense of completion.

The final task is sharing the sunset with your best friend. Taking each breath in appreciation for your health and happiness while having full gratitude for whats in front of you. I cheers with a smile to living in the now.

Categories: Fitness, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, cardio, fitness, Florida, Gymnastics, sand, workout | 1 Comment

Random sights of Barbados

Posted on August 16, 2012 by erikamae82

The best view I’ve ever had during a haircut. He should of charged ME for the experience!

The following is to give you an idea of some of the sights you would catch on a drive around the island. Take notice that there are no billboards suffocating the sides of the road. The government placed a ban on them in the late 60’s as they were deemed “unsightly” and dangerous to motorist.

Random shots throughout random roads.

This is St. Lawrence Gap, a main strip of bars, dance clubs and popular restaurants. There’s a huge variety of options ranging from cocktail lounges, multi-level dance clubs to venues with live bands and outdoor social areas. If you can make it here on a Thursday night, be prepared for hundreds of party people looking for a great time. If you’ve been following my travels for awhile, you’ll know that I’ve found an Irish pub in every country so far. Keep it going Barbados!

This beautiful lighthouse was sitting near a beach that I would consider “hidden”. To my knowledge, not even some of the locals have taken time to explore this peaceful portion of the coastline.

This yacht club has a port that is lined with spectacular homes, condos and white sand. I got to sneak a handstand on the helicopter landing pad!

The picture perfect, postcard ready view of the south coast. This is near the airport, so when you arrive to this magical island… Make time for a pit stop here, you won’t be disappointed.

I truly feel a bit of a challenge when trying to sum up this special place. Is it the lively people and their ability to gather together with vibrant energy… the parties that are always “sweet-fuh-days”? Maybe it’s simply the breath taking views around every corner. Either way this island has made a unique impact on my journey. Cheers till next time!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, Helicopter pad, Lighthouse, North, South, West coast, Yacht club | 3 Comments