Archive for the 'Travel' Category

Vietnam!

Published on November 1, 2011 in Travel and Vietnam. 2 Comments

Hello from Vietnam!

I just got back last night from Ha Long Bay, where I spent Halloween on a tiny private island during a 3-day cruise. It was one of those budget last minute holiday deals that ended up being a delightful trip. Half the boat thought I was Zach Galifianakis, the other half figured out my pirate costume. Good times were had by all.

Now for some bad news. The OSX partition of my hard drive has gone wonky, which means all the posts I was working on are now unavailable. I’m having to use the Windows partition I have for gaming as a temporary fix. Unfortunately that means my Annapurna series is on hold for a bit, but I’ll come back to it as well as India when I can figure out the problem.

Right now I’m back in Hanoi, though I’ll be leaving for Hue this evening by bus. Vietnam has been really fun, especially our hostel here. These guys do it right. Spacious lockers, private charging stations and bed lamps, great food and drink, and tons of helpful staff. If I ever open my own hostel, I’m totally stealing all their ideas.

The food here, especially the street food, has been delicious and cheap. Lots of pork, chicken and beef. All the noodle dishes are fantastic, and spring rolls cost just 5k dong (.25 cents US) a pop. The great thing is most of it isn’t fried, which is one thing that was difficult for me about the street food in India.

I’ll have more to come soon, as well as pictures, but right now I have to check out!

http://www.hanoibackpackershostel.com/

Island Time

Published on February 7, 2010 in Seoul and Travel. 4 Comments Tags: Backpacking, Philippines, Seoul, Travel.

Mmm, island time. A phrase I heard at least 5 times a day on Palawan. Very similar to my favorite Spanish word ‘tranquilo,’ in fact. Everything moves at a languid pace on Palawan, and the concept of rushing is something completely alien to the locals. Me likey.

My time in the Philippines was fantastic, and just the break I needed from the manic pace of Seoul. Palawan is as quiet and relaxing as Boracay is nutso and drunken. There weren’t a ton of travelers there, but that’s what I was wanting. Palawan is also known as a haven for adventurous and outdoorsy types, and it didn’t disappoint.

My days consisted of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and gorging myself on fresh pineapple and cashews. Pure bliss. The highlight for me was El Nido, a sleepy beachfront town in the north of the island, known for its perfect water and limestone karsts rivaling places like Vietnam’s Halong Bay.

I spent the majority of my time on the island there, and with good reason. I stayed at a place called The Alternative, and I can’t recommend it enough. The staff were all imported from a resort that shut down, so the food is fantastic and the people friendly. The 2nd floor is also open to the air, with two lookouts perched directly above the water. I ended every day laid out in one of ‘em, beer in one hand and a book in the other.

My buddy Don, the guy who mentioned ‘island time’ the most, was my tour guide and source of local info for the town. He took me out on tours of the islands where I got my best photos. El Nido’s Big and Small lagoons are the best sites, and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Throw in freshly caught Yellow Fin for lunch, and you’ve got me hooked. I also rented a kayak to play out my own Robinson Crusoe fantasy, finding my own island to spend the day on. Who knew rum-soaked pineapple goes so well with your own private beach?

I also found the time to get some dives in, and it was a really great feeling to get back in the water after such a long break. Apparently the Philippines also have the cheapest PADI courses in Southeast Asia, so I’ll be heading back to get some more certs at some point.

This was my first taste of travel in Asia (besides a quick jaunt to Tokyo two years ago), and you can color me excited! I’ve only just whet my appetite, and trip planning will begin in earnest for this summer soon!

If you’d like to see more of my trip photos, feel free to check out my Flickr page.

Philippines, Ho!

Published on January 15, 2010 in Seoul and Travel. 10 Comments Tags: Backpacking, Philippines, Seoul, Travel.

I’m writing this two hours before I head to the airport for my flight to Manila, which will start my adventure to the Philippines.

I’ll be there until the 30th, with the majority of my time spent exploring the island of Palawan for island hopping, diving, snorkeling, hiking, and general tomfoolery. I think it’ll be a blast.

As an added bonus, I’ve decided to try an experiment with packing light. I’m only taking my small pack, with a very light load out of only the essentials. It should be an interesting trip.

I don’t know what sort of internet access I’ll have available while I’m on my trip, but if I don’t get to post on here during, I’ll be sure to give a trip report at the conclusion!

Yes, I’m Alive

Published on August 1, 2009 in Travel. 1 Comment Tags: Buenos Aires, Seoul.

Yes, I know I suck at blogging.

I’ve been a bum and haven’t updated, but that doesn’t mean there’s been a shortage of developments. I’ve left Buenos Aires, traveled extensively, arrived in the US, and am currently preparing for a year long position teaching English in Seoul, starting on the 19th. That’s the short version.

Long version: I left Buenos Aires in June, and arrived on US soil again just three days ago. During my trip I visited Salta, Cafayate, San Pedro de Atacama, did the salt flats tour, visited Potosí, Sucre, La Paz, biked the Death Road, visited Copacabana and Isla del Sol, Cusco, hiked the Inca Trail, and chilled in Lima until I flew home. All in all, it was an absolutely fantastic sojourn to end my time in South America (for now).

Back in March I decided to apply for a teaching position in Seoul, South Korea, and I found out not long ago that I had been accepted for the job. I’m flying out to Seoul on the 19th of this month, and I’m starting to get giddy again for a new adventure. My friend Justin from UNC will be coming with me, and we’ve got big plans for blogging and putting together some videos for all you folks back home.

Now that you’re caught up, stay tuned for some more in-depth posts about my big trip, and also preparations for Seoul!

PS- Just posted a ton of photos on my Flickr account, so feel free to check out the photo tab above or head straight there!

6 Months In, Where Do I Stand?

Published on February 27, 2009 in Buenos Aires and Travel. 4 Comments Tags: Buenos Aires.

Alright folks, gird your loins, because this one’s a doozy. Monday marked the 6-month anniversary of my time here in Buenos Aires, and I’ve decided to sit back and take stock of my experiences here. So kick back, brew some coffee, and don your reading glasses.

When I first decided to come down to Buenos Aires, I had two friends that were supposed to accompany me. Offering me assurances that they were definitely coming, I went ahead and purchased my one-way ticket to Argentina. Lo and behold, they both ended up having to back out. Being forced to fly solo was a bit scary at the time, but I had a two months to wrap my head around it and ended up relishing a chance to strike out on my own with a complete lack of a support network.

My arrival in Buenos Aires and my first few weeks were a frenetic mix of culture shock, settling in, and scrambling to complete my TEFL course. The language barrier was also firmly in place, since my Spanish was very rusty at that point and came from Spain besides. Once I finished my course and started to get my bearings, I began teaching English and job hunting for other opportunities on the side. Make no mistake, living as an expat on a TEFL salary is no easy task, and those pretty websites pimping the experience fail to illustrate the financial reality of what it really is.

It was after a month or so of being here that the idea of a blog came up, more from my laziness towards answering personal emails than any burning need to write. But once I started writing I quickly realized I enjoyed it immensely and it became a sort of cathartic release when something baffled me or I had a particularly trying day. Once people began commenting on my writing, I figured I’d give it a whirl as a means to support myself.

Not a week after I started looking into freelance resources and ways to break into writing, I nabbed an interview with MiniHostels for a staff writing position. They actually checked out my blog when we spoke, and I ended up getting the job. I enjoyed working for MiniHostels, and got paid to research and write about what I loved (travel). I wrote tour reviews, backpacker articles, and itineraries, I got to interview hostels and businesses, and stayed for free at hostels in our network. All in all, a plum job.

I worked for them until January, when a cash flow crisis caused us writers to get snipped. Since then I’ve bounced around from writing gig to writing gig, and have landed some steady work doing web copy for a couple of companies. I hope to launch my own website for my services soon, and then be off to the races.

So here I am at 6 months, bouncing around from apartment to hostel to apartment, working whatever job comes my way, and trying to stay afloat down here in America del Sur. It’s been a hell of a ride, and I’m excited to see where the merry-go-round will let me off. I’ve looked into hopping over to work on an organic farm down in Patagonia for a month or two, and teaching English in summer camps in China and Italy. I’ve got no set plans or responsibilities, I’m rudderless, but I like the feeling of uncertainty and not knowing what the next day will bring. I originally planned on settling down in the US after a year abroad, but at this point I have no idea when I’ll make it back, this is just too addicting.

If you’re just out of college and debating whether to pull the trigger on a crazy trip, or you’re wrapped up in a job and want to take a break for a round the world trip, do it. This experience has been mind-blowingly awesome.

Bon Voyage A Mis Padres

Published on January 10, 2009 in Buenos Aires and Travel. 1 Comment Tags: Buenos Aires.

Last night I saw my parents off from the sidewalk of my apartment, after their week long visit to Argentina. It was great to see them, and I was really happy to show them around because they don’t get to travel as much as they’d like to (I’m one of eight children, logistics make it tough). We ate at all of my favorite restaurants, spent two days in Iguazu, saw a tango show, and generally had a grand time. Heck, my mom even got to spend a couple of luxurious hours at the Home Hotel Spa. Here are some photos:

That said, I am very glad to be settling back in. I underestimated how tiring being a tour guide can be. 2009 is officially here, and I’ve got some big plans for this blog, my travels, and conquering the writing world… stay tuned!

Floripa, Flor de mi Corazón

Published on December 31, 2008 in Travel. 3 Comments

Just got back from my vacation to Brazil today, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed myself there. Florianópolis is a beautiful place:

The island has all sorts of beaches ranging from secluded to full-on party spots. There’s something for everyone. I spread my time around Joaquina, Mole, and the town of Lagoa itself. It only took a day or two there for the caipirhinas to do their work and I quickly lost track of time and what day of the week it was. It stands in sharp contrast to the lifestyle I’m used to in Buenos Aires.

This was my first time in Brazil, and my first experience with Brazilian locals. I found them all to be friendly, outgoing, and eager to help me with my broken Portuguese. Hell, I’d be warm and friendly too if I got to surf all day! In all seriousness, I could see myself spending a month or two there trying to learn Portuguese and enjoying the beach vibe. It was intoxicating.

The trip was the perfect escape from Buenos Aires, and now I’m refreshed and ready to get on with the new year. We’ll continue with the second part of my series very soon! And lastly, I’ve posted a whole slew of old pictures on my flickr account, so feel free to check the pictures section or navigate their directly!

5 Gadget Greats

Published on December 15, 2008 in Expat Advice, Travel and Travel Advice. 2 Comments Tags: Expat, Gadgets, Travel.

There are certain toys that I simply can’t do without when gallivanting about the world. They keep me sane and help me pass the time when I’m not out and about exploring. They’re become especially important to me now that I’ve been living abroad as an expat.

1. Laptop

Easily takes the top spot. I use it for countless tasks. All of my work I do here is done on my laptop. I work from it, set my schedule on it, research and plan trips on it, you name it I probably do it on my laptop. It’s my number one piece of hardware. And with technology allowing for smaller and smaller laptops that have become ultra-portable, I see no reason why they shouldn’t accompany anyone on a long-term trip. Plus with the increasingly common availability of wifi, you can easily stay connected if need be.

2. iPod

I’m a music freak. I can’t help it. I love finding out what the popular groups are in a place I’m staying and throwing them on my iPod. I also use it for Spanish language podcasts to practice advanced vocabulary and grammar tenses. Makes for a more productive trip on mass transportation. Buenos Aires also offers podcast walking tours for free on their tourism website; a great alternative to paying for the guided ones!

3. Digital Camera

My digital camera allows me to shoot photos of dang near everything. I take it with me everywhere. I’ve been in Buenos Aires 4 months and I already have well over 1,000 pictures from the city. Don’t worry, I’m going through them now to add to the photo page on here! I have two 4gb SD cards that I keep with my camera, so I have more than enough space to shoot any trip I’m on. Combine my camera with my laptop and iPod, and have all my photos stored and sorted.

4. Cell Phone

Before I left the states I made an investment in an unlocked quad-band 3G phone. I use the Nokia E51, and it has served me very well thus far. Quad-band means my phone can be used anywhere in the world, so long as I get a local plan and pop in a new SIM card. 3G means it can use the highest speed networks that the best carriers operate on. And since my phone is unlocked it can be used with any carrier, even when / if I return to the US. Pretty snazzy little sucker.

5. Universal Adapter

I bought a set from Brookstone that covers all my bases for power around the world. They have various plugs and adapters that’ll cover any outlet I come across. And it all stores in a snug little case that stores easily (with a map of what to use where on the inner lid!). Definitely worth grabbing if you’ll be hitting multiple countries.

Wrap Up

If you can’t tell, I’m quite the nerd. I love my toys, and very rarely am I completely disconnected. I already know that I’ll be working on joining the ranks of flashpackers soon enough. Backpacking with cool points. What about you guys? Any other gadget suggestions that you just can’t live without on the wide open road?

Dolla Dolla Bill Y’all

Published on December 1, 2008 in Travel. 0 Comments Tags: Travel, Travel Dollar.

Since my last post I’ve had a couple of people ask me about #35 on my travel list, “Fill up my entire travel dollar.” I’ve always kept a journal of my travels, and I also like to remember where I’ve been by marking up a little keepsake. The dollar I currently have is unfortunately version 2.0, I started version 1.0 on my first trip out of the country in 2004 but he was stolen (along with my bike) in Brussels. I’m still not a big fan of Brussels.

I started version 2.0 when I graduated from college, so he’s relatively fresh. He’ll get plenty of travel under his belt soon enough though. Here he is in all his glory:

I keep him around as motivation for doing more traveling. The US and Argentina look pretty lonely on there don’t they?

Indiana Jones Went There, So Why Shouldn’t I?

Published on November 29, 2008 in Travel. 9 Comments Tags: Life List, Travel.

I caught the tail end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on late night television the other night, and it got me to thinking. The final temple location that they shot has always struck me as an amazing site, and ever since I first saw it I’ve wanted to visit. With a bit of help from Wikipedia, I found out about Petra.

200811291340 Indiana Jones Went There, So Why Shouldnt I?

Going from there I decided it’d be fun to put together 50 things I’d love to do in my travel lifetime. A sort of “bucket list,” if you will. Only I hope to do all these things before I’m on the verge of death. With that said, here’s what I came up with for my travel life list:

Hike the Inca Trail, trekking under a full moon to arrive at the Sun Gate at sunrise.
Set foot on every continent.
Ride the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
Ride a motorcycle across China.
Go sky diving.
Go base jumping.
Organize another long-term biking trip.
Have an article published in a major travel publication.
Participate in Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
Go to a full moon rave in Thailand.
Go to Carnival in Rio, Brazil.
Learn how to surf.
Scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Take a trip on a round-the-world ticket.
Become fluent in Spanish.
Become fluent in another language besides Spanish.
Ride a motorcycle from Alaska to Chile on the Pan-American Highway.
Visit the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy.
Dive the Blue Hole in Belize.
Get my Divemaster certification.
Visit the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
See the Aurora Borealis.
Go heli-snowboarding.
Go on an extended sailing trip.
Attend Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Attend the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada.
Take an extended backpacking trip through Southeast Asia.
See Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Live long-term in another foreign country besides Argentina.
Attend a World Cup final.
Spend at least two weeks in the Amazon Rainforest.
Snowboard in the Swiss Alps.
Try hang-gliding.
Keep a photographic journal of all my travels.
Fill up my entire travel dollar.
Visit the ancient temple of Petra in Jordan (Indiana Jones!)
See the Abu Simbel temples in Egypt.
See the temple of Karnak in Egypt.
Visit the Itsukushima Shrine in Japan.
Catch a Liverpool home game.
See a live volcano erupt.
Build a successful travel blog.
Completely fill my passport with places.
Find a beach to lounge on that has less than 5 people on it the whole day.
Go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Attend a Euro Cup final.
Take a long-term backpacking trip through Eastern Europe.
Drink a Hemingway daiquiri in Cuba.
Visit Easter Island.
Visit the Cave of Crystals in Naica, Mexico.

I’m sure other people reading this blog have their own places that they want to see, so feel free to offer suggestions. I want to see everything!