tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58793492022166681762024-03-04T23:17:37.682-08:00Love a TravelerFalling in love with the worldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-11041113125332473322014-06-16T11:44:00.002-07:002014-06-16T11:44:44.675-07:00World Cup Craziness<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I LOVE the World Cup! I grew up playing and loving soccer. I got the soccer genes from my dad. ;) So when the World Cup comes up every 4 years, I get distracted, hence why I have been MIA! So with this said...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you watch the World Cup?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Who are you rooting for?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Who's your favorite player?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have you been to a live World Cup game?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What are your thoughts on any of the games you've seen so far?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">How are you liking (or not liking!) the Refs?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Follow me on Facebook where I post tons of my World Cup thoughts!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-84094183992977110552014-05-21T12:07:00.005-07:002014-05-21T12:11:21.758-07:00Finding Inspiration!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sorry my fellow travel friends! It's been A WHILE since I've been around. I've been spending more time in California and since I've been here longer than expected, I haven't had much inspiration for travel and hit a snag.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">----- For now, you can follow me on <strong>Instagram: loveatraveler</strong> for my favorite travel shots AND while I'm not traveling, you can follow me on my personal account: <strong>reeeeeeeems</strong> for inspiration on food and things to do in California!
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's going on in my life at the moment?
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weellllllllllll....I'm looking for a job. My original plan had me teaching English in either South America or Asia, but sometimes plans change! ;)
All I'll say is so far I am happy and I think I have just met my travel match/partner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is a traveler and has been to places that I haven't been that we'll just have to go to AGAIN! Don't want to jump the gun yet and get to excited but that is the main reason why I'm still here.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't you worry though! I am still my happy travel lover self and I see plenty of destinations in my future! </span></div>
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Next Destination?
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not sure yet BUT I turn 30 in February 2015 and it has been my dream to go all over Africa at or before I turn the wonderful young age of 30! So we'll see if that will happen! But I may forsee other travel adventures before then. Maybe Lebanon in the summer time, perhaps? I'll let you all in when plans are set. :)</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Keep your travel dreams alive my travel buds!</span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-57830536980505520042014-02-05T12:31:00.001-08:002014-05-18T12:33:00.604-07:00Throwing it back to the most +1'd posts!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Excuse my absence. Partially my fault. Half of it was because I was sick --either the cold or the flu, allergies, and chest pain! :/ I guess after going 10 months without being sick, it had to hit me hard, huh? ;) And the other half was because of my travel sickness and blank canvas. Had a hard time figuring out a topic, so I decided to take a step back, recollect my thoughts, and then come back feeling refreshed. I don't like to write when I don't know what to say! Has this happened to you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So while I have been collecting my thoughts, I looked back on some of my old posts from <a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em>Peace.Love. and Blueberries.</em></a>, I didn't realize how high some of these posts were +1'd! I was happy :) to see that! So I thought I'd put them up here to share with you all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) <a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/2010/10/shrimp-and-nectarine-stir-fry.html" target="_blank"><em>Shrimp and Nectarine Stir Fry</em></a> +1'd 7,709 times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's that simple! I love fruit and seafood together. They marry beautifully. If you are a lover of the kitchen, get in there and sample this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) <a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/2010/08/it-has-been-awhile.html" target="_blank"><em>After traveling...</em></a> +1'd 7,709 times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Silly that this post was right after my Ecuador and Chile adventure. I made a butterfly cake for a friend and then I show you all my favorite restaurant in Southern California- North Los Angeles area - Carnival!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) <a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/2010/09/3-cities-in-ecuador.html" target="_blank"><em>3 Cities in Ecuador</em></a> +1'd 5,038 times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My favorite eats that I indulged in the lovely Ecuador.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4) <a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/2012/10/beautiful-landscape.html" target="_blank"><em>Beautiful Landscape</em></a> +1'd 306 times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the many reasons why I loved Bolivia ----the landscape --the views! Just awe-inspiring. Everything there is breathtaking. This is just one of my favorite shots in the mountains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>How I feel looking back on these posts? </em>My writing style is a lot different now! :-p It's fun to look back and see how I used to write!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Do you ever look back on your past posts and notice anything different between then and now? :)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-76352506992007793822014-01-21T12:14:00.001-08:002014-01-21T12:17:00.766-08:00Photo of the day - Egypt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fruit stand in Alexandria, Egypt</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alexandria, Egypt is one important city in Egypt that you must have in your travel plans if you happen to travel to Egypt now or in the future. Just a 2 hour drive from Cairo and worth it. The city has a Mediterranean feel but that crazy night life that is just a little different than Cairo. But also known to have many historical sites here. A very important city to explore and get a feel of the past. During the day, Alexandria is just a normal everyday city but at night, the people are out and about, cars everywhere, and don't even attempt to try and cross the street! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just loved how among everything moving around, there was this fruit stand just sitting still and calm. A true site to see and one that I appreciated. Egypt won me over. And it will win you over too.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-51662891879447209212014-01-13T12:47:00.001-08:002014-01-13T12:47:24.494-08:00Machu Picchu<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As promised from Throwback Thursday (and part because I LOVE reminiscing on past adventures!), I thought I'd show some of my favorite pictures from my time in magnificent Machu Picchu. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I loved capturing the site during the different times of the day and showing how the sun hits differently over this incredible world wonder. From sitting down and taking it all in to wandering around and exploring the site to climbing up Machu Picchu mountain, this day I will never forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reima</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">PS. What is the one world wonder/world site you have always wanted to see?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-28192058872440816332014-01-09T13:50:00.001-08:002014-01-09T14:20:52.824-08:00Throwback Thursday - My Journey to Machu Picchu<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I thought I'd go along with Thursday's usual theme: Throwback! I decided to repost how I made my plans back in 2011 to leave Bolivia and head out to Peru and arrive to the magnificent Incan site of Machu Picchu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't know how even more special our time was when we went to Machu Picchu until we found out while waiting to enter the World Wonder: We were there at the anniversary of Machu Picchu's discovery 100 years ago! Not only did I live a dream of mine, it was amazing to be apart of their countries celebration! Even got a cool anniversary stamp in my passport! I would love to return someday for a more deeper experience there. Machu Picchu is one of those places that will leave you pondering about life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although if you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, I recommend planning ahead of time due to space and maximum requirements to enter the site but as I mentioned below, it is possible to make it there last minute....if you are daring like that! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my original travel plan was to head to Bolivia with some time set aside to go back to Chile to check out its Northern side. I also wanted to go to Peru but I feared not having enough time to really take in the culture and see everything that I wanted to see in the time period that I had. So in the end, I had decided to hold off on Peru because I really wanted to take my time there and truly appreciate my experience in that wonderful and lively country.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...........So long story short............</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plans changed! I wanted to stay longer down in Uyuni, Bolivia but the weather was beyond freezing that it wasn't recommended due to some deaths having occurred out there because of the temperature. They also closed the Bolivian-Chilean border due to the weather conditions so there was no way of heading back to Chile at that time. So I decided to push Uyuni back until after I figured out what my new plan would be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What to do now?</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After talking with some friends I had made in Bolivia about Peru and if I should do it or continue on in Bolivia, they pretty much convinced me with this: "Go to Machu Picchu. You are here now. When's the next chance you'll get to go to Peru? What if you never get the chance? It's worth it."</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was it for me.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I immediately emailed my friend Nora, who I met on a layover in Lima, who had told me she was going to be in Cusco for six weeks, told her not go to Machu Picchu without me because I was heading there! She was excited to hear she wasn't going on her own or having to find a travel bud to go with and right away she let me know where she was and lets go!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I booked the bus tickets right away. The next morning I left La Paz for Cusco with some time in Copacabana/Lake Titicaca and Puno. Arrived at midnight and went on a search for her. Luck on my side, I ended up getting a bed in the room she was in and she was happy to see me, sticking to my word! Always.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right away we got busy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had to figure out how to get there and get our tickets. They only allow 2500 visitors a day to enter Machu Picchu. We had wanted to go right away but we soon realized that we wouldn't be able to go for almost a week. So I had extra time than I had anticipated and really got to check out Cusco. So much history there, it's unbelievable. We quickly jumped on our tickets to Machu Picchu before we figured out how we were going to get there! :-p </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily found two spots left on the train from Ollantaytambo--Aguas Calientes--Ollantaytambo. We jumped on those tickets right away! So so so lucky. This whole trip was luck! </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we just had to figure out our way from Cusco--Ollantaytambo and Ollantaytambo--Cusco. We found a 'mini-bus' that makes the trip from Cusco--Ollantaytambo--Cusco at the bus station. Paid, I believe, $10,00-15,00 Soles ($3-5 US) and sat back for one 'wild' ride to Ollantaytambo, a cute little town with amazing Inca sites to see. Wandered around to find a good place to stay for the night. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next day tried to see as much of Ollantaytambo that we could and somehow found the way up to really take in the Incan sacred site, Pinkuylluna. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbeS0-sp27i-4bm_FiXZpdhvRNMhple-lpGYhCRXlI7hAzlYMO7JzrhIUySJUqcQXsOMz9T7-yjblaGolTChSoP2I9-uJgdXJYXjRaCeQQ9CGmsmu_Ob5U_Hch9KKqxUOrpvtBIwa-sFa/s1600/533928_10100147953127846_30511168_39189067_1797983124_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbeS0-sp27i-4bm_FiXZpdhvRNMhple-lpGYhCRXlI7hAzlYMO7JzrhIUySJUqcQXsOMz9T7-yjblaGolTChSoP2I9-uJgdXJYXjRaCeQQ9CGmsmu_Ob5U_Hch9KKqxUOrpvtBIwa-sFa/s400/533928_10100147953127846_30511168_39189067_1797983124_n.jpg" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744742280679872146" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC1UZimcs-_QLI1CxfIFWJcfQf-oh7ONibKTsUjJ-vXHHWK1oWUl8utf5uO8QCG32tH8azNtSCYS-CAT5ZKiEo8sVZu6zavdepysY7x6XmASlaOIMuVwQG_vZPLCiM3qEwbCIAQxKsKJI/s1600/532481_10100147953716666_30511168_39189075_993876848_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC1UZimcs-_QLI1CxfIFWJcfQf-oh7ONibKTsUjJ-vXHHWK1oWUl8utf5uO8QCG32tH8azNtSCYS-CAT5ZKiEo8sVZu6zavdepysY7x6XmASlaOIMuVwQG_vZPLCiM3qEwbCIAQxKsKJI/s400/532481_10100147953716666_30511168_39189075_993876848_n.jpg" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744742268703245090" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAHqv_d-ilnexL0Ma6bxaxG2Vitqn8KDw7ndIQJ0SPIKAhyb1d4pEIEw69LWoa5DYredN6VsvMXJez4QW0GlXBWH5LjJigIsAybbQ8Ctj3FYZE6uuxFCTK-AtyAnx6KN0wvXhbuVrdqDE/s1600/535958_10100147955637816_30511168_39189095_1695946410_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAHqv_d-ilnexL0Ma6bxaxG2Vitqn8KDw7ndIQJ0SPIKAhyb1d4pEIEw69LWoa5DYredN6VsvMXJez4QW0GlXBWH5LjJigIsAybbQ8Ctj3FYZE6uuxFCTK-AtyAnx6KN0wvXhbuVrdqDE/s400/535958_10100147955637816_30511168_39189095_1695946410_n.jpg" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744742264933112114" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wwu-fvzioOYX52D0dSPHCMNeWo5VssJn8RRPpLOXWHzCqRgv4GkgXzJbeDrgVJWh_K7QWw4ji-f7cHaT3vXRSYc4JaOLvGqYL9v4-86ZnpCUd7SzNlO9PrPaHF8ACjNmbmJkkrapjLni/s1600/524293_10100147954490116_30511168_39189082_517430810_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Wwu-fvzioOYX52D0dSPHCMNeWo5VssJn8RRPpLOXWHzCqRgv4GkgXzJbeDrgVJWh_K7QWw4ji-f7cHaT3vXRSYc4JaOLvGqYL9v4-86ZnpCUd7SzNlO9PrPaHF8ACjNmbmJkkrapjLni/s400/524293_10100147954490116_30511168_39189082_517430810_n.jpg" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744742261961170738" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Headed to the train station and road for about an hour to Aguas Calientes. Before we left, we made friends with a taxi driver who took our names down and promised to take us back to Cusco as soon as we got back to Ollantaytambo so I could catch my bus back to La Paz---very tight! They said it was most likely going to be impossible that I would make it on time---boy were they wrong! Made it with 10 minutes to spare! Woo hoo!</span>
--<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just imagine how fast the taxi driver was going! Wheeeeeeeee.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MxyLkvX_e99gqHYqtgF6crDknSP7mQbkwxhEFANBe8JhC-r5vvJEeuDKTeWhZ-yTjoqZl-kWl_EWhRis7sCiTtizOTAR37UDBqsVCD8mqbH8pQ5wNfa4wCn5cRMBmiopKYFmYMQekwfB/s1600/485315_10100147957059966_30511168_39189110_355066603_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MxyLkvX_e99gqHYqtgF6crDknSP7mQbkwxhEFANBe8JhC-r5vvJEeuDKTeWhZ-yTjoqZl-kWl_EWhRis7sCiTtizOTAR37UDBqsVCD8mqbH8pQ5wNfa4wCn5cRMBmiopKYFmYMQekwfB/s400/485315_10100147957059966_30511168_39189110_355066603_n.jpg" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744747783923047106" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></span></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to try Inca Kola in Peru! Does wonders with Peruvian ceviche. :) Grabbed it for the train ride to</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aguas Calientes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aguas Calientes. Very small touristy town full of people everywhere. They say it has no purpose other than housing tourists heading to Machu Picchu but if you delve deep there, you may find a few things in store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything was booked and everyone was busy. We searched and searched and finally found a place to stay..AGAIN..it was all luck. First thing we did was, well we wanted to find somewhere to eat but had to take care of business! Went on a search to find the bus station to pay for a bus ticket to go from Aguas Calientes--Machu Picchu--Aguas Calientes. Made it there 1/2 an hour before it closed! Without the ticket, no access to the buses and no day spent in Machu Picchu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were finally able to relax a little, found a place to eat some good food for an early dinner--knowing that we'd have to get up at 4 in the morning, and listen to beautiful Peruvian music. I could listen to it for hours. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Called it a night. Literally got everything ready so that when we woke up at 4 am, we could just get ready and leave! We lined up around 4:45 am waiting for the buses. Brrrr was it cold! We bought mate de coca from a lady selling to those in the bus line to warm up and as we all had waited patiently. Next time, I'll probably head there earlier because the line sure does get long! </span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there we were...off to Machu Picchu!</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there you have it folks! If the timing is right and you have luck on your side, you can make it to Machu Picchu in a safe and crazy way! And not spend nearly as much as you would if you booked a tour/train/etc. Of course this was without hiking the trails but that can be arranged my next visit there!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd also like to answer my thought at the beginning of this entry with this: Peru is just incredible. And it is worth it to go now, for a day, for a week, month, or as long as you'd like. I'm glad I had some time to go there. I made the right decision. I've had a taste and I want more!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Tip: If you want to hike Huayna Picchu, make sure you look for that option when you book your Machu Picchu ticket. It costs $10US dollars more but its worth it. You can hike it at 7am or 10am. We missed out on that opportunity but we did end up hiking Machu Picchu mountain, which was free and with breathtaking views! Next time, I plan on hiking Huayna Picchu and then spend another day there really just taking it all in and relaxing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**Tip: Being in shape is a must! The altitude was fine for me because it's NOTHING compared to being in La Paz, Bolivia, but for those who aren't used to it + hiking up a mountain + the thousands of steps and things to do there = you will be tired! Adjust to the high altitude for a few days (or just go to La Paz ;), be in shape, and take it easy!</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***There's a straight forward website where you can easily get Machu Picchu tickets/print them out. Email me and I'll send you the info.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh Machu Picchu, such a fascinating site to see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">To go along with the Throwback theme, stay tuned for Machu Picchu pictures on the way! Oh how I love reminiscing on my past travels that I hope to make again in the future. :)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-67716854647621047262014-01-03T11:58:00.001-08:002014-01-03T12:01:26.183-08:00Top Posts of 2013<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013 was the start of Love a Traveler and even though I began mid-year, I'd still like to post the top 10 most read posts of 2013 here! I still consider it looking back on the past and reminiscing on what I've done and what I strive for in the future. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">***If you haven't taken a peek yet, here are my top 20 most read posts up from 2008-2013 from my food blog: <a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-years-resolution-and-top-posts.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>Peace. Love. And Blueberries.</em></strong></a> You will see posts that I wrote from way back in the day! It's amazing to re-read what I experienced so many years ago. And some great recipes too. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Without further adieu, here are the top 10 most read posts of 2013:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-brazil.html" target="_blank"><em>Photo of the day - Brazil</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Grab a coconut, a beach towel, sun tan (or block!) lotion, and plenty of water when you spend most of your day at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/09/are-you-really-safe-on-tour.html" target="_blank"><em>Are you really safe with a tour guide?</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My Galapagos experience with the tour guide Jhover Alvarez. Just because you are on a tour, it doesn't mean you can let your guard down..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate-in.html" target="_blank"><em>The best thing I ever ate in....</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some of the best dishes I've had so far in all of my wonderful travels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">4) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-peru.html" target="_blank"><em>Photo of the day - Peru</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of my top favorite countries!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">5) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/09/photo-of-day-galapagos-islands.html" target="_blank"><em>Photo of the day - Galapagos Islands</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For those who are huge nature lovers, these islands are perfect for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">6) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/09/galapagos-islands.html" target="_blank"><em>Galapagos Islands</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are plenty of Galapagos pictures to make you smile! Of course this was the post following my Tour guide story (mentioned above).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">7) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/07/misconceptions-of-solo-female-traveler.html" target="_blank"><em>Misconceptions of a solo female traveler</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Probably my favorite post. Standing up for all female travelers. We should not be afraid to travel this incredible world alone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">8) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-do-you-pack-for-adventure.html" target="_blank"><em>How do you pack for an adventure?</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's my list of what I bring along and can fit in my backpack!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">9) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/07/pros-vs-cons-of-hostels.html" target="_blank"><em>Pros vs. Cons of hostels</em></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why staying in a hostel is not such a bad idea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">10) <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/11/health-holidays-and-travel.html" target="_blank"><em>Health, Holidays, and Travel</em></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">How to stay fit and eat what you want while on an adventure or vacation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What would you like to see more of in 2014? I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions! :)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-33155704272345212862014-01-01T18:59:00.001-08:002014-01-01T18:59:39.445-08:00Taking it back to 2013<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a year 2013 was! From deciding to restart my blog to leaving a job of 8 years to start planning my dream life and everything in between! The ups and downs, old and new experiences, and cannot forget the terrifying aspect of going jobless! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013 was the year of change for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd say I changed a lot --in a good way. I finally stood up for what is right ---both at a job that I loved but came with unfair pay and constantly feeling exhausted. Friends who made me better and ones that went their own way in life. Even stood up for me and took better care of myself -- the inside and out. I've learned a lot that I am a giver. I give, give, and give some more. Maybe too much. I knew in the past but even more now, I've felt like I give more than what I get back. In life, I definitely need to give more. It's more of giving to those around me who may take me for granted. I <em>never</em> expect anything in turn but sometimes I wonder why I always have to be there for <em>everyone</em> but when I'm going through things, it just doesn't feel the same. As 2013 slowly came to an end, I realized what I needed in life. And I made it happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a step back from almost everyone in order to reteach myself these values I've always had but needed to learn how to put myself first. I realized that I didn't want everyone whom I haven't really seen or talked to in awhile on Facebook to see what I've been doing in my life so I changed that. I deactivated my account a few times and it felt great! I baked and cooked a lot more to bring my passion back. I took a Cross Country job to save my love of running, which I had missed so very much. I did say I'd be at the beach more often too but that didn't happen. :)) And I realized the value of friendship even more now than before, which allows me to surround myself by positive people who I love to be around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When it came to money, I decided this year that I didn't want to be so self-reliant on it. Truthfully, you really can't do anything today without money, but I want to live a life without feeling so dependent on it. I think that would make the world a better place!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Basically, I changed a lot! But still remaining true to myself. :) That is the most important thing to me. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">I really am looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings! Today (1st of January) may not have started out wonderful...to say the least but I am still hopeful for a better year.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't really have a resolution but I have a list of things I want to continue to build on this year:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) Maintain better eating habits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) Keep my running going and finding ways to work out, especially when the weather here in SoCal starts to warm up---basically all year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) Buy a plane ticket!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4) Finalizing travel plans within the first couple months of this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5) Try dating again and putting myself out there. I'm ready!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6) Spending more time with the friends that mean the most to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">7) Putting myself first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">8) Keep up on my Mandarin lessons! And continue to improve on my Spanish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">9) Go to the beach more often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">10) Get fancier in my cooking skills!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">11) Get a massage every month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">12) Consider facials too or at least every once in a while.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">13) Post blog posts here more frequently!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">14) Make new blogger friends. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">15) And give more to the community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What are your resolutions for 2014?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-15506082882040205922013-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:002013-12-30T15:38:00.179-08:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I wish you all a Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And wonderful travel experiences for the year 2014!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reima</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-88962738492873537432013-12-24T19:55:00.001-08:002013-12-24T20:22:18.548-08:00Traveling during the holidays<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings my friends from around this incredible world! I hope everyone is spending time with their loved ones during the holidays. Whether traveling with them or spending quality time at home. :) With the holidays finally here, it got me thinking...and I started to look back at the times when I traveled during the holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There have been a few times when I traveled during a holiday, whether around Christmas time or during a countries own holiday at another time of the year. I've had some pretty interesting experiences! But I also learned what it's like to celebrate in another place other than my home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I celebrated Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Christmas in Panama City, Panama, and New Years in Montezuma, Costa Rica and Tikal, Guatemala. Here are my thoughts for traveling during these times of the year in these countries just mentioned!</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Carnival - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh Rio! What to say about you? :) If there is only one party you can attend your whole life, it just has to be Carnival in Brazil. The colors are so vibrant! The festivities are EVERYWHERE....literally. During the day, there are beach parties but at night is where the action is at. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just drop by any street party. You are welcome anywhere! It's not about doing all those 'bad' things you think of when going to a party at all. The vibe there was living a good life, being surrounded by friends, and dancing the night away! My kind of party. Though I've settled down a lot since then! Never really was a party kind of girl. I prefer adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides all the fun street parties going on, you also can attend the Samba Parade at the Sambadome, along with thousands enjoying the festive floats, costumes, and excitement all around!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find tickets online to attend one of the Samba Parades held by all the Samba schools OR you can take a chance and dare I say it...purchase a ticket on the Black Market? Probably the scariest thing we did on that trip! Or maybe it isn't on the Black Market? I'll never know! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tickets online go for around $80-100 or more and we were not going to pay that. We ended up buying tickets from someone in front of the Sambadome. I believe we ended up paying $15. SCORE! The festivities go on the whole night. We left around 4 am. Just make sure you are careful and grab a taxi! Do not wander around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>The low down?</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It is NOT cheap to travel to Brazil at this time. Keep that in mind as you are planning your adventure. You'll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Your passport</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A Brazilian Visa (for those living in certain countries that require it for travel to Brazil)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Book your hostel or hotel room months in advance!*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Extra money/Another form of payment**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And other necessities you usually have for travel - Make sure sun block/sun tan lotion is on that list! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">*If you DO NOT book your hotel or hostel in advance, be prepared to scramble OR pay way more money than anticipated. Hostel prices jump HIGH during this time. Let's say a typical hostel costs $15/night. During Carnival, it'll be $75+/night! If you don't book, you may be lucky with finding a room here or there but usually it's only for one person. If you are traveling with others, this means you may be separated. If you are not a planner, somewhat like myself, you don't have to plan this trip but just around Carnival, it is highly recommended you just plan this part of the trip so you don't have to worry about it then!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">**Extra money/Form of payment if you do not book anything during Carnival. And to anticipate higher prices around that time. Taxi drivers <u>will</u> overcharge you. Trust me on this.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bem vindo ao Brasil!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas - Panama City, Panama</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh how I loved Panama! I haven't been everywhere in this world yet but Panama is definitely on the list of places I would consider living or retiring in. ;) Just a beautiful country all around and I hope you'll put it on your list of places to travel to if you have yet to go there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The sounds of gunshots...oops I meant FIREWORKS are heard every night --from days before Christmas and almost up to New Years! The first time I heard the loud fireworks, I won't lie, I was kind of scared!! :)) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I found out about the importance of Christmas in Panama on my own. How? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, I was super excited to walk to the fish market the day before Christmas to pick up some seafood that I was allowed to cook in the kitchen at the hostel I was staying at. All the thoughts of what I was going to make on my mind. YUM! Well, when I finally made it to the fish market, everything was <em>deserted</em>. Not a fish in sight! Not even anybody there. My heart was crushed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I started to wander around to find something else to do and it was then I realized that everything was closed! Christmas is extremely important in Panama. Not only was everything closed on Christmas, there were no stores open the day before as well. Those days were for sightseeing and getting a feel of Casco Viejo, which I appreciated very much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And what I appreciated even more was that they did not cater to us travelers just because we were there at that time. If they had, that would have meant some people were not spending time with their families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next day, everything was lively again and my new friends and I enjoyed walking along the streets, making bargains with the sellers, and eating delicious street food!</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The low down?</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Christmas is important to the Central American countries. Just plan ahead. Make sure you have enough food, water, and a place to stay and you'll be just fine. :) Whether you are a solo traveler or with a partner or group, take that time to appreciate your surroundings and the area you are staying in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for finding a place to stay, I had no problems and the prices, to me, didn't seem to increase around this time. An all-around good experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Wait till you hear how I spent the day after Christmas before bargain hunting! That'll be my next post! :)</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Years Eve and Day - Puerto Viejo and Montezuma, Costa Rica</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent the majority of New Years Eve at a black sand beach in Puerto Viejo. It was a calm, cloudy yet beautiful day and great way to end the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the evening, there really wasn't anything too happening before the clock struck midnight! We learned that in Costa Rica, New Years Eve celebrations aren't a huge deal over there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But what about New Years Day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first day of that year, we hopped on a bus from Puerto Viejo back to San Jose. From there, we took a taxi to another bus station and got on a bus that took us to Puntarenas, where we took the ferry to the Caribbean side, and hailed a 'taxi' or whatever it was (LONG STORY! I'LL FILL YOU ALL IN LATER!) to Montezuma, an hour away from the dock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had no reservations to any hostel and we figured that would be okay because it was the 1st and all the celebrations would be over. <em>We. made. a. big. mistake</em>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You see, New Years Eve may not be a huge thing to celebrate there, but New Years Day IS! Every. single. hostel. was. booked. We had no place to stay and it was around 10:30 pm at night. We even tried to grab a hammock for the night and even they were all taken!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We found one more place that we surprisingly must have missed it on our search. We decided that if it was fully booked, we were going to miss out on Montezuma, and try for another beach town. We walked up to the manager, asked for an available room, and to our surprise, he said he had plenty open. We were excited! We weren't going to sleep on the street that night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It didn't occur to us why he had so many available rooms while everyone was booked until after we got the keys and paid for the night...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The room was disgusting. Little bugs walking all over the walls, huge ants on the floor and door. Even the bed was just a huge piece of foam with a lot of loose 'white' pieces all over it. Most definitely <u><strong>the worst</strong></u> hostel I have EVER stayed at. Oh I wish I remembered the name of it to save you all! I'll have to do some research! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Long story short, we didn't get a good nights sleep and decided the next day to check out as soon as possible and if we didn't find a place to stay, we would just leave Montezuma with no exploring. Luckily, a room opened up at this nice little hotel and to my friends surprise, I agreed to it! It was not a hostel, but after that experience, even I recognize that it is an 'adventure vacation' that I was on and I should treat myself just once!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent time at the pool, went to the beach, and ziplined with a fun swimming treat in between the adventure! By the way, for the best ziplining, I highly recommend Costa Rica!</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The low down?</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">While New Years Eve is not really a big celebration in Costa Rica, New Years Day IS! Or at least, gets booked up fast! If you plan on traveling around this time of year, I would highly consider booking in advance to make sure you at least have a place to stay that day! Trust me on this. You do not want to stay at a hostel like the one I stayed at in Montezuma. And don't worry, I will try my hardest to figure out what the hostel is called!</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">New Years Eve and New Years Day - Tikal, Guatemala</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I get into details, I will say I left LAX on Christmas and arrived in Guatemala the day after that. The day after Christmas in Guatemala was exactly the same as in Panama. No need to worry about a place to stay around that time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I left Antigua by bus on the 30th and arrived in Tikal the next day, the last day of the year. Spent the whole day exploring Tikal and the magnificent Mayan pyramids while waiting for our hotel room to be ready. Just incredible here. Let your mind wander as you are exploring these mind-blowing structures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Since Tikal is considered mainly a 'touristy' spot, though you will find Guatemalans there looking at their countries history, you should book in advance. Especially because there are only three hotels total in the park. If you cannot book one of the three hotels, you will have to book a place outside of the park and make the trek early to get there if you plan on going for the whole day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's my opinion to just try to book a hotel in the park to save that money on taxis and just be able to not only take in the pyramids, but to even just wander around the jungle!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of course since it is a touristy place, they did have a New Years dinner celebration at all three hotels. I'd say more about the experience but that was the night I got sick, which you can read more here: <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/08/sleep-deprivation-while-traveling.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>Sleep Deprivation While Traveling</em></strong></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of spending New Years Day in Tikal? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An empty jungle of course! Better pictures and all to yourself while everyone else is sleeping! Though to do this, you do have to wake up super early. 4 am that is! But listening to the sounds of the jungle and watching the sunrise...PRICELESS! To keep the sunrise magical, I have not posted any pictures of it. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Forewarning: The first few pictures are somewhat blurry but it's to show you the change from 4 am to before the sunrise.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The low down?</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I may not have spent the end of the year and beginning of the new year in an actual city of Guatemala but I spent it in the jungle and you still need to book in advance if you want a place to stay! Tikal was full of people throughout the day so I knew then that we would have not stayed at the park had we not booked in advance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">NOTE: There are NO drivers on New Years Day. We were so lucky that the van driver on the 31st offered to pick us up in Tikal and take us to Flores. If you do not have a driver on the 1st, you'll end up staying another day in Tikal or maybe you'll get lucky and find someone. Either way, it's Guatemala and Tikal and you'll love wherever you end up! Just depends on what plans you have and if you need to be anywhere or on a time crunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for traveling anywhere outside of the jungle and rural areas, I can assume you should easily be able to find a place to stay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'd also like to add that Guatemala is beautiful, full of culture and like Panama, one of my favorite Central American countries. I also found the people there to be extremely friendly. This is one country you should put in your travel plans!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What are your experiences traveling during holidays?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wish you all Safe Travels, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! :)</span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-25932666203486993962013-12-15T12:55:00.001-08:002013-12-18T18:06:29.213-08:00Photos of the day - Love, Travel, and Dating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVzaTw5NR9hM6XVyIDf60YZwBVeti4U2IoAsLwIk6mj9ZAnRkDc-rEq8zf200889rhy5SHVdJVprZGokemmx1ZU0NF2VLOpETG412ji99UlhtlDcEup44LXsWmX568HjH-rsawgaOf-Y/s1600/248679_776011789296_1551188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVzaTw5NR9hM6XVyIDf60YZwBVeti4U2IoAsLwIk6mj9ZAnRkDc-rEq8zf200889rhy5SHVdJVprZGokemmx1ZU0NF2VLOpETG412ji99UlhtlDcEup44LXsWmX568HjH-rsawgaOf-Y/s640/248679_776011789296_1551188_n.jpg" /></span></em></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lovers dancing to the beat of the drum. Ferry at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hand in hand on Florida Street. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My German friend Tina and her boyfriend taking in the gorgeous view of Tortuga Bay Beach. </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Young love walking together. Panama City, Panama.
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can love your best friend too! Isabela Island, Galapagos.
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Having fun with a big screen in the airport before departing. Benito Juárez International Airport. Mexico City, Mexico. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soulmates taking a stroll. Teotihuacan, Mexico.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know what's gotten into me lately but love has been on my mind more often than usual. And it's making me think twice about what I'm actually doing today and how it coincides with my travel plans coming up. Should I stay here and wait for love or if I leave and live abroad, will that ruin my chances for love?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess the more I think about it, the more it's starting to scare me. I've been ready for awhile now but I don't know if I'm making the right decisions. Of course I want to see the <em><u>whole</u></em> world and live abroad, but I think I want to do that with someone else! I don't want to be alone. And it doesn't help when you have a mom that is <em>constantly</em> telling you that you need to get married before your eggs shrivel over!! I'm definitely <u>not</u> old! I'm 28. Not old but at the age where it is time to somewhat start to figure things out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It's not that I need someone to take on this journey because I have always been independent and tend to rely on myself more than anything but I keep thinking about all the memories I'll make that I won't have to share with someone special. I completely enjoy traveling by myself but is it time to bring someone in?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A few years back, I let someone in that I knew was going to hurt me bad (<em>it's the ones you really like that make you vulnerable</em>) and that's exactly what happened. I don't know if it had to do with me, but all I knew was that he was the first person I came across that came pretty similar to me <em>--and that is rare</em>! From travel to food to everything in between, I finally was happy to know that I would be understood in that way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've dated other guys, tried relationships out, making sure that they either want to travel or if they'll let me keep my traveling ways, but nothing comes close, they don't work out, and they don't last long. It's just not the same. I don't know how to describe how I've been feeling but I do know it's affecting my love life and what I want for my future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess I've but nothing but time to figure out what direction I want to take...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Am I the only one that feels this way? What are your thoughts about love, life, and travel? I <em><u>really</u></em> would like to know what your opinions are!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-87968571133758529882013-12-11T14:36:00.003-08:002013-12-11T14:55:17.787-08:00Nomination for the Liebster Award from Jenna!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My wonderful friend and SMC partner from a few months ago, Jenna over at </span><a href="http://jennainabudhabi.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jenna in Abu Dhabi</span></em></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, nominated me for a Liebster Award!:) The Liebster Award is for up and coming bloggers. According to the rules and Jenna, I need to answer questions related to my blog and I get to nominate three up and coming blogs that I love to follow! :) I would have definitely nominated Jenna but someone got to her first.:) She is so kind and I love the friendship that we've built though we have never met and we lived thousands and thousands of miles apart! Check out her blog about living in the UAE!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does blogging do for you?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My blog is a way of expressing myself and about the way I love travel and how it has changed my life. It also allows me to to let others in and to be more understood. I feel like I've lived most of my life so far constantly looking at things differently and never really felt understood by those closest to me. The thoughts, actions, and I things I see daily in my hometown are completely opposite than what goes on in my head! And to live like this for a long time before finally figuring out what I want in life is the BEST feeling in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am allowed to express myself here and I finally have the opportunity to have people: family, friends, and new understand me. There really are no words to express this great feeling!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What blogger(s) feed your soul?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I can't name just a few bloggers! I love delving into multiple blogs of all kinds! Each blog I follow teaches me something new each day. Everyone brings their own perspective into the blogging world and I appreciate everyone I follow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will say the first blog I did lay eyes on when I first started blogging many years ago with peaceloveandblueberries was Alex and Mina's blog: <a href="http://sending-postcards.com/" target="_blank"><em><strong>http://sending-postcards.com</strong></em></a>! They inspired me to stick to blogging and I enjoyed following them from dating life and traveling to engagement to running away and getting married here in Los Angeles and traveling the world for their honeymoon! All the things I dream about....someday soon. :) Check them out if you haven't yet!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your favorite subject (category) to blog about?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Travel AND Food! :) I enjoy posting anything from simple pictures, adventurous stories (ones that scared my own parents!), opinions on solo female traveling, and I love love love good food! If I can inspire anyone to try something new, explore this wonderful world more, or even just get hungry from looking a food pictures...now that is an amazing feeling!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>What post of yours means the most to you and why?</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Everything from getting hungry in South America: <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-best-thing-i-ever-ate-in.html" target="_blank"><em>The best thing I ever ate in...</em></a> - I am absolutely passionate about food! I will eat EVERYTHING! Or almost anything. ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To standing up for Solo Female Travelers out there: <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/07/misconceptions-of-solo-female-traveler.html" target="_blank"><em>Misconceptions of the Solo Female Traveler</em></a> - YOU as a female CAN travel and be safe! It's important for me to express to everyone, especially the females, that we should not be afraid to explore our world! It's truly an amazing place to see. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Showing my huge love for adventure: <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/08/danger-ahead-part-ii.html" target="_blank"><em><strong>Danger Ahead - Part II</strong></em></a> - Probably the most thrilling and dangerous thing I have ever done in my life! The first thing my mom asks me whenever I see her after an adventure --- So how many mountains did you climb while you were in <em><u>(fill in the blank</u></em>!)?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And sharing some of my own experiences that I would never wish on anyone while traveling: <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/09/are-you-really-safe-on-tour.html" target="_blank"><em>Are you really safe with a tour guide?</em></a> - Please be safe out there and watch who you trust!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did you first start your blog?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I started it when I felt I knew that I was ready to. I have a previous blog (<a href="http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em>http://peaceloveandblueberries.blogspot.com</em></a>) that I have since changed to a food blog. Before that, I felt like I was too scattered and not really connecting with anyone. Now that I feel ready and have more ideas and thoughts, I am still scattered but it is solely on travel now! Th main reason why I started this blog is for a place to write about my feelings and thoughts. And a way of inspiring others to go out there and live their lives to the fullest! I am not about telling anyone what to do. I merely enjoy showing others to take their own paths in life, to not be afraid, and maybe even keep the places they've seen on my blog on their travel itineraries if they happen to go to the same country!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you hope your blog will someday become?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope my blog stays the same. :) I would love this to be a great place to look back upon in my elderly years of life and see what my crazy self did when I was younger! Even show this to my own future kids one day when they are ready to do their own exploring...if they choose to do so! Hopefully, to others, it will be a blog to inspire and to look upon if needed or to just allow me to transport you to another country for a day!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you most passionate about?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm passionate about people. Life. Travel. This world. Pachamama (Mother Earth to the Peruvians and Bolivians). History. Our future. World Cuisines. I will forever put people and life over things any day. I appreciate what I have here in life - both in my surrounding area and throughout this whole world. There is so much more to life and I will forever be a student for life. Grateful to be taught anything from both the people closest to me to the ones I have met on my travels and those I hope to meet in the future. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your writing were discovered a hundred years from now, what would people learn about you, today’s world, and your interests?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I would hope that these people in the future would learn that there are still humans in this world who want more to life than the usual taxes, jobs, and materialistic things. To continue to be inspired about our incredible world. And to continue the traveling cycle for many more years to come.:)</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who do you most want to read your blog? You mom? The president?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I welcome anyone to my blog. :) Whoever allows me to inspire them just as much as they inspire me. For that one person who grew up with similar circumstances like mine who need that push to help discover who you are as a person. Whether you are an expat or vacation once a year, I would like to inspire anyone that I can reach in the world. Can I say I'd like Adam Levine to read my blog? :) Angelina Jolie???? Johnny Depp? ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Now here are my three nominees:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1) Bri over at <a href="http://chaiandbri.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em><strong>http://chaiandbri.blogspot.com</strong></em></a>! She contacted me over twitter one day months back and we turned our conversation over to email and wrote pages back and forth to eachother! She truly is a sweet girl living the life in South Korea! Check her out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2) Sarah over at <a href="http://thewanderblogger.com/" target="_blank"><strong><em>http://thewanderblogger.com</em></strong></a>! She is so kind and I love reading her blog about wandering around Europe! And from talking to her a couple times and the vibe I get from her, she has a good heart. Go and say hello to Sarah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">3) Amy over at <a href="http://tidethatleft.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><em><strong>http://tidethatleft.blogspot.co.uk/</strong></em></a>! I love reading her stories in Africa! Her blog transports me to wherever she posts about! :) Head to her blog and see where she is right now!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you accept this wonderful nomination, please fill out the questions I filled above and nominate 3 of your favorite up and coming blogs! Make sure to let them know you nominated them! I love this award to support other bloggers out there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reima</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-55891202443648321362013-12-07T13:01:00.001-08:002013-12-07T13:05:27.291-08:00Photo of the Day - Chile<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are all these posts I have in mind that I've been wanting to write about but I have to memorize a long page of Chinese characters for my oral final exam coming up in my Chinese class, so for now I'm posting a wonderful picture of SNOW in the Andes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am also currently working on a post for "Things you have found on your travels that you must have but can't get in your hometown!" Please contact me if you fall under this category! :)) There must be something you have found that you loved but can't get it anywhere else! I'm posting your response in a future blog post so it's a win situation for YOU and a <u>free</u> ad! :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObndwhzDOXiiXf4oAS8xI_Atc0Mdg4CXP2jds5xULXR20bFD1ShYfd8JNuqG8ZL3Ths5dGeet-GBO1I94CjOJZe7J5sR53HHX_VkD-a6Y1bgk7o6c7kejSca1w1-USPOJxaSelG2SCM0/s1600/a2jde51386449345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObndwhzDOXiiXf4oAS8xI_Atc0Mdg4CXP2jds5xULXR20bFD1ShYfd8JNuqG8ZL3Ths5dGeet-GBO1I94CjOJZe7J5sR53HHX_VkD-a6Y1bgk7o6c7kejSca1w1-USPOJxaSelG2SCM0/s640/a2jde51386449345.jpg" width="640" /></a><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Flying into Santiago, Chile, I managed to capture a beautiful picture of the snowy Andes mountains.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the people living above the Equator, winter is HERE and I might add, early, for us Southern Californians not used to these freeeezing temps! I am in love with this weather! Rain. Clouds. Cool temperatures. Snow is falling everywhere...EXCEPT where I live! But I figured what better picture to show during my favorite season. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although I am not a snowboarder or skiier....more like an avid snow player, :) Chile is known for good fun with their mountains full of snow for those who are interested in these types of activities. Maybe something to consider this coming summer? Remember, their winter is June-August so plan wisely and get out there!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-37198673737983546312013-12-04T17:57:00.001-08:002013-12-04T17:57:50.794-08:00Photo of the Day - Galapagos Islands<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWnDOlqGWM0juUQ8flzUJWN42hKCkCjmZT7UfOFb0CPWg6M1By_WzLOFB0B40OVo_dbeIGO70ox8xkEYzpDOqsM0Uup_vQZmhVbkswDLOo22muQOpRwSB_3GlxufRHxDvjb4B5BCc1vA/s1600/yu91jV1386208254.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWnDOlqGWM0juUQ8flzUJWN42hKCkCjmZT7UfOFb0CPWg6M1By_WzLOFB0B40OVo_dbeIGO70ox8xkEYzpDOqsM0Uup_vQZmhVbkswDLOo22muQOpRwSB_3GlxufRHxDvjb4B5BCc1vA/s640/yu91jV1386208254.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sea Lions resting near the shore. Floreana Island, Galapagos</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday! We are half way through the week! Woo hoo! Hope everyone is enjoying the winter weather above the Equator and warm summer below the Equator! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love,</span></div>
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Reima</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-44854272763379621882013-12-02T18:32:00.000-08:002013-12-02T18:35:00.362-08:00Photo of the Day - Guatemala<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCbC8k-vWgoFJ6HGaR0fnFx7Lz8ZPY1SnnAfIabVYeITjsxP8jcZQ1sVAbkyiPmHjyIHFwO55avKyd4M0wxkYqlR8LX0WTjrrfclbwbunqi-WwAh1A3r6kFASKxeqvEWGaiqE45QKGpQ/s1600/XFgiXS1386036710.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCbC8k-vWgoFJ6HGaR0fnFx7Lz8ZPY1SnnAfIabVYeITjsxP8jcZQ1sVAbkyiPmHjyIHFwO55avKyd4M0wxkYqlR8LX0WTjrrfclbwbunqi-WwAh1A3r6kFASKxeqvEWGaiqE45QKGpQ/s640/XFgiXS1386036710.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">La Nariz de Indio - Indian Nose, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The year is coming to an end and I thought it would be great to post a picture from Guatemala, since I was there around this time last year! This is me on top of the Indian Nose mountain watching the incredible sun rise while sitting on a <u>very</u> unstable deck on top of the mountain! Yikes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Norrmally I do not like taking guided tours, but when it comes to any sort of nature activity, I put my likings aside and I go with a guide -- who happens to be taking other people too! I'm known to trip and such so I'd say it's wise of me to make the smart decision to go with a guide! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The guide picked me up around 3:45am and we walked through the empty and calm town of San Pedro to meet up with the others, grab a bus, and go to the bottom of Cerro Cristalino. It is freezing around that time and <strong>pitch black!</strong> Bring a flashlight --- I repeat ---- bring a flashlight!! For some strange reason, I left my flashlights in my bag back at the hostel because I don't think I would need them...it was a foolish thing to do! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bring warm clothes, snacks, and plenty of water. The hike is about 1 1/2-2 hours to climb. I think it took us under 2 hours total. It actually went by quickly. The mountain is really steep and unsafe if you do not bring a flashlight! The guides and a couple others had flashlights so I tried to remain near someone who had light but it was still a difficult climb when you cannot see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The walk down the mountain was the most surprising because it's light outside and you realize that you were very lucky to not have fallen when you see how small the path was! I'd say anyone can do this hike, in-shape or out-of-shape. Just take your time and you'll be fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for the sunrise, it was magical. And just so incredible to see overlooking the other volcanoes and the wonderful Lake Atitlan. You literally just sit there and stare at it --mesmorized by its beauty. If you ever head to Guatemala and Lake Atitlan, I highly recommend this hike up to the Indian Nose.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-4331412603722660442013-11-24T11:17:00.001-08:002013-11-24T11:17:51.477-08:00Photo of the day - Amazon Wildlife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazon River, Manaus, Brazil</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What an incredible site to see! A beautiful alligator resting on a board with leaves upon its back in its majestic home, the Amazon. One of my favorite places in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Reima</span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-23911742316451316942013-11-23T15:27:00.001-08:002013-11-23T15:43:19.540-08:00Health, Holidays, and Travel<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello my wonderful travelers! I'm back from a little week long break and I'll be here hopefully more often! Between the holidays coming up, working two jobs, my Mandarin Chinese class (<em>I can FINALLY count to 10 in Mandarin! :)</em>), and training for a 15k, working on keeping my 5k under 19 minutes(!), and a half marathon, this girl is busy! So I apologize from being absent but I really needed some R&R time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that the holidays are here, how do you stay fit yet enjoy the goodness around you? How about while traveling? Even staying fit and healthy during the non-holiday travel seasons? I have heard from both friends and fellow travelers that when they travel they always come back from a trip with a few extra pounds. And that they LOVED the food they ate on their journey! And I never know what to say because I always eat when I travel but I strangely happen to lose weight! WOO HOO! Of course when I am home, the pounds I lost suddenly seem to reappear...the joys of living in the USA. I always used to tell my friends that I needed to get back on the '<em>travel diet'</em> to lose the weight that I lost when I traveled. :-p</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things since then have changed due to being a High School Cross Country Coach to both boys and girls teams for the past 6 months. I ran with them for most days of the week. After the first 2 months, I noticed the weight loss but I also noticed the 'droopiness'. I was also losing my muscle. Right away I joined a Circuit Training class 2x a week, along with the running, and right away I noticed the results. 6 months later and I am running better in my late 20's than when I was in my early 20's and I feel amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All pictures below were sadly taken with a phone or iPod - I apologize for the low quality. :-P</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> May 2013. I needed to tone and I wanted half of my chest to go away!</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSoEmuYmQATcsMfnGrAhINLRTrFf9I5SU1VEh4JZqDfU4xnlX8lAlG_thyphenhypheng8Nttdu7GelpTnnnMQEhERb26xi_yQqlsQcJ9h_FBwdepGRLLUpivgNGjWKW7KLXMW8BfLPsB1ueBLAK_c/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSoEmuYmQATcsMfnGrAhINLRTrFf9I5SU1VEh4JZqDfU4xnlX8lAlG_thyphenhypheng8Nttdu7GelpTnnnMQEhERb26xi_yQqlsQcJ9h_FBwdepGRLLUpivgNGjWKW7KLXMW8BfLPsB1ueBLAK_c/s320/photo1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">July 2013. When I realized I needed to add weights!</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp4mjDQLzMwalIu_4MiymVBiKbhH1f83DM04hrtLAT2GvBmhxlOFicZr_EQMAJbzyfi0Yui7sHxES5rngY1jCruXp83lj9ZEALpBPG594BFrMkmFQ49ldaBsULKA1hRwNghm9SQf3FdI/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp4mjDQLzMwalIu_4MiymVBiKbhH1f83DM04hrtLAT2GvBmhxlOFicZr_EQMAJbzyfi0Yui7sHxES5rngY1jCruXp83lj9ZEALpBPG594BFrMkmFQ49ldaBsULKA1hRwNghm9SQf3FdI/s320/photo2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">October 2013. Looking good!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have to post one more picture but I'm going to wait until after I run my half marathon on December 21st! :)</span></em>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just because I am not traveling at the moment, it doesn't mean I (and you!) can't have a routine like this while traveling! I have worked and worked to get to where I am today and the more I think about it, the more I do not want to lose it when I start living in a new country. With the combination of hard work and watching what you do on travel, you CAN eat and keep your weight or get fit! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some of the things I do to stay fit when I travel, during holiday and non-holiday season in hopes of sending out inspirational vibes to those who want to stay healthy for life:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhyphenhyphennUmXrYHGQGb4ldAC-1XrmzZ8UL1b7mUNuPgjCl1r8swhAHwPDgchm7Zcj3gs0n0DmquTZ9HXfjZyieEhA8FE5LBX7LxPGIVdkt5ervZb8FtqOx-pJsFTroqUiVkUHLCjqbYq-EURU/s1600/252259_775981425146_3468429_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhyphenhyphennUmXrYHGQGb4ldAC-1XrmzZ8UL1b7mUNuPgjCl1r8swhAHwPDgchm7Zcj3gs0n0DmquTZ9HXfjZyieEhA8FE5LBX7LxPGIVdkt5ervZb8FtqOx-pJsFTroqUiVkUHLCjqbYq-EURU/s320/252259_775981425146_3468429_n.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I thoroughly enjoy exploring every inch and corner of each city/location I travel to and the best way to see everything is by walking! I rarely take a taxi, have never rented a car, and I usually only use the buses when needed. I spend hours each day just walking!</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Eat whatever you want but watch the time of day/Quantity.</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWvmmaD8Ww-AIP6PAnmyTGiVkxfWMIJA_M6ca9ldbfoG82B1qky11fK477o5FpV9vJ09ExBqOahXZErMItMh5J0tGxJKAt8kuEGpxNRqbxujxsXFp8n4pe1FfOvWF6FbdRv5am4UTTNU/s1600/248519_776012398076_5882729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWvmmaD8Ww-AIP6PAnmyTGiVkxfWMIJA_M6ca9ldbfoG82B1qky11fK477o5FpV9vJ09ExBqOahXZErMItMh5J0tGxJKAt8kuEGpxNRqbxujxsXFp8n4pe1FfOvWF6FbdRv5am4UTTNU/s320/248519_776012398076_5882729_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If I've never been to the country I am traveling, why would I skimp out on a meal??? :) I have a HUGE love for food and I don't ever want to leave a country with regrets. My eating routine is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of how I normally eat at home. It just works for me. This varies between each individual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I eat a light breakfast, walk around or hangout, have a good local lunch, rest a little, then walk around, have a normal dinner somewhere around 6:30-7:30, and then I'm done! I will add a snack of nuts or something light when I'm doing a physical activity - <em>you know I love my volcano climbing and mountain hiking adventures! -</em> and sometimes I make room for dessert, once a day! Or when I crave. :) <u>I am known for my pregnant-like cravings!! :)) </u>The fact is, I eat completely different when I am at home. I don't know if it is just boredom, but I snack a lot here. When I travel, I don't really snack at all. I also eat enough to feel full but not to the point of feeling stuffed or leaving a plate with excess food. Just try not to overdo it and you'll be good to go. Eat the street food! Go the restaurants. Just enjoy yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Fruit drinks (and sadly soda too). I've been getting into coffee and tea for breakfast more often now.</em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PK38oTd2gEaQEJkNwPzbsfN1KcYA1cZvgEGJy1lGUN0qyVCEt4ofSYPM4Y0fQXvDL0EqQaL2rkbKmWMbJXignvOduW6odKLwPi86eB-606edeELDo-AzoqBK4ObiJEhcQ5Wz2pRrmpc/s1600/387703_876239447266_1246050455_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PK38oTd2gEaQEJkNwPzbsfN1KcYA1cZvgEGJy1lGUN0qyVCEt4ofSYPM4Y0fQXvDL0EqQaL2rkbKmWMbJXignvOduW6odKLwPi86eB-606edeELDo-AzoqBK4ObiJEhcQ5Wz2pRrmpc/s320/387703_876239447266_1246050455_n.jpg" width="203" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hit up the fruit stands either once a day or every other day. It's important to me that I have my fruit when I travel. And it's even better when you get their own local fruits that you either cannot get in your own country or when they are too expensive to get in your own country! I feel light, healthy, and refreshed when I get my fruit intake into my travel diet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Although I don't drink it too much, I enjoy and appreciate the different beans and flavors of coffee in every country. I find it helps depress my hunger sometimes. Tea is also lovely on a cold morning. And great when you aren't feeling well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">long with this, I sadly have to say I ONLY get major soda (and French fries) craving when I travel! So since I know I get like this, I try to avoid it as best as I can. I don't mind one every once in a while, but too much is not a good thing. I have nothing to say on this other than I try my best to have self control. I've been getting better as the years come and all the running I'm doing now is working in my favor to saying no!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiin8P8_MMvfAMyspgunFLIXIiz3DDCzfrtYuq0z4Obx-AfCwkDYGNGATvFYyF1vkzsS9CNdbtZGqvw_tOz9hvtL-hfywQTRPgJXUnQ6SqiYWeNStRQFMkKFi3jPSGkLFa3Q3szlBeIM/s1600/390719_885546795266_1773041362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiin8P8_MMvfAMyspgunFLIXIiz3DDCzfrtYuq0z4Obx-AfCwkDYGNGATvFYyF1vkzsS9CNdbtZGqvw_tOz9hvtL-hfywQTRPgJXUnQ6SqiYWeNStRQFMkKFi3jPSGkLFa3Q3szlBeIM/s320/390719_885546795266_1773041362_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">WATER.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Water is the #1 most important drink to me and my go-to travel drink. I have to always have it. Either when I'm out exploring or readily available when I need it. It is EXTREMELY important to always have it around, especially when you are traveling. If you get sick (and I have on a few occasions), it will help you big time. Or if you are in a remote location where you may not have access to it. It is just important to be prepared. It's probably the first purchase I make when I arrive to a new city. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>*TIP*</strong> I always like to buy both a small water bottle and one of the largest bottles I can find in the country. That way, when I finish my regular-sized water bottle, I can refill it with the water from the large bottle. You also save money that way than constantly buying new water bottles. Of course I recommend buying a new water bottle every 5 or so days or just bringing a reusable water bottle from home.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Exercise.</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3RjjeMN-FDaJU8AmA15lxeW8y5awmP1eR8PjZlU3jhkcsXzixM4PNT3_iZIFJO_7yUZMhOgY57yBPfQKtVWfluf1i3pMXx_t3WXY7EAhTx3hWaNANPCypyAAeUuB0XqHNP_N_3lGG10/s1600/558601_10100214856083786_102921807_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3RjjeMN-FDaJU8AmA15lxeW8y5awmP1eR8PjZlU3jhkcsXzixM4PNT3_iZIFJO_7yUZMhOgY57yBPfQKtVWfluf1i3pMXx_t3WXY7EAhTx3hWaNANPCypyAAeUuB0XqHNP_N_3lGG10/s320/558601_10100214856083786_102921807_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It is not completely easy but it is worth climbing up Machu Picchu Mountain.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Normally all I do on my adventures is walk. If within access, I enjoy hiking, climbing, rappelling in the mountains, and using stairs (Machu Picchu!) whenever I can and am able to. Now that I am planning my expat living situation in the next few months, I will most likely add running to the mix. It's another great way of exploring a new area!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnPA_QuhyTAQWw_f8eo9My4ueeqL_Cv-VofbP55Pc5TME7eblituz5SvnX4Vm_9Bt4nReLKigEc8-Qjw5SAdv4Gj0v-e8V6XIX9IF6QNdsy7vqILs9BItAG-4xU2lsv_SY_GLY1G_nwY/s1600/735179_10100407631809686_106380582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnPA_QuhyTAQWw_f8eo9My4ueeqL_Cv-VofbP55Pc5TME7eblituz5SvnX4Vm_9Bt4nReLKigEc8-Qjw5SAdv4Gj0v-e8V6XIX9IF6QNdsy7vqILs9BItAG-4xU2lsv_SY_GLY1G_nwY/s320/735179_10100407631809686_106380582_n.jpg" width="294" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now with all the above said, as long as you are moving around and enjoying yourself, there is no reason why you can't eat like the locals and stay fit! The real problem is: How do you keep your travel diet at home??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How do you stay fit and healthy on your travels?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-65998020144353680822013-11-16T13:44:00.001-08:002013-11-16T13:44:04.536-08:00Photo of the Day - Chicago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmQWikzF7gbpFIbAWAJBf7M9Ee6gA1d6ZOg7bghYaSaX1tWGyOYMq-c7GN18NBKlfXkLL-Zv8Lbr7PjGnTTnCNukYJsvBFogCPiBNDQW-csbNl2GO0_lgIiefDBQsR4VetDgEq3r6yms/s1600/VP8ObS1384637057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmQWikzF7gbpFIbAWAJBf7M9Ee6gA1d6ZOg7bghYaSaX1tWGyOYMq-c7GN18NBKlfXkLL-Zv8Lbr7PjGnTTnCNukYJsvBFogCPiBNDQW-csbNl2GO0_lgIiefDBQsR4VetDgEq3r6yms/s640/VP8ObS1384637057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chicago, IL, USA</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My birthplace. The Windy City. Home of the Bears, Bulls, and Cubs. The <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/11/131113-america-tallest-building-chicago-new-york/" target="_blank"><em>highest building</em></a> in the USA? The air is clean. The city is bustling. The weather that I love - <em>When my mom and dad moved to LA from Chicago, I think I took the weather with me!</em> The Chicago dog. Variety of food. There are quite of few US cities that I'd like to see and ones that I can recommend and Chicago is definitely one city I highly recommend! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-75730635481216355942013-11-07T11:48:00.001-08:002013-11-07T11:51:45.416-08:00Photo of the Day - Honduras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrmgL9eO0ebu21zot3TLa73EKVB8XrDgts0B_oPbvbGtVcMOFYOmx_-YZ5-WkSBzl3J8wsSJYI-m0i1Ly4YFQ1kiBJqSXQc7U4PBvgUmiRtRXUTA73xTh9OGEz6qE6HjG2eNLzOT5A98/s1600/pFGWs41383852692+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrmgL9eO0ebu21zot3TLa73EKVB8XrDgts0B_oPbvbGtVcMOFYOmx_-YZ5-WkSBzl3J8wsSJYI-m0i1Ly4YFQ1kiBJqSXQc7U4PBvgUmiRtRXUTA73xTh9OGEz6qE6HjG2eNLzOT5A98/s1600/pFGWs41383852692+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Roatan Island ~ Bay Islands, Honduras</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I apologize for the delay in my blogging! This week was important for my Cross Country teams. The league finals were held yesterday and I'm hoping to find out the results today! It's been great coaching my AMAZING high schoolers and I am SO NOT ready to let them go! :-) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you need some time for R & R, Roatan is a great island to do so. On the days that the cruise ships are not in port, the beaches are pretty empty and I love my alone time! This island is incredibly beautiful and a great place to just chill. The life there is on 'island time' which is perfect for a relaxing getaway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roatan is known as the 'Backpackers Island'. It's pretty affordable for us backpackers and travelers...if you find the right place to stay! I found only one hostel on the island and that is where I stayed. Definitely doable for a few days on the island. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roatan is also home to the 2nd largest reef in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. So this means there are great diving spots around the island if you are into scuba diving and snorkeling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Roatan is perfect for solo travelers, lovers, families, and friends. :-) Come here and enjoy the island life! </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-37870445726788776982013-11-01T16:08:00.001-07:002013-11-01T16:08:12.337-07:00The best thing I ever ate in....<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy TGIFun Friday! All I can think about today is food so I thought I'd put together the best thing I ever ate on my travels list!</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Argentina</span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L4LNZOhrqAOWpy9mqLHMsSoLcF3OWuZDpjBfdwBVSeGSubAMINeOYjOpoILeiMPp_rwSIxn2QHl5eUQr-wQXyWQihBqxAs35A8otJfJ8WTGPpq5w5-TH2t7bRTVQfWqJXNmDnqtWAJQ/s1600/nicole+BA+and+mendoza+012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L4LNZOhrqAOWpy9mqLHMsSoLcF3OWuZDpjBfdwBVSeGSubAMINeOYjOpoILeiMPp_rwSIxn2QHl5eUQr-wQXyWQihBqxAs35A8otJfJ8WTGPpq5w5-TH2t7bRTVQfWqJXNmDnqtWAJQ/s640/nicole+BA+and+mendoza+012.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Carne Asada from a street parilla. The smell made me get off the bus while the bus driver was making his way back on the bus to get the show on the road. I begged for two more minutes and he just smiled! He knew. That's how good the smell was and how much I had to have it. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97WXwQu25IexDLdKCG2DiOMohvmwXgKXQ7fxTHnqqcYGv6CCkB-eQ4grS3mSbhS8zgpgjgaresmvOj2fn6egaQENpkvUZASl7h0yqWndtgNYjTmR4vz8UGAqNmaYUzjhvOcfFCAdi6Ag/s1600/2627_547449275406_7358885_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97WXwQu25IexDLdKCG2DiOMohvmwXgKXQ7fxTHnqqcYGv6CCkB-eQ4grS3mSbhS8zgpgjgaresmvOj2fn6egaQENpkvUZASl7h0yqWndtgNYjTmR4vz8UGAqNmaYUzjhvOcfFCAdi6Ag/s640/2627_547449275406_7358885_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I have to have my flan and te con leche. My weakness!</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVadeN-6edz9KhWpBG_VEjBf15tscpVjFh5ie5eBGfVU6_5HY3UncdJON71WjAuOmIUTyoIA_3YqWtKVT90Fe8ZMTJcuFnTRLQ88dyd7Ot3BT4etjGCAW3kq_CmK8fasceaEuuIk77aIU/s1600/2627_548083489436_5968006_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVadeN-6edz9KhWpBG_VEjBf15tscpVjFh5ie5eBGfVU6_5HY3UncdJON71WjAuOmIUTyoIA_3YqWtKVT90Fe8ZMTJcuFnTRLQ88dyd7Ot3BT4etjGCAW3kq_CmK8fasceaEuuIk77aIU/s640/2627_548083489436_5968006_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dulce de leche is another must in Argentina</span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQGkFplcXrPrf21DkyLvgZEwWblZqW3uciGcFp1da4tNM2XhR-mjYdSDUaKl5O5SoESxOL9BGFLVuT9j4515WRPGu0Saz4EHWtLdRvedQeuoFiUDsd9cljDOeNX08IwVID8UFCKOCO8Y/s1600/2627_548108289736_2044564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQGkFplcXrPrf21DkyLvgZEwWblZqW3uciGcFp1da4tNM2XhR-mjYdSDUaKl5O5SoESxOL9BGFLVuT9j4515WRPGu0Saz4EHWtLdRvedQeuoFiUDsd9cljDOeNX08IwVID8UFCKOCO8Y/s640/2627_548108289736_2044564_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mate. Mate. Mate. When someone offers you their mate, you better not say no!</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYksVqOvDtgooZu2Io8u8-1nmMrH9FDVLnAf8Zw3nxlQrk7-hoUsgyFj3576yzKOufGsBbw8QnZzJONRMZFc8xs1FundwhqSJH7MMhEg5yhojf0RdViaXgUlpaEEDJ1w5aVBEdZGX94s/s1600/2627_547451580786_5662980_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYksVqOvDtgooZu2Io8u8-1nmMrH9FDVLnAf8Zw3nxlQrk7-hoUsgyFj3576yzKOufGsBbw8QnZzJONRMZFc8xs1FundwhqSJH7MMhEg5yhojf0RdViaXgUlpaEEDJ1w5aVBEdZGX94s/s640/2627_547451580786_5662980_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you can't go to Argentina and not eat their steak.</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brazil</span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UWkTHIxj3_9DQ0IVm_JSqGot3juAXKkmHtINFlz_N0SLFyQ_haRJ7KkiJHqQ5nR0j5IR2M1evBneY0VOxX1OC65mYmkgA_Ee6uIxSCNCSE1J5Yd-V1WeK7ShtJBeEIjVe-mHaF4VPYo/s1600/2665_551750351016_4383787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UWkTHIxj3_9DQ0IVm_JSqGot3juAXKkmHtINFlz_N0SLFyQ_haRJ7KkiJHqQ5nR0j5IR2M1evBneY0VOxX1OC65mYmkgA_Ee6uIxSCNCSE1J5Yd-V1WeK7ShtJBeEIjVe-mHaF4VPYo/s400/2665_551750351016_4383787_n.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pumpkin Bean Soup. So hearty. Comforting. Simply amazing.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul9-5UqKAC_n8ejQnBJ43vILWZQb9UrQkLMexuG_ZQKeu8xQ4tiOYcQecj35musYiqPzSaYjWP0eaKWU6hdqWs9AplVmHCnRtnGmfr6VilqN-oHiTX0RCLg1wXRzwMP6s_a0XgE_rHc4/s1600/4349_570352901356_4335868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul9-5UqKAC_n8ejQnBJ43vILWZQb9UrQkLMexuG_ZQKeu8xQ4tiOYcQecj35musYiqPzSaYjWP0eaKWU6hdqWs9AplVmHCnRtnGmfr6VilqN-oHiTX0RCLg1wXRzwMP6s_a0XgE_rHc4/s640/4349_570352901356_4335868_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pirarucu a Baiana. Years later and I still remember its taste.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I preferred and enjoyed the Northern Brazil cuisine. I felt I could really dig into the Brazilian culture. That I was really eating food made from someone's heart.
And of course...</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNA8u5519ksfMdhuVR29tasyv2ui7v8RsZnp27v4C1xdaaiEqlw8y3HlWK8SoGHB-N99ax9J7CstsuSzkMa5pv8BoLU4dkOBYZnoZhsBNKJ7gTt7fzj4muG9lPXV8euxb2v2b8xoryDc/s1600/4349_570352896366_187_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNA8u5519ksfMdhuVR29tasyv2ui7v8RsZnp27v4C1xdaaiEqlw8y3HlWK8SoGHB-N99ax9J7CstsuSzkMa5pv8BoLU4dkOBYZnoZhsBNKJ7gTt7fzj4muG9lPXV8euxb2v2b8xoryDc/s640/4349_570352896366_187_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have açaí any way that you can.</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecuador</span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZyOq_uhd277GH5Uk_U0gSdI1tahkeWsEexpefINn8IxJBQ2aEezVHsGxJDwaqWx4nBuyhdwOejg0izpuFrYUb8GtIiM9MJ19YVn8m425EEGfPXfcOKVqZlCAsSQtLOg4kk_34e3g464/s1600/45494_655852230016_2307166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZyOq_uhd277GH5Uk_U0gSdI1tahkeWsEexpefINn8IxJBQ2aEezVHsGxJDwaqWx4nBuyhdwOejg0izpuFrYUb8GtIiM9MJ19YVn8m425EEGfPXfcOKVqZlCAsSQtLOg4kk_34e3g464/s640/45494_655852230016_2307166_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Camarones al ajillo. Yesss.</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Galápagos Islands</span></i></center>
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Jugo de tomate arbol. No picture sadly, but introduced to the tree tomato on the islands. Surprisingly sweet and quite enjoyable to drink.</span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqSir1dF7_0vm8eC1txlaOmfvdbcG81RYYrLzyJ_RclzQZ3Z0iEYNmCiy0ElrlZpX_CzQvAJN0y_mJi2auQ0tMPsWVULkZLNbZ4daihcvvKd8HH9FdcJVg-XLh-UyUySV-Q_UXOS72_Q/s1600/68815_672559194126_4012153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqSir1dF7_0vm8eC1txlaOmfvdbcG81RYYrLzyJ_RclzQZ3Z0iEYNmCiy0ElrlZpX_CzQvAJN0y_mJi2auQ0tMPsWVULkZLNbZ4daihcvvKd8HH9FdcJVg-XLh-UyUySV-Q_UXOS72_Q/s640/68815_672559194126_4012153_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Very fond of the fresh albacore tuna steaks.</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chile</span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bv-PkcXxpZi_1sHmjSjRCpo4ZbXtlp3F5cfBGFBotB2kFsHgqOgngnIa_E1H_qoqcQlja99M2E8Pr-4Vm3M1MZQ8KjnSuJoNFYWr_3j57JtTNM6bgpYwd5K3q9ki_3csr_WvyHL5org/s1600/45805_656756617616_8136660_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bv-PkcXxpZi_1sHmjSjRCpo4ZbXtlp3F5cfBGFBotB2kFsHgqOgngnIa_E1H_qoqcQlja99M2E8Pr-4Vm3M1MZQ8KjnSuJoNFYWr_3j57JtTNM6bgpYwd5K3q9ki_3csr_WvyHL5org/s640/45805_656756617616_8136660_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Machas a la Parmesana</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNU7UnlGJmM1G48VPpcusBtUzSPZx0qlJpsng9opVuTqB5yGDr855GxXmbdNH4cKNTQwVtw6xR8vnWkpIk6m-1WNL-SemINXH5aNdGyZkrT85TQv6444IumqWXT2stgYmmQARnhLSok0/s1600/45626_656758453936_5608798_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNU7UnlGJmM1G48VPpcusBtUzSPZx0qlJpsng9opVuTqB5yGDr855GxXmbdNH4cKNTQwVtw6xR8vnWkpIk6m-1WNL-SemINXH5aNdGyZkrT85TQv6444IumqWXT2stgYmmQARnhLSok0/s640/45626_656758453936_5608798_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Patagonian Lamb</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEG-vSuQPLjEKnBC6TPmk_oL9ek3re4OngenHkKIsL7SGk2xxzni9i15F3Of3fFWbRb9ZY4zAqQQ0qCHu3_yt1PoI94P5yHr8hVWs2oMeU5QyaEHn83sqoojoThxly2XEeHTNZcZIupI/s1600/45762_656757805236_4709584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEG-vSuQPLjEKnBC6TPmk_oL9ek3re4OngenHkKIsL7SGk2xxzni9i15F3Of3fFWbRb9ZY4zAqQQ0qCHu3_yt1PoI94P5yHr8hVWs2oMeU5QyaEHn83sqoojoThxly2XEeHTNZcZIupI/s400/45762_656757805236_4709584_n.jpg" width="300" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Harina Tostada (Toasted Corn) Gelato</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colombia</span></i></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Not making a decision yet due to not enough exploration. Next time! :-)</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honduras</span></i></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjq46MFhfpjJDVdVDQEItLA4NYosHDk8EBINtePX42M6TyycIJxpxqjwgXpBroGtpMuqH9WRour9D-dPMqlNGEPAT4tfl5y4alCK7p4-iXE_31p9XyshGZky3TSmqd2S76aCQewFPn0A/s1600/164736_700998686156_241540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjq46MFhfpjJDVdVDQEItLA4NYosHDk8EBINtePX42M6TyycIJxpxqjwgXpBroGtpMuqH9WRour9D-dPMqlNGEPAT4tfl5y4alCK7p4-iXE_31p9XyshGZky3TSmqd2S76aCQewFPn0A/s640/164736_700998686156_241540_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I spent most of my time near the Caribbean so I really just appreciated the fresh seafood.</span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panama</span></i></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Central America, I loved the seafood the most.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYS-CQxFwslLboTBkmSbLHhKcNr9U703lHOaOZ6iSFlN_pj4czdDRk9FCi-zNI97YdSvp5TWrUnbctHFicqmeZ4vujdRw9btX53f4l1C6rJWQwCdHk4aLqi_FgvLrGd2VqUgOwQNYyhc/s1600/180998_705646322256_7320145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYS-CQxFwslLboTBkmSbLHhKcNr9U703lHOaOZ6iSFlN_pj4czdDRk9FCi-zNI97YdSvp5TWrUnbctHFicqmeZ4vujdRw9btX53f4l1C6rJWQwCdHk4aLqi_FgvLrGd2VqUgOwQNYyhc/s640/180998_705646322256_7320145_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb3R4UwdL1KW6U_kwjbUEdg0BocGX3rJgK4LcMNFfcJZ0_VpYTL_LfmTCpfEHI1SDslDSB9xLmSidJbSx4vRiR_x1fXZ29N6T6yC-siwyqLtFt89I2USFNnWbpBriJcXUONlhTlRZFE8/s1600/184294_708781833666_766922_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb3R4UwdL1KW6U_kwjbUEdg0BocGX3rJgK4LcMNFfcJZ0_VpYTL_LfmTCpfEHI1SDslDSB9xLmSidJbSx4vRiR_x1fXZ29N6T6yC-siwyqLtFt89I2USFNnWbpBriJcXUONlhTlRZFE8/s640/184294_708781833666_766922_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Costa Rica</span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW6Cx1IZI4It3GiALcONIYBsM_o7AnjacLzLE5vbZS97moxIqpepbm5NwstV-FkWQhmktWA99MbBFJUnguJqw2aGOKV-v6FjfjTsieOIm47VaRzHNSGyjuC5EDblbryW5lc81TaSbwV0/s1600/248519_776012398076_5882729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkW6Cx1IZI4It3GiALcONIYBsM_o7AnjacLzLE5vbZS97moxIqpepbm5NwstV-FkWQhmktWA99MbBFJUnguJqw2aGOKV-v6FjfjTsieOIm47VaRzHNSGyjuC5EDblbryW5lc81TaSbwV0/s640/248519_776012398076_5882729_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_FRgRJl1G2xQHF2AF_zxGO2g4AI1TQG_JzqAnNw1wi9KVhw2F5cGv5IYQCqGI99BDWyMvyX-zB4B68Ey1OQNcy4ZewQkzyVfoq8mxTNt32eRxsCegbLkCOVDz_wM8VQm6ERp3viJ8tM/s1600/254369_775981879236_3789004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_FRgRJl1G2xQHF2AF_zxGO2g4AI1TQG_JzqAnNw1wi9KVhw2F5cGv5IYQCqGI99BDWyMvyX-zB4B68Ey1OQNcy4ZewQkzyVfoq8mxTNt32eRxsCegbLkCOVDz_wM8VQm6ERp3viJ8tM/s640/254369_775981879236_3789004_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shrimp and Fried Red Snapper.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRI2eiK1t73KSJO8woq8C4gG31NwdxpSt9QOKz0UKRAYxmuykp6xNI7Qb7i9oHW0k2cMQkRo7jBbsux_2vbIjaNLMpwFyA2LSM4Kjh79HGSwrIlT9QHN8CZ_FDvrFP5jYisi2Irk1f5s/s1600/254834_775990027906_2333073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRI2eiK1t73KSJO8woq8C4gG31NwdxpSt9QOKz0UKRAYxmuykp6xNI7Qb7i9oHW0k2cMQkRo7jBbsux_2vbIjaNLMpwFyA2LSM4Kjh79HGSwrIlT9QHN8CZ_FDvrFP5jYisi2Irk1f5s/s640/254834_775990027906_2333073_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Agua de coco fresca</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curaçao</span></i></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
(Not pictured)A plate full of seafood. Fish. Shrimp. Scallop. Baby Octopus. Mussels. It went straight to my heart.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-StpQycSPIfsSJmd54H376VCL31A2n6MHCvPFLVuaReRb8P95_84zno8nP8Z-9eXweXaADgtrrkrr6QHoaZsaTndlHFTeXTQpgPK2ibKnXx8YIXc8eaL2lSmDs04sJif6X0qKvZgrZpU/s1600/DSCN3257+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-StpQycSPIfsSJmd54H376VCL31A2n6MHCvPFLVuaReRb8P95_84zno8nP8Z-9eXweXaADgtrrkrr6QHoaZsaTndlHFTeXTQpgPK2ibKnXx8YIXc8eaL2lSmDs04sJif6X0qKvZgrZpU/s640/DSCN3257+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I discovered a fruit here that I never had before: Makapruim. They call it the "Spanish plum" but I think it's a mix between a grape and a mango! The outside skin is thin like a grape but the skin is that of a mango. The inside of the fruit is orange like a mango but with the texture of a grape. I enjoyed popping these into my mouth!</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mexico City</span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to dig a little deeper for my Mexico City pictures but pretty much everything I ate there was delicious. Mexican food hasn't tasted the same to me ever since.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bolivia</span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgK407xSiPDrkZL_VdYA7FZXKIQWFWN2tixVf-gU5iLITUfFawQCe6mtOHWrOgHXUW6scXP5CONKGfUxubC_4D7r1uHG4KeDynaM6X35KWajra4eLKc6ORlhJgqpJ51pt6EgDzM87UP4/s1600/374170_885527818296_2090043886_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgK407xSiPDrkZL_VdYA7FZXKIQWFWN2tixVf-gU5iLITUfFawQCe6mtOHWrOgHXUW6scXP5CONKGfUxubC_4D7r1uHG4KeDynaM6X35KWajra4eLKc6ORlhJgqpJ51pt6EgDzM87UP4/s640/374170_885527818296_2090043886_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Fried fish and Ispi with purple potato and corn</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXJpAmXznPlIhaZzNe98_YvfV8D7byXF03givOsEYxVR3mBFuKFPaetNsbZrdLdeMhgG-PR_rH5l6jQp9wW7-DFAG1i4aH5S9kS3VVjjvkiG7en9e8Rc9Vp2DbYR3njuhVOpykWhG3rk/s1600/386484_872660798906_699207069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXJpAmXznPlIhaZzNe98_YvfV8D7byXF03givOsEYxVR3mBFuKFPaetNsbZrdLdeMhgG-PR_rH5l6jQp9wW7-DFAG1i4aH5S9kS3VVjjvkiG7en9e8Rc9Vp2DbYR3njuhVOpykWhG3rk/s640/386484_872660798906_699207069_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sopa de mani. Really, all the food was wonderful and homey in Bolivia. Al paca was another treat.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peru</span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Everything. Seriously one of the best cuisines in the world. Yes, I said it! Here's just a few dishes to drool over.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY4ASJ0iDmyHplg6zkFY2CK1ulJ3-vZXTqo69M_WxdC5XetnmXcyRVtZaL1HnEPEFuqiDNFTBP7bA3BPWP4fnGdLRiSUmTu3Zw4WVR0bZAPBtmfrZtx9N9Uz4fSQjIHPnPotZp6rA92w/s1600/397331_917825258966_1885506214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY4ASJ0iDmyHplg6zkFY2CK1ulJ3-vZXTqo69M_WxdC5XetnmXcyRVtZaL1HnEPEFuqiDNFTBP7bA3BPWP4fnGdLRiSUmTu3Zw4WVR0bZAPBtmfrZtx9N9Uz4fSQjIHPnPotZp6rA92w/s640/397331_917825258966_1885506214_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lomo Saltado</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAj7r-qipnrbkNzdugfSByV42cKpvSSmqggWcq_H-IANAEecxQg5XFNcEmldQ5eKHQ_Pm06TmR57fIY_h__EkkzrhUwVN4XeqeWCtrsAKNDZ4ZeE64fjbwaj9Dh7UojbwinJHBNmLXGA/s1600/407842_917789565496_600205420_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAj7r-qipnrbkNzdugfSByV42cKpvSSmqggWcq_H-IANAEecxQg5XFNcEmldQ5eKHQ_Pm06TmR57fIY_h__EkkzrhUwVN4XeqeWCtrsAKNDZ4ZeE64fjbwaj9Dh7UojbwinJHBNmLXGA/s400/407842_917789565496_600205420_n.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Meat and potato on a stick. My choice was llama. Served with salsa.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNx3Mqz9yuzWpPpaX6l5q8CZY10uNEAbAEItjP6GOU6LBIYYEb4pwR06fptI1G3ZvWcYBjVMFh7lfiKIxQxu7ZMbSFUQU4LcjkNDyg-b02SC5MZApbb9MVqbMk9IkITZIY6kkpYqsAho/s1600/374826_902688617916_1894251008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNx3Mqz9yuzWpPpaX6l5q8CZY10uNEAbAEItjP6GOU6LBIYYEb4pwR06fptI1G3ZvWcYBjVMFh7lfiKIxQxu7ZMbSFUQU4LcjkNDyg-b02SC5MZApbb9MVqbMk9IkITZIY6kkpYqsAho/s640/374826_902688617916_1894251008_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peruvian ceviche</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBbanWx0zQ6HRqBakDtZ82IgxnRaKTVUDcYpOXLMH8HLhILZHzJvXyv9WCbeFnPBcUInFjLHnrWYMObJH1MJ6TRQNu6yRXORud0IFsdjc339aG5v26xol90EpXyd6GrwyaNqNmt-Qhk0/s1600/384122_902687749656_995992978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBbanWx0zQ6HRqBakDtZ82IgxnRaKTVUDcYpOXLMH8HLhILZHzJvXyv9WCbeFnPBcUInFjLHnrWYMObJH1MJ6TRQNu6yRXORud0IFsdjc339aG5v26xol90EpXyd6GrwyaNqNmt-Qhk0/s400/384122_902687749656_995992978_n.jpg" width="337" /></span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Chicha Morada. I'm very fond of this drink and make it quite often now.</span></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Egypt</span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5713k-Zk38OJDaQDzEaMtsefwIW4Y_ZmTCQiwcofJEpxU1LrD1XQ0R3OUCLHj5zWx8xqjuUuHKgL9ZEzBPLeI5Wz8Ip0QYgf6sk9QvZATyT1JaPm7CpViv_LHV0USaEQbVmM6fPE0Hg/s1600/482071_10100280562273056_585404036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5713k-Zk38OJDaQDzEaMtsefwIW4Y_ZmTCQiwcofJEpxU1LrD1XQ0R3OUCLHj5zWx8xqjuUuHKgL9ZEzBPLeI5Wz8Ip0QYgf6sk9QvZATyT1JaPm7CpViv_LHV0USaEQbVmM6fPE0Hg/s640/482071_10100280562273056_585404036_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Falafel. Fluffy and made to perfection.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIifgUIxSzIU-pBgvuEKXY4hL4YVpcyArXl2oaQHQgR4OgsKoIE2EqmatCyANxTetJWESVCkPYmQvJ_pvvvWuc8Q6jFtGKKaPCO4MKnV5ayFMLlpG28t9yBz-wBL1PxU8t0kb3Ri58FCE/s1600/P1020772.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIifgUIxSzIU-pBgvuEKXY4hL4YVpcyArXl2oaQHQgR4OgsKoIE2EqmatCyANxTetJWESVCkPYmQvJ_pvvvWuc8Q6jFtGKKaPCO4MKnV5ayFMLlpG28t9yBz-wBL1PxU8t0kb3Ri58FCE/s640/P1020772.JPG" width="640" /></a>
</span><center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Zalabiah</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs6qplhgrTygu8kOaEEw9nic1wcfJfTnU659C99LRcM9gtTynUxt_BNOvoQrMoEL_khb7A5UNa3pnz73IJdXZRI6s0htjg0AohyphenhyphenImBgJTFaxk-GY8qdIk0wEXt0yGy-4_gYkHUriSx48/s1600/P1030240.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs6qplhgrTygu8kOaEEw9nic1wcfJfTnU659C99LRcM9gtTynUxt_BNOvoQrMoEL_khb7A5UNa3pnz73IJdXZRI6s0htjg0AohyphenhyphenImBgJTFaxk-GY8qdIk0wEXt0yGy-4_gYkHUriSx48/s640/P1030240.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiKSC87tCX3-YxVGkTl3HNQSW8Vy07qyD0Rk5t3vs03NUuBtmXdtTZ37b3bhfru9Rdhy4glUfSHH1YVAGC4iowsUfIj85uzy9q0gZ65_ssbENLFu1gW4OZJDh0L8Y9gPH7bYh-25TuNk/s1600/P1030048.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiKSC87tCX3-YxVGkTl3HNQSW8Vy07qyD0Rk5t3vs03NUuBtmXdtTZ37b3bhfru9Rdhy4glUfSHH1YVAGC4iowsUfIj85uzy9q0gZ65_ssbENLFu1gW4OZJDh0L8Y9gPH7bYh-25TuNk/s640/P1030048.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></center>
<center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Really just loved the street fruit and corn.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfJdYUvgAV1XjG_XRIZchBffKivAs4n_Ze_HOILYhUl7ZyrKf0oPXqk4RCqqRkI-egfwGKZPqFXe_EhCSDp6WeMc89qlu90YAdR0XSUJIqB7VvMxftN_L2SvkDxOwO-Kt8LcCacBuXEQ/s1600/P1030246.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfJdYUvgAV1XjG_XRIZchBffKivAs4n_Ze_HOILYhUl7ZyrKf0oPXqk4RCqqRkI-egfwGKZPqFXe_EhCSDp6WeMc89qlu90YAdR0XSUJIqB7VvMxftN_L2SvkDxOwO-Kt8LcCacBuXEQ/s400/P1030246.JPG" width="400" /></a>
</span><center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
You can't go to Egypt and not partake in drinking mint tea.</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turkey</span></i></center>
<center>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Need more time to explore. Of course the food is amazing there!</span></center>
<center>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></center>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guatemala<i></i></span></i></center>
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It's just as simple as pollo asado, tortillas y cebolla. Made with love.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Food is just better when it is made with the heart.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What's the best thing you ever ate in.....(answer below)!</span></center>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-64288792412906272382013-10-30T10:45:00.003-07:002013-10-30T10:45:59.632-07:00Photo of the day - California love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q2AqCP06c4bni1pUZuCKAFeM-e4uKGrVj1xT-t-VQhBstEDzL8nBINgJQF5xaOUQNGMHwcwIZp1Q8UBuJ6gfXInQn_nOvtLSTODSVF0uAb-jHCv2sjYO50UxOFwnM5yxQjqXns4md00/s1600/wEuZNU1383154599+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q2AqCP06c4bni1pUZuCKAFeM-e4uKGrVj1xT-t-VQhBstEDzL8nBINgJQF5xaOUQNGMHwcwIZp1Q8UBuJ6gfXInQn_nOvtLSTODSVF0uAb-jHCv2sjYO50UxOFwnM5yxQjqXns4md00/s640/wEuZNU1383154599+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Venice Beach, California</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just want to show California some love! We have great beaches and great weather! Venice is my favorite beach to head to, pull up a towel, and just chill. I think I'm long overdue for a beach date. The cross country season ends in a few weeks and I'll be at the beach to relax about running everyday for the last 7 months. My body could use the little break....and the sun! Gotta fix the runners tan lines!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*If you ever make it to Venice Beach, I HIGHLY recommend you visit the boardwalk. In particular, Sean's Cafe for the best burgers! Schulzies (featured on the Food Network) is also on the boardwalk and I love it! And there's a few more restaurants I can recommend if needed! :-)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-52322670566658507392013-10-27T11:45:00.001-07:002013-10-27T12:04:55.772-07:00Language & Travel<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I was watching the show <i>The Amazing Race</i> on a calm Sunday evening. I used to watch this show all the time growing up but life and work got busy and I soon left it behind. Of course I've also been going on my own Amazing Races minus all the rush, no sleep,.....and the unlimited supply of money! :-)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido3_njkfXaYk_0e3JNJNMPxVv33oDGuVl8LblAMcDQgRjtdvtdkVxIJtRuhjGBkiaZoxFeqT4cKzVJ5978B3bn72kRUSdHTLWGKC0cHId7FwB0cgVVTSeVr69Nvz0GM0YtptkihGHu1I/s1600/559141_10100280555421786_1433989503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido3_njkfXaYk_0e3JNJNMPxVv33oDGuVl8LblAMcDQgRjtdvtdkVxIJtRuhjGBkiaZoxFeqT4cKzVJ5978B3bn72kRUSdHTLWGKC0cHId7FwB0cgVVTSeVr69Nvz0GM0YtptkihGHu1I/s640/559141_10100280555421786_1433989503_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A family of 5 on one motorcycle - Alexandria, Egypt</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have never seen The Amazing Race or don't know what I'm writing about, it is basically a world race with teams of two who are competing to win prizes at the end of each competition. Along the way, it is also about travel and seeing countries you haven't been to. Although it is too rushed that they really don't see much. (I know a cameraman who works on the show and he told me everything that actually happens). Each week, a team is dropped from the race if they are the last to make it to the finish line. The team who makes it to the finish line first in the finale takes home the big prize of cash!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0fcRUDk0pmb1zuee29M6dYHrhK1a2351kb45C-G4asVvPRdaed9sDTrSYIQQcl28O2NfINwMXdS8dIu-XH4XptcuhojQNIefH1hAj3m-rrvYZ7IwESOtRFZMp58RAqOfTtShgKlMaUk/s1600/4870_573943091586_1546304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0fcRUDk0pmb1zuee29M6dYHrhK1a2351kb45C-G4asVvPRdaed9sDTrSYIQQcl28O2NfINwMXdS8dIu-XH4XptcuhojQNIefH1hAj3m-rrvYZ7IwESOtRFZMp58RAqOfTtShgKlMaUk/s640/4870_573943091586_1546304_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Samba Parade in the Sambadome - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But watching this episode opened my eyes and realized it didn't really make me happy. I was watching the episode where the teams were in Chile. I watched as they scrambled around and yelling things at the Chilean people in English to help them out so they could win their competitions. Rushing around and causing chaos in this beautiful country (and all the other countries they run through during each episode/season as well). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But you are in a Spanish speaking country? A lot of the people on camera did not understand what the teams were telling them. And in my experience, when I was in Chile, I wasn't really understood so I used my Spanish there, not English. Actually in all Latin American countries, I put my English aside and only use my Spanish to get by. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JI9AKCW1453Qljmek-zWE2FmoSIbREIje-LrPwtQ87HfVIO4FivylKwjt7GcUBv__I5s8e4AICQXkSQiE669h2dunLYOD0m3SidU2eBi4wfFSgkneO9OukfVmimWvcjjPm9YI4f5myU/s1600/384555_902708657756_2051384459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JI9AKCW1453Qljmek-zWE2FmoSIbREIje-LrPwtQ87HfVIO4FivylKwjt7GcUBv__I5s8e4AICQXkSQiE669h2dunLYOD0m3SidU2eBi4wfFSgkneO9OukfVmimWvcjjPm9YI4f5myU/s640/384555_902708657756_2051384459_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Locals hanging out and enjoying each others company in front of the fish market - Lima, Peru</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It just made me realize how important it is to me to learn the language of the country I'm traveling to. Or at least learn the important words to get by and show appreciation for the country I'm visiting. I've seen people give up when communicating with a local and I've seen people not even try and it makes me sad. How can you travel when you don't even appreciate their language? How it ties to their culture, people, food, and lifestyle?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSqbhNga7zZi6FWpA3DL7wACkHQZ9m2_l8ihMNXA12KI7LLjHv2pFoYd-p7fo8miZwBxwhIku1Oug-hZJmih4kLBJey1AcsDoVrjV4ZRsX85Nj15TlfhlYxJyuBsrMZ8uihPl-flmplY/s1600/404172_917777664346_1276893177_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSqbhNga7zZi6FWpA3DL7wACkHQZ9m2_l8ihMNXA12KI7LLjHv2pFoYd-p7fo8miZwBxwhIku1Oug-hZJmih4kLBJey1AcsDoVrjV4ZRsX85Nj15TlfhlYxJyuBsrMZ8uihPl-flmplY/s640/404172_917777664346_1276893177_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This beautiful cook asked me to sit in her kitchen and enjoy the meal she prepared for me - Cusco, Peru</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As of now, I am in my advanced stages of Spanish. I took 2 years in high school and 2 years in college. And now I'm using the Spanish channels and radio stations so I don't forget! For years I wanted to learn Mandarin Chinese and now I am currently learning the language and feel like I'm picking it up pretty well! I understand some Arabic, and a little Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese. Even a few words in sign language. I've picked up some Italian words without having to use a translator!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've mainly been to the Latin American countries and when I'm there, you will see and hear me use my Spanish. I never second guess what I'm going to do or say. I'm in their country, I will speak their language or try my hardest to. They deserve all the respect and I will not take advantage of that. Even in Egypt, I tried my best to understand Arabic. Especially because I wasn't in the tourist center and completely merged in with the locals. In my opinion, this has made all my travels amazing. By being one with the people and not just a tourist, visitor, or English teacher.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2kb_s21aJTc3pONpLtFPzib9x7RemIaxWQKS4IKF8xIDaUKDxVZFSnObju4mTXcfOr8HK5lbJ147Wv5xUyH-iUFIGeLmaNWNGfRNosJrISsCSXBCQq6dVzLVLlNpY6rSJjgawNUYzVs/s1600/2627_548108289736_2044564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2kb_s21aJTc3pONpLtFPzib9x7RemIaxWQKS4IKF8xIDaUKDxVZFSnObju4mTXcfOr8HK5lbJ147Wv5xUyH-iUFIGeLmaNWNGfRNosJrISsCSXBCQq6dVzLVLlNpY6rSJjgawNUYzVs/s640/2627_548108289736_2044564_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>An Argentinean shared his Yerba mate with me - Mendoza, Argentina</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel like I cannot understand the country itself if I do not understand the language and the meaning of their words, gestures, and customs. If I ever end up living and teaching English in Korea, China, or wherever I choose, I will completely dive into their lifestyle, culture, and language. Isn't this the whole meaning of travel? To understand someone else and find something new?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">What languages do you know? What's your opinion on learning languages and traveling?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-88294493563271475252013-10-21T09:33:00.003-07:002013-10-21T09:37:01.280-07:00Contest time! Read all about it!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of finally posting my About Me page (click my About me picture on the left side panel!) AND starting my Facebook page, I want to do something special for someone! :-) I'm all about giving and not expecting anything in return and it's the perfect season to do this!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only One Rule:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simple 'like' my Facebook page (my links are on both side panels) by October 31st and you will automatically be entered to win...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your choice of either: Homemade (I like to bake sometimes!) or Handmade (With items from California!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A blog feature!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winner will be picked at random that weekend and it will be announced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good luck! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I just want to thank all my followers who show me support and those who I do follow who also inspire me. :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysui3GuGv6TKo-TED7MJUVvkIa-SnEOXURKuvdcqiNpIEIKZWiLOHChhgLU6XSJCeWW1WExE5itm8rp2SXhtx4Xe0dgvpH8FXpzNVTyB3PIqzQOt2UO8nrv9wOtTP87e6K-YleOZ2HzY/s1600/546960_10100409984524826_1578218683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysui3GuGv6TKo-TED7MJUVvkIa-SnEOXURKuvdcqiNpIEIKZWiLOHChhgLU6XSJCeWW1WExE5itm8rp2SXhtx4Xe0dgvpH8FXpzNVTyB3PIqzQOt2UO8nrv9wOtTP87e6K-YleOZ2HzY/s640/546960_10100409984524826_1578218683_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Love,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Reima</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-50467028464316677152013-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-20T09:00:04.570-07:00Photo of the day - Argentina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMZissICKaQbZCXj5jTZKNKI1fPIKtOtM-5zZU9cpwfvuhdY9Wy5dz7UwzOk6TGbaHrZnBX9jhwY23H7Hc8A4WeSFtQ9ROFKQW_QMTVrTBgwXd1ynIZV7KxIFfRPY14ZFEtFt5EY3qnM/s1600/imNEzx1382113709+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMZissICKaQbZCXj5jTZKNKI1fPIKtOtM-5zZU9cpwfvuhdY9Wy5dz7UwzOk6TGbaHrZnBX9jhwY23H7Hc8A4WeSFtQ9ROFKQW_QMTVrTBgwXd1ynIZV7KxIFfRPY14ZFEtFt5EY3qnM/s1600/imNEzx1382113709+(2).jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Taking in the breathtaking and mesmorizing Iguazu Falls.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my fifth and last post on trying to figure out my mixed feelings heart and where I'll live pre-World Cup and my start of expat living. If you missed my past photos of the day, check them out here: <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-brazil.html" target="_blank">Brazil</a>, <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-peru.html" target="_blank">Peru</a>, <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-ecuador.html" target="_blank">Ecuador</a>, and <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-chile.html" target="_blank">Chile</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh Argentina, how I love you! Argentina has everything. City life, the tango, incredible nature, the Andes mountains, Patagonia, and a short flight away from the Falklands and Antarctica! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved Argentina from the start (well I've loved every country I've been to from the start!) and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I enjoyed the beef, the asados, sharing yerba mate with locals, dancing the tango, trekking and rappelling in the Andes, and so on! With so much to offer, Argentina would be a great expat destination for me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Although I haven't posted about every country in South America, I'm still considering those ones as well!*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Out of the 5 countries I posted about this week - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina - Which country leaves you wanting to learn more?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879349202216668176.post-18340657118876797622013-10-19T09:00:00.000-07:002013-10-19T09:00:02.085-07:00Photo of the day - Chile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TdWEMTpMVNnvkJIXXZP6TotYSDkllkGln_sAw12wn9iLisn7RRwezcpg-zJFAWwzNif-odIWjL1yQ0T4QP8HfO947ifllzJWuHjqB8f3qCJMW4jo5n9oNMva32arUgz_UVXUgML-t3o/s1600/TS8cP51382113599+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TdWEMTpMVNnvkJIXXZP6TotYSDkllkGln_sAw12wn9iLisn7RRwezcpg-zJFAWwzNif-odIWjL1yQ0T4QP8HfO947ifllzJWuHjqB8f3qCJMW4jo5n9oNMva32arUgz_UVXUgML-t3o/s640/TS8cP51382113599+(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Enjoying the Chilean vineyards.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Onto my fourth country in search of what I'm going to do next year as I hope to finally start my expat life! If you missed my previous three posts, you can check out Brazil over <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-brazil.html" target="_blank">here</a>, Peru <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-peru.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and Ecuador <a href="http://loveatraveler.blogspot.com/2013/10/photo-of-day-ecuador.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The country of Chile is long and skinny yet full of culture and history. My time in Chile a few years ago was short and I left with so much I wanted to know. At the time, I really didn't feel connected to the country and still needed more answers. Perhaps I could use the time now to get to know Chile better? From the coastline, to the city life, vineyards, and part of Patagonia, Chile has everything I enjoy. I'll have to keep this in mind when I figure out my plans...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 49.5495491027832px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tomorrow is my final photo in my search of expat life! I'm hoping these posts will help me make my decision. :)</span></span></div>
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