Photo of the day - Egypt

Fruit stand in Alexandria, Egypt

 

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!

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.

Top Posts of 2013

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. :)

***If you haven't taken a peek yet, here are my top 20 most read posts up from 2008-2013 from my food blog: Peace. Love. And Blueberries. 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. :)

Without further adieu, here are the top 10 most read posts of 2013:

1) Photo of the day - Brazil
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!

2) Are you really safe with a tour guide?
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..

3) The best thing I ever ate in....
Some of the best dishes I've had so far in all of my wonderful travels.

4) Photo of the day - Peru
One of my top favorite countries!

5) Photo of the day - Galapagos Islands
For those who are huge nature lovers, these islands are perfect for you!

6) Galapagos Islands
Here are plenty of Galapagos pictures to make you smile! Of course this was the post following my Tour guide story (mentioned above).

7) Misconceptions of a solo female traveler
Probably my favorite post. Standing up for all female travelers. We should not be afraid to travel this incredible world alone!

8) How do you pack for an adventure?
Here's my list of what I bring along and can fit in my backpack!

9) Pros vs. Cons of hostels 
Why staying in a hostel is not such a bad idea.

10) Health, Holidays, and Travel
How to stay fit and eat what you want while on an adventure or vacation.

 

What would you like to see more of in 2014? I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions! :)

Photos of the day - Love, Travel, and Dating

Lovers dancing to the beat of the drum. Ferry at Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Hand in hand on Florida Street. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

My German friend Tina and her boyfriend taking in the gorgeous view of Tortuga Bay Beach. Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.

Young love walking together. Panama City, Panama.

You can love your best friend too! Isabela Island, Galapagos.

Having fun with a big screen in the airport before departing. Benito Juárez International Airport. Mexico City, Mexico.

Soulmates taking a stroll. Teotihuacan, Mexico.

 

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?

 

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 whole 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 constantly telling you that you need to get married before your eggs shrivel over!! I'm definitely not old! I'm 28. Not old but at the age where it is time to somewhat start to figure things out.

 

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?

 

A few years back, I let someone in that I knew was going to hurt me bad (it's the ones you really like that make you vulnerable) 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 --and that is rare! From travel to food to everything in between, I finally was happy to know that I would be understood in that way.   

 

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.

 

I guess I've but nothing but time to figure out what direction I want to take...

 

Am I the only one that feels this way? What are your thoughts about love, life, and travel? I really would like to know what your opinions are!

Photo of the Day - Chile

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! 

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 free ad! :)

Flying into Santiago, Chile, I managed to capture a beautiful picture of the snowy Andes mountains.

 

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. :)

 

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!

Photo of the Day - Galapagos Islands

Sea Lions resting near the shore. Floreana Island, Galapagos

 

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! :)

 

Love,

 

Reima

Photo of the Day - Guatemala

La Nariz de Indio - Indian Nose, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

 

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 very unstable deck on top of the mountain! Yikes!

 

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!

 

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 pitch black! 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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Photo of the day - Amazon Wildlife

 

Amazon River, Manaus, Brazil

 

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.

 

 

Love,

 

Reima 

Photo of the Day - Chicago

Chicago, IL, USA

 

My birthplace. The Windy City. Home of the Bears, Bulls, and Cubs. The highest building in the USA? The air is clean. The city is bustling. The weather that I love - When my mom and dad moved to LA from Chicago, I think I took the weather with me! 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!  

 

What's your favorite US city?

Photo of the Day - Honduras

Roatan Island ~ Bay Islands, Honduras

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! :-) 

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.

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. 

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. 

And Roatan is perfect for solo travelers, lovers, families, and friends. :-) Come here and enjoy the island life! 

Photo of the day - California love

Venice Beach, California

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!

*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! :-)

Photo of the day - Argentina

Taking in the breathtaking and mesmorizing Iguazu Falls.

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: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile!

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! 

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!

*Although I haven't posted about every country in South America, I'm still considering those ones as well!*

Out of the 5 countries I posted about this week - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina - Which country leaves you wanting to learn more?

Photo of the day - Chile

Enjoying the Chilean vineyards.

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 here, Peru here, and Ecuador here!

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...

Tomorrow is my final photo in my search of expat life! I'm hoping these posts will help me make my decision. :)

Photo of the day - Ecuador

Here I am almost at the top of the volcano Cotopaxi, the highest volcano above sea level in the world.

Still continuing my search for my home in 2014, the next country I'm stopping in is Ecuador. If you have not seen my previous posts, check out Brazil over here and Peru here!

Ecuador is one of my loves that has so much to explore. With spring-like weather year round, it fits my ideal weather conditions. :-) Some sun. Some clouds. Some rain. Ecuador has part of my love, the Amazon Rainforest, beautiful coastline, majestic Andes mountains, and the incredible Galapagos Islands. Plenty to offer for those who choose to live here. 

Stay tuned as I continue to post a picture from each country I'm considering moving to! Maybe this will help me make my decision? :)

Photo of the day - Peru

So yesterday I posted a picture of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to show where I could move in early 2014. If you missed that post, check it out over here!

Today in continuation of trying to figure out where to move next year, here is a picture near the ocean in Lima, Peru. I was absolutely taken away by all of Peru. Just a beautiful country. The scenery. The history. The food! Even for the short time that I was there, I felt at home. During my trip, I managed to see Incan ruins in Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Pachacamac in Lima. 

I was happy to get off the tourist trail as much as I could, which I found was where the best things of Peru were. I truly spent more time with the locals than with other travelers and that is what made my trip even more special. In the picture above, I just sat and watched the fishermen in their boats, the families wandering around, and the seagulls doing there thing.

I went to the fish market and watched a fishermen who has been doing is job for many years quickly clean, gut, and fillet his fish. A master at work. I'll have to find that video and post it on here. I enjoyed looking at the abundance of beautiful and fresh seafood. If I had my own kitchen at that time, I would have made a big purchase and sampled everything! 

Peru has an abundance of seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, potatoes, and many more! They do not need to rely on other countries because they have everything they need.

I truly cannot wait until I return here on day.

Stay tuned as I continue to post a picture from each country I'm considering moving to! Maybe this will help me make my decision? :)

Photo of the Day - Brazil

In honor of trying to figure out where I'm going to live in early 2014, I thought I'd post a lovely picture of the crowded Copacabana Beach in Rio de Jainero, Brazil. Brazil is full of color, life, a melting pot of people, beautiful beaches, views, food, and many more! I am also excited to go back to Brazil for the World Cup! I'm not excited that my Brazilian visa expires in January. :-) Living here would be wonderful...but still keeping my options open!

Stay tuned as I post a picture from each country I'm considering moving to! Maybe this will help me make my decision? :)

Photo of the day - Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ah the beautiful and seductive tango. Possibly my favorite dance to watch and attempt to learn. So passionate and full of fire. To fully get this experience, I highly recommend you head on over to Argentina, among the plenty other reasons why you should go there anyway! Watch the street performers. Go to a tango show. Take in the passion that the Argentineans had for their dance. 

My friend and I got a great deal in Buenos Aires for a night spent falling deeper and deeper in love with the dance. We learned the main steps of the tango, had an amazing Argentine dinner, and learned about the history of Tango in Spanish through the dancers themselves. 

Towards the end of the night, the professionals jumped off the stage and picked unsuspecting audience members a chance to put their newly learned steps to use and it was just wonderful to see. One of the dancers quickly got off the stage and asked for my hand and if I'd like to dance. Dancing the tango with a professional was on my bucket list but I never thought it would happen. A dream come true! He was so darn good looking too, another bonus! ;) We danced, which felt like awhile but more like a minute or 2. He kept whispering in my ear that I was so beautiful and of course I was melting! I'm a sucker for that sort of thing. :-) Felt pretty romantic even if it was just a fun little dance. What kind of girl doesn't like a little romance? It's just nice to hear these things once in awhile.

This is a must experience if you ever make it to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Photo of the day - Galapagos Islands

Floreana, Galapagos Islands. 

Off the coast of Ecuador are a beautiful set of islands known as the Galapagos. Pristine and calm islands that are almost all untouched. What I mean by that is these aren't like any normal island you can just head to and go wherever you want. The islands are protected. You can't wander wherever you'd like, like you can on most other islands. You must have a guide outside of the normal ports. One touch on an animal, wildlife, or anything of concern on the islands and you may affect the ecological system. Makes you sit back and appreciate your surroundings and life.

Happy Friday!

Photo of the day - Curaçao

Knip Baai, Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles). What a stunning beach it was. Just gorgeous. If you are looking for an island in the Caribbean that not only has incredible beaches but culture, Curaçao is the island for you. Knip Baai is about 1 to 1 1/2 hours from Williamsted. I recommend, though pricy, staying there a couple days and giving into the relaxation. This is one island I would love to return to someday. Definitely not a backpacker-style island but worth saving up for and enjoying once in your life (or five times, according to a couple my friend and I were talking to on the plane!).

Galapagos Islands

To take away the unpleasant taste that I got from the last post about travel safety, I thought I'd make it up to you all by posting Galapagos pictures from the stunning islands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I feel better already!

Photo of the Day - Brazil

 

 

The Amazon River, Manaus, Brazil

 

Is there one place you just have to see? The one place you have dreamed about your whole life? Of course you want to see the whole world, but there's just this one place that you need to see. With your eyes. In person.

 

Well that place for me was the Amazon. I can't even tell you who told me about it back in elementary school or if I learned about it but since ELEMENTARY school, I have been dreaming about the Amazon. I was fascinated by the river, by the rainforest, by the endless adventure possibilities. I just had to go there. While I had been dreaming about the Amazon my whole life, I never really thought it would happen.

 

But you know what? Dreams do come true when you work hard and you set goals.

My first trip out of the country was Argentina and Brazil and I made darn sure I was going to go to the Amazon.

 

The biodiversity here. The beauty. The natural fruit and medicines here. Endless rainforest. Beautiful people. Just magnificent.

 

My goal now is to see it in every country it runs through.

 

So far I have:

 

Brazil

Ecuador

Bolivia

 

This is the one place you need to really see for yourself.