Tokyo airports-June 2014-C

I don't know if its all Asian airlines, but the few times I have flown on them, it feels like an upgrade from any other flight.  Maybe those are just the only overnight flights I have taken...
I was very lucky in that the middle seat was not occupied and the young teenage guy in the window seat did not take up very much room so I layed across the two seats.  I watched three consecutive movies, all of which made me cry of course. 
TheButler: racism
The monuments men: war
Dallas Buyers Club- AIDS and big pharma

I couldn't really do the food, but the people around me scarfed it down so it was probably not that bad. 
As soon as I got off and through immigration and customs (I had to go through because I'm switching airports in Tokyo), I found the information desk.  I had a couple of options:  I could stay around Narita airport and then try to do the transfer in the morning, OR do the transfer then and stay around haneda airport OR go into town and stay there and then transfer in the morning.  if Heidi had been with me I would have wanted to go into Tokyo, but I decided not to risk it and headed to Haneda via airport shuttle.  in line I met a guy my age in the air force.  he is stationed in northern Japan where my brother will be later this month.  He had the same situation as me, but he had rented a hotel already by Haneda.  we joked about sharing a room and making a pillow wall in the bed, but he has a wife and he said I was way to flirty (who,me?!)

This is how I slept for the night.

Hmmmm

I didnt end up eating :(

So in the last minute I decided to sleep in the airport.  You might be horrified but, this is probably the fifth time i've done this and Haneda airport is so nice for sleeping!  Check the pictures of all the other sleepers.  It was quiet,clean and a good temperature.  I could not do any of the food again and I am really hoping for something good once I go through security. 
best part of this over night amazing toilet room I found.since it was  the middle of the night I didn't feel bad using it, I think it is for people with special needs or children.  It was big, played relaxing music, and had a mini washing basin.  It played the sound of trickling water when you sat down to help you get started-and look at the picture of the ”cleaning and drying options that Japan has for you!  I killed about 30 minutes trying everything out and freshening up.  Much better than the pay for squat toilets in Nepal that had a bucket of water by it for splashing!!!

Like a spa

Toilet room/spa

This never stopped being funny to me!

New York city-June14-C

I just spent the last day and a half in NYC for the Pereira/Zisa wedding.  They picked an old carousel at the bottom of the Brooklyn bridge in Brooklyn.  Manhattan and the brige were in the background as well as many onlookers that gave the wedding an amazingly relaxed feel.  One of the highlights of the wedding for me was the band.  As you walked up to the carousel, they were rocking out and in the finale, they played Jackson 5 while we rode the carousel around.  Monica and David have so much personality and it showed throughout the whole wedding.  David walked in to the band playing "The Next Episode" by Dr Dre.  He danced through the crowd and had fun approaching the officiant (Monica's good friend from childhood).  Monica and her parents walked in to a latin song, no one could take their eyes off the bride, not even the hundreds of onlookers to the ceremony. 

Other New York trips

Their band was SO good!

Now I'm on to the one chunk of my trip that I am dreading. I have a 14 hour flight to Tokyo, an overnight layover, a 9 hour flight to Jakarta and then an 8 hour bus ride to Yogyakarta. I did some yoga(prana power in Brooklyn-very sweaty and challenging class) and walking this morning since I know my body is going to get SO antsy! I am hoping for a good (hot) seat neighbor for this first flight, but I'll settle for no kids or snorers. I wish I would get to see a bit of Tokyo while I am there, but I have an airport change-still, I'm thinking about the option of trying to get out in the city...

Whidbey Island-June 2014-C

After seeing Heidi slay some bad guys in court, I headed to Whidbey to visit my brother who joined the Navy four years ago. I got my first phone number of the trip from the free shuttle driver, a retired high school teacher who also pointed out his house and told me to stop by anytime. Hopefully that is not my only ” pick up” of the trip. I did two foggy beach runs and we kayaked off Deception point.

Gorgeous run on Whidbey-I saw snakes and thousands of ground bees.  I could not see the water, it was so foggy.  The run was right on the edge of a cliff, amazing!

Tons of wildflowers on this run

So happy to see my brother and his gorgeous girlfriend!

Deception Point

Kayaking

Washington-Summer 2014-C

On our last day together we took it a bit easier and hiked Heather Lake in Mountain Loop. This was a beautiful hike with huge trees that ends at a lake surrounded by enormous mountain walls and waterfalls.

Orcas Island-Summer 2014-CH

Reunited!!!  Carrie got into Seattle Friday evening and Saturday morning we started out on our first adventure of her stay in Washington. We took the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. After getting off the ferry, and not really knowing where we were going, we drove into Eastsound (the main town area on the island). There was traffic and no parking, which we thought might be a typical summer day, but then we realized there was a parade happening...  a summer solstice parade!  What perfect timing- all sorts of island hippies including bucket drummers walk down the street. There were people covered in mud, people throwing glitter, and our favorite, a giant earth (carried by small children) followed by a big sun human.  At the end of the parade, there was a farmers market with a DJ (to accommodate all the noodle dancing).
From there, we decided it was time to plan out our time on the island, as we only had 3 days.  We had our minds set on renting kayaks and forging the open seas to Sucia Island, but after talking to some rental places and with all the recent kayakers being trapped by whales during their bubble netting feeding frenzies, we decided to take a guide.  Naturally, we interrogated the shop employee at Sheerwater Adventures about the level of fun expected and who would also be on the trip (we have learned from many past adventures- if you have to go in a group,  the people going matter). Carrie inquired if there were any hot guys going and we were in formed there was one "full blown woman" and one other couple.  Oh well, we booked the trip anyway. Carrie also asked the employee if he would be her boyfriend. He was already taken, probably by the lady throwing glitter and we learned that there are more women than men on the island.  :(

After lunch, we found our camping site in Moran State Park and set up our tent. We camped in the North End, which was nice, however the place to be is the "Midway" (it's right by the water).  Even though we were car camping, we brought the backpacking tent (after our AZ trip, Carrie and I have slept in this small tent more than and me and my husband!) We hiked the Cold Spring trail to Mt Constitution which was about 8.2 miles.  It was so beautiful with lots of fallen trees, moss, and green foliage everywhere.  The top had a tower that you could see a beautiful view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier.  We were so lucky with the weather,  it was very clear and we could see a beautiful panorama.

The next day, we met our kayaking group at West Beach Resort.  The resort was very cute, a place I would love to go back to one day.  It had camping space (with hookups), cabins, and platform tents to rent. The resort had a little store and water taxis available to Sucia Island.  Sucia is only accessible by boat and is a popular camping destination.   We kayaked the 7 ish miles around Sucia and were treated to views of bald eagles, porpoises, seals, starfish and blue heron.  Our guide, Jeff, was great   the seas were super calm.  We gave him fair warning that we don't do well in groups and don't listen well either- he was a good sport. Afterwards,  we tried some local beer at the Lower Tavern and enjoyed that atmosphere outside.



Our last day we climbed Mount Pickett (8.4miles round trip) which was actually more of giant mound. Not a great destination  hike as there were no views and if there wasn't a sign, you would never know you were at the top. The trail continued on to Twin Lakes, but due to time, we turned around.   The stinging nettles invaded the trail and we both got our share of them.  We didn't see too much wildlife, but we did see an owl which was really cool.  We treated ourselves to brunch at the Island Skillet, which was amazing. The local coffee is definitely worth a try!

No Joke

Sucia Island from the Tower of Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island.  Worth the hike.

Views of Mt. Baker from Mt. Constitution

Washington-Summer 2014-C

Packing is always a challenge, and when you are trying to avoid check-bag fees, it can become a juggling act. My mom helped me roll, stuff and squish all of my belongings for six weeks into my backpack. We made it as short as possible and hoped for the best! When I got to my gate, thank goodness I asked to practice putting my bag in the measuring contraption. It was too thick!!!!! I pulled my flip flops out of the front pocket. Still to thick! A stewardess walked by and said ” honey, that's not going to fit.” Oh lady, you do not know me. I shifted the contents of the bag to make it taller and thinner. It took two more tries but I got it in. The couple of people who can't wait to get in line had been watching me the whole time clapped for me, I had caused a bit of scene. I showed the check-in agent and he gave me the ok. First crisis averted!
Then, after all this work, they called for people willing to check their bags because the bins were going to be to full. I ended up checking my bag anyway, but I saved the $25! I will have to remember this: they often have to check bags for free to make room for all the carry-on bags, so, if your bag is questionable, you may be able to check it for free

Also, if you don't know me well, you should know I am a crazy minimalist who likes to ”donate” things while I travel. I already donated a book to my seat in the airport. I got slightly worried as I walked away that it looked suspicious, but no one said anything and I am one book lighter!

Total side note: Heidi and Justin just bought a house-hurray!!! A super cute place in Washington and since we always want to do everything the same, now I want one too:) So we spent a chunk of the evening looking at places for me in the Denver area. Heidi found a super cute one that we loved with a greenhouse. I mentioned that it just needed chickens AND then the next picture had chickens! I'm obsessed with this house now, and although it probably is to much for me to handle for my first home owning experience... When I get back on July 31, I will have less than two weeks to figure out where I'm going to live before I start work. Luckily my parents live in Littleton and I can base myself there while I scour the two extremes: craigslist rooms for rent and a home to buy.

Honduras-Summer 2012-CH

For Honduras, we decided to bring along our significant others for the adventure.  It started off rocky as Carrie and 5 missed their flight to Roatan(if you ever don't like the response you are getting from one customer service representative, call back and talk to someone else!)   One day delayed, Carrie and 5 pulled up in the taxi as Justin and Heidi were finishing their drinks on the beach.  We all said our hellos and decided on a hotel which we ended up staying in for almost the whole stay.  

The best beach that we all visited was in West Bay.  The water was turquoise and the snorkeling was amazing.  In five feet of water you could snorkel through narrow coral with tons of colorful fish.  If you kept going the coral would open into narrow canyons and then finally dropped off  into a blue abyss.  You could snorkel along the edge and free dive down to see the different coral features.

Carrie and 5 scuba dove on both Roatan and Utila while Heidi and Justin explored the islands on bicycles and mopeds.  The catamaran that took us between the islands promised us dolphins and he did not fail!
 

The awkward lean

On a stranger's boat in route to Utlia. If you pay this guy some $$ he will take you from Roatan to Utilia on his catamaran.  Best way to get between islands.

The mosquitos are horrid!!!  I wore bug spray constantly and still ended up bit.  

Travel besties!!

Belize and SCUBA-Spring 2011-C

For Spring Break 2011, I was planning on doing a yoga retreat.  My cousin was studying in Belize at the time and my grandma was hoping to visit her.  I couldn't miss out on a trip with my amazing grandma (who had traveled all around Africa, Europe, and Asia) so, I bought my ticket and started doing research. 
I quickly realized that the thing to do in Belize was scuba dive.  I had never really thought about it, but since 
Flew with my Gram to meet my cousin.  Arrived in Belize City and I immediately took another plane to____.  Super small plane.  Found a dive shop to finish my certification.
Blue hole
other dives
pee stop
nicold and gram came
kareoke
sharks and rays

Arizona and Nevada-Spring 2014-CH

horrible hotel in phoenix
sedona- city in scenery
alien food
hikes
jump cliff
slide rock
drive to flagstaff
cold and dreary
vegas
strip
out
gambling
hiking/camping

Alaska-Summer 2013-CH

Heidi was really excited to go!

Alaska was our very first domestic trip together.  We weren't quite sure how things would work out and all- I mean without a language barrier, we would have no excuses for getting lost and doing things haphazardly like we were used to.  We flew into Anchorage and stayed the night in the airport.  We both got in just after midnight and we were too frugal to spend money on a hotel for only half the night.  We woke early and headed to the train station and began the journey to Seward.  It was dark and rainy when we got in, but we still managed to squeeze a short hike in. We stayed at Moby Dick's Hostel, which was basic and affordable. The next day we kayaked down the bay and hiked up to an old WW2 bunker across the bay. From the top we were enjoying the views of a humpback whale in the waters below when a helicopter came hovering above.  Our kayak guide assured us it would not land, as there was not enough room...  boy was he wrong!  Turned out they were filming the documentary "The Last Frontier" nearby and stopped to maintain some of the service stations.  Ruined our lunch spot, but kinda cool to see. We went to a local bar afterwards.  Definitely more boys in Alaska than girls.

Ice Climbing Exit Glacier outside of Seward

The following day we got to ice climb for the first time, which was AMAZING!  We highly recommend it if you get the chance.  We not only got to climb, but we also got to repel into crevices. We also saw a mamma griz and her cub while climbing up to the glacier.  The following day, we decided we wanted to head to Homer and realized how expensive and time consuming travel is in Alaska (waiting for a bus, transferring, etc.) so we decided to try our hand (thumb) at hitching...

 Hitchhiking was our primary mode of transportation.  We even got ride before we put our thumbs out.  We only went back to 2 different people's homes and were
 picked up by all sorts of people (families, couples, old people, young people, single people, and one person with a machete) Most people were super friendly and went out of their way to drop us off at a better intersection or took us straight to where we were going). 

We arrived safely in Homer a half a day later. People were so willing to give us rides. People even went out of their way to show us the sights and wildlife. We found a cheap hotel and headed out early the next day for the spit to find Mako's Boat Taxi (recommended by one of our hitches).  The ranger gave us hiking options and we set out!  The hike was amazing (as expected!) and we made it back in time for our boat.  Our Captain was dreamy and we (Carrie) may have even enjoyed a few drinks with him later that night...

Took a boat taxi across Kachemak Bay (Homer) and climbed up to a beautiful glacier.  Long exhausting day which resulted in Carrie falling in love with the boat captain. We also borrowed his car.

 After a few more days in Homer, we headed back to Anchorage and did a quick bike ride and hike up Flat Top before heading to the airport...

Anchorage bike ride

MOOSE!!!!

Peru and Bolivia-Summer 2010-CH

After we flew into Lima, our first stop was the Huacachina Oasis in Peru. We got there at night and asked about transportation to the sand dunes which were apparently everywhere around us we just couldn't see it. We didn't understand that it was literally a lake and some trees in the middle of sand dunes.   We went sandboarding which was actually us falling on our faces repeatedly without going anywhere for more than 5 seconds.  We decided we needed some more excitement and switched our sandboards for dune buggies. Of course you can't go to Peru with out seeing Machu Picchu. We chose the 5 day Salkantay to Machu Picchu trek with some Wayna Picchu. And since we are totally gluttons for punishment we hiked down Colca canyon 13,650 feet deep. At the bottom there was a freezing cold pool and very few people. We swam and then began the hike up a little short on water. We were greeted by a huge parade and festival in Cabanaconde. We danced to the drums and the fireworks (which were being shot off a little close for comfort). Copacabana Titicaca. Isla del sol. Border crossing. La paz.. Uyuni salt flats