A Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia

After every trip, no matter the magnitude, my custom is to feverishly scribble down the details of my adventure on the flight home.  I desperately try to recount the sights, the sounds, the tastes of whatever wonderful corner of the earth I have just left.  But with Cambodia? Well, it has just been different. 

I am having difficulty digesting and articulating my time in Cambodia.  On the one hand there is Angkor Wat, which is absolutely mesmerizing in every sense of the word. There are the floating villages, the coconut soups, the vast jungle and the pristine beaches.  On the other hand there is a dark and dirty side of corruption that leaves me squeamish and uncomfortable.  Yet at the end of the day, Cambodia is a place I feel truly grateful for having visited... and one I strongly recommend you move up on your bucket list.  The history of Cambodia is peculiar, the people resilient and the landscape breathtaking... put it all together and you've got a destination worth shaking the piggy bank for.

For most, Cambodia is a stop on a southeast Asia tour for one reason, and one reason alone: Angkor Wat in Siem Reap.  So let's start there, shall we?

 Can you even believe I took this photo on an iphone 5? 

A Bachelorette Party Weekend in Cabo - The Itinerary

A play by play of the perfect* bachelorette party Weekend in Cabo San Lucas!

*Disclaimer: My definition of perfect might be slightly different than yours. Please take itinerary with a grain (or two) of salt... and a lime wedge.  (see what I did there).


DAY 1
12:00 PM.  Hooray! you've hit The Office at the right time and it's two for one margaritas!  Slurp them down with guacamole and arguably the world's best shrimp tacos.

12:15 PM. Holy F-ing Shit.  It's 2 for one margs at The Office and now you've lost all control over your limbs. Keep sunglasses on until further notice.

1:00 PM. While you're demobilized in your chair, expect a visit from the Mexican Rambo.  Don't try to resist his tequila shots.  DO pull away if he tries to steal a kiss.

Note to self.  Refrain from making kissy face when Mexican Rambo does steal kiss.

Visiting Halong Bay, Vietnam

If you're in the business of bucketlist check offs then a trip to Vietnam would be insufficient without a junk boat cruise through Halong Bay.  Sanctioned by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the over 1600 limestone islands jutting up from crystal waters are a preserved homage to mother nature.   

Booking

Indochina junk boats will have all you need to know and more. Book a private charter boat (4-10 people) or the 24 suite luxury Dragon Legend (more info below).  I know it seems like a whole lot of travel time just for one night at Halong Bay, but believe me, one night is plenty. Make sure you prebook your boat in advance, as they can fill up quickly.

Why you need to spend a weekend in Hanoi, Vietnam

I'm lucky to be able to say that I am well traveled.  I've navigated the narrow alleyways in Marrakech and floated through the islands of Greece.  I've been paragliding in Colombia and scuba diving in Hawaii.  And while I haven't seen it all, I feel relatively unfazed by culture shock.  Yet here I found myself on the other side of the world, covering my head, saying a prayer, and screaming bloody murder while I made a run for it across the bustling streets and I was... well, shocked.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, yet it is far more traditional than the larger, and more cosmopolitan, southern city of Ho Chi Minh. The run down and relaxed Hanoi is often overlooked by tourists as simply a transit to the rice paddies of Sapa or the gorgeous waters of Halong Bay.  And while I'm sure Sapa is great and Halong Bay is stunning, Hanoi's got it's own splendor if you give it a chance.

Hanoi, Vietnam 

Hanoi is magical in a way that only a true nomad can appreciate. The sights, the smells, the food, the absolute chaos, the tranquility... it's all at once miserably overwhelming and perfectly beautiful.  I fell in love with the people and their quickness to laughter. I was enthralled by the history and religion.  And the food? Nothing will ever compare. Hanoi was a city I wanted to return to before I had even left.

Where to Stay
I recommend staying at the Hanoi Elegance in the old quarter.  It is a chain of boutique hotels that offer impeccable service and accommodations for an affordable rate.  Great locations, wonderful staff and an impressive complimentary breakfast spread had me hooked. 

For a five star hotel experience I recommend the Sofitel in the French quarter.  You will not feel any Vietnamese culture here, but you will find this hotel to be a French colonial sanctuary. 



What to Do
I recommend setting up a local tour guide (cost will be around $35/day) with the front desk when you arrive.  Without one, you will not be able to cross the street and therefore stuck exploring only the block that your hotel is located on.  No really, you need to be taught how to cross the street here.  It's pandemonium.  Picture 1 vespa with a family of five clutching on zipping through hundreds of other vespas carrying an equal load of people/random objects (saw someone on the freeway with a 8 foot rug on the back of her bike).  

Start at the Ngoc Son Temple to pay your respects to Confucius and lost loved ones. From here walk along the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, keeping your eyes peeled for rare turtle sitings.  

Ngoc Son Temple

A Weekend in Tokyo

WELCOME TO TOKYO!

Sensoji Temple

   Let's come to terms with one thing before we plan our Tokyo vacation, shall we?  Tokyo is not one of those cities that will ever feel conquerable.  In much the same way that you can't 'do NYC', Tokyo is just too expansive and too innovative to ever feel like you can really cross it off your bucket list just from a short trip.  Bummer, I know, but at least now you can enjoy the land of sushi sans outrageous expectations.  Moving on. 

WHERE TO STAY:

   Where you stay will depend entirely on what type of traveler you are.  Since traffic is absurd, cabs cost a fortune… and you could suffocate to death on the subway during rush hour…  I suggest choosing a region of the city you prefer first and planning your lodging from there.

O'ahu Hawaii - Your full Itinerary!

Close your eyes and envision the landscape of heaven for a moment.  Got it?  Good.  Welcome to Hawaii.

As I have yet to visit the other Hawaiian islands I can't comment on O'ahu being the best - But I can say that my trip to Honolulu surpassed any trip to the Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Aruba.. or any other tropical paradise.  We chose O'ahu because, while still offering the remote lazy beach life, the island is vibrant with nightlife and restaurants in Waikiki and Honolulu. Okay, well and it was the least expensive flight from LA.  

Where to stay:

Turtle Bay on the North Shore.  Newly renovated, Turtle Bay resort offers unbelievable beach views from every room, championship

New Orleans: The Eat-cation

This past week I earned a very coveted foodie badge:  

Eating (and drinking) my way through New Orleans! 

I know you are jealous.. and you should be.  My long weekend of indulging in beignets and po'boys was one for the books.  But since I'm trying to build my karma tank, I have decided to share my eating itinerary with you.... so you too can have the best eat-cation of your life.


Places you MUST visit, and what you MUST order:

COMMANDERS PALACE 
  Perfect.  There is no other word to describe it.  The atmosphere, the live music, the food, the service, the location. I could never imagine visiting New Orleans without making a trip to Commander's Palace.  I would go so far to say that I would make a special trip to Louisiana JUST to visit

STAGECOACH: What to expect

Coming off an epic weekend at Coachella, I had sworn myself to couch potatoism for at least the next month in hopes of partial mental and physical recuperation. 

A mere 2 weeks later and I felt ready to emerge, agreeing to attend an engagement party in Newport.  It would be a mellow adult night of wine and fake laughter that I was genuinely looking forward to.  As I carefully applied lipstick in the bathroom mirror, I overheard two distinct words that stopped me in my glossing: “Stagecoach” & “tickets.”

I arose from my closet with such a clatter (too early for Christmas references? Bummer.) and stormed into the bedroom to confront my boyfriend, Matt.  I caught enough of the conversation to know I was included and seconds later I had traded my skirt for cut offs and my heels for boots.  Yee-Haw!

And so a weekend equal to Coachella only in epic-ness and location began.  And this is what I learned:

New Orleans, Where to Stay

Where to stay:

In my opinion there is only one hotel option in New Orleans, and that is the Windsor Court.  The beautiful French elegance oozes from the walls, but not in a theatrical way.  The hotel is classy and comfortable with high tea and harpists at 3pm sharp followed by live jazz for evening drinks.  The suites are enormous and feel akin to a spacious one bedroom apartment in Paris.  An enormous opulent vanity, a separate sitting room and an expansive view of the city make this hotel one of my favorites ever, not just for New Orleans.  

        The food was impeccable, the brunch offering the only healthy options I found throughout the city, and the service on point.  I felt transcended to a French countryside chateau as I enjoyed a complimentary glass of champagne with the tart cherries, mixed nuts and truffled popcorn.      Regrettably, I did not review the restaurant for lunch or dinner, but I was pleased with the Boudin balls and chefs garden butter lettuce from the Polo Club Lounge.  I was pleasantly surprised to find

A long weekend in New Orleans

The air is thick and sticky, making it difficult to breath deeply.  The smell of vomit and sewerage is so pungent that you gag with each step.  Drunken tourists slur and stumble past you, their heavily beaded necklaces clanking together.  Some pudgy guy haggles you to enter the strip club he’s promoting by offering 2 for 1 drinks.  The music from the bars are all competing for your attention, aggravating your already pounding head. You have blisters from your flip flops and you have completely sweated through your shirt.  The sugar rush from your frozen drink has gone to your head and you are dizzy with intoxication. But you are on Bourbon Street.  And you are blissfully happy.

New Orleans is a beast.  It’s loud and boisterous, drunken and crass.  The streets are filthy and sinful and the food will put you at risk for a heart attack.  But the city is alive and vibrant.  The music, the culture, the history… it’s unparalleled by any other place I have visited in my life.   I encourage everyone to put Nah ‘Leans at the top of their travel bucketlist.  And immediately.  New Orleans will be a culture shock, but if you survive, you’ll emerge all the better.

I've got quite a lot to say about this city.  Here is my quick list itinerary of the perfect long weekend.  Below please click on the links for full reviews of hotels, restaurants and activities.

DAY 1:
Check into Windsor Court Hotel
Lunch at Mother's
Walk to Bourbon Street, get a frozen daquiri and/or hand grenade and soak in the action, stroll through surrounding streets
Go to Mardi Gras World
Dinner at G.W. Fins
Hurricanes at Pat OBriens dueling piano room

DAY 2:
Ride the street car to Commanders Palace for Brunch
See uptown, walk through the cemeteries, check out Audubon Park/Zoo

Cartagena, Colombia

Three days in Palomino, and I was reenergized and sporting a lovely sun kissed glow.  The caribbean beaches might be the end all be all for some backpackers, but for me, too much resting makes me stir crazy.  So off to Cartagena we went.

How can I describe Cartagena in a way that exemplifies the magic of this walled city?  It has the charm of a historic town in Spain, the vibe of a caribbean island and the nightlife of ibiza all nestled within these grand walls enclosing the city.

The stone fortress walls stood proud against the crashing waves of the mediterranean, as we entered through them. I was overwhelmed with how pristine and gorgeous the city squares

A weekend in Nashville

I will revisit this post later with a more comprehensive review --- but for now here's a brief itinerary of what to do and where to stay on your weekend zip trip to NASHVILLE, TN!

Where to stay:
Opryland Gaylord Hotel -  This is the Disneyworld of Nashville, complete with gondola rides through the inside riverways, 17+ restaurants, and a quaint little village where you can do everything from get a mani to buy overpriced souvenirs.  Situated next to the Grand Ole Opry, an enormous mall and across from the Willie Nelson Museum one would assume that the location is superb, but this is the one downfall with the hotel.  It is quite a drive to the action of Broadway Street and the main heart of Nashville.  That being said, there are shuttles and ample parking.  And you really can't beat the price.  (normally under $200/night, but they are always running special promotions.

If you're keen on staying in the action, opt for the OmniNashville or Hyatt Place.  Try to get as close to Broadway as possible and avoid staying near the Vanderbilt (unless of course that is the purpose of your visit).

What to do: 
1.  You have to see a show at the Grand Ole Opry.  It is imperative.  If you're not a country fan then I'm concerned you chose the wrong weekend vacation destination.  BUT even if you don't love the

Palomino, Colombia, Where to Stay & What to Do

If postcard worthy caribbean backdrops and frozen daiquiris is what you crave, then Palomino is an essential stop for your Colombia adventure.

We transferred our stay from The Dreamer Hostel in Santa Marta to The Dreamer Hostel in Palomino, and while Santa Marta was lovely... the hostel in Palomino offers an unparalleled paradise.


 Little 'towns' drifted by during the two hour van ride with intermittent ocean views peeking through

Santa Marta: Where to stay and What to do

SANTA MARTA

WHERE TO STAY

My research on where to stay in Santa Marta pretty much started and ended by reading that the Dreamer Hostel was rated best hostel in Colombia for 2014.

Dreamer Hostel was the perfect change of pace from the nonstop party at Casa Kiwi in Medellin.  Tucked away on a quiet road, the tranquility envelops you the moment you step through the front door and up to the thatched roof check in desk.  Hammocks are strung from every palm tree surrounding the large pool.  Backpackers lounging around, some with brightly colored frozen cocktails, reading and sunbathing.  The hostels bar, pool table and full service (delicious!) restaurant are located on the ground level, with rooms surrounding the perimeter.  Upstairs, there is a full kitchen for backpackers personal use, a tv lounge and computer station.  

Each room was a different theme around the world, with vivid wall paintings and a cheery disposition.  We bunked up in a four person shared room with an in suite bathroom for $10 USD a night, but

Medellin to Santa Marta, Getting There

Medellin is one of those infectious places that if you miss your flight, whether on purpose or not, you run the risk of staying forever.

And it was tempting.  Another 'hot havana night' in the salsa club and I might have fallen pray to the Medellin drug.  No, not cocaine, but something much more irresistable - the passion of the city and the people who inhabit it.  

But in the grand scheme of my travel itinerary, Medellin was just the jumping off point for a much more elaborate adventure.

So off to Santa Marta we went.  We opted for the $40 USD plane ride (over the 9 hour similarly priced bus ride) to the Caribbean Coast.  

The air was excruciatingly heavy with humidity as we waited by the luggage belt.  Backpacks in tow, we stepped into the blazing heat and flagged down taxis.  We hugged the crystal blue coastline during the majority of our hour drive before veering inland through some rather impoverished neighborhoods and arriving at the Dreamers Hostel. The locals seemed to be moving in slow motion, the heat so thick that one couldn't be bothered by hurrying. 

Correction.  No one was hurrying besides the crazed drivers in cars and mopeds zooming in out of traffic at erratic speeds.  And our taxi driver was no exception; accelerating around corners, nearly clipping motorists, I felt like I was on a ride at Disney.   I noticed the crew and cast snoozing behind me, letting the dead weight of their bodies drift with the sharp turns... and I smiled.  I never could sleep on car rides if we were venturing to some place I had never visited.  The journey, more times than not, provides a real life observation into the lives of locals and the true landscape of a country; something you just don't experience from the globalized destination cities catering to tourists.  Often I find that the rides are my favorite points of reflection.  To recount the joys of the first destination, marveling over the sense of familiarity and assimilation that occurs, and to anticipate the second destination while an unfamiliar landscape drifts by your window.

Medellin, Colombia - What to do

Of course go to Medellin for the nightlife, but don't drink so many Colombia Reds that you waste your days sleeping.  This city has a lot to offer and it would be a true shame to spend your day locked in your room at Casa Kiwi (no matter how great of a review I gave the hostel!). 

Great, we're in agreement.  But before you get all anxious about exploring the city, I need you to book your tour with Pablo for "The Real City Tours of Medellin".  I don't care if you 'hate tours' or how much 'cooler' you think the Pablo Escobar Tour will be ...sign up for the FREE walking tour with Pablo as soon as you possibly can.  Just do it, then leave me a comment immediately after thanking me. Actually, I'll leave you my address so you can send me a thank you edible arrangement.   I like dark chocolate.   

THE REAL CITY TOURS 

Again.  This is FREE, you tip at the end if you enjoyed the tour.  The tour guide, Pablo, will walk you through the city he was born and raised in, recounting the history in a lively narrative along the

Casa Kiwi - The best hostel in Medellin, Colombia

Casa Kiwi is by no means a hidden gem.  Actually, I'd go as far to say that it is unanimously considered the best hostel in Medellin, Colombia.

Of course I met plenty of other backpackers who had pleasant stays at Pit Stop or Buddah Hostel, but these hostels were their second choices.  Not because Casa Kiwi was cleaner, or cheaper, or even in a better location ...no, it's something else.  There's something about the community at Casa Kiwi that is unlike any other hostel I've visited. 

 Let me back up and explain. 

LOCATION:

Casa Kiwi is located in the El Poblado district of Medellin.  Arguably the only place fit to stay on your visit if you want to be in a safe, beautiful area that is home to the best nightlife and restaurants of the city.  The clean streets are lined with every type of restaurant you could imagine - from traditional

Medellin, Colombia - first expectations

Medellin, Colombia as a tourist hotspot doesn't initially resonate well with the general public.  It is all too easy to associate the city with violence, drugs and fear.  And, well, those assumptions aren't necessarily unfounded. Pablo Escobar did terrorize the region, transforming a once booming cultural hub to a frightened and bloodied battlefield.  And while travel advisories have lifted, the heavy past feels unshakeable to an outside eye. 

For my first time visiting South America, I mentally promised myself to let go of preconceived notions and embark on this journey uninhibited.  Albeit my mother's warning "your kidneys will be harvested after your sold to the sex trade" was quite difficult to forget... no matter how absurd the notion was. 

I was relieved by the cleanliness and order of the airport. Yet a bit surprised to find no one spoke

Backpacking South America- what to pack

Hooray!  I am about to embark on a South America vacation with only what I pack in my backpack to weigh me down.

Wait.  What. 

Prissy or not, I like 'packing security' and bring full size zebra print suitcases for three day weekends in Vegas.  This is the same girl that brought 10 bathing suits for a 7 day yacht trip through Greece.  Just in case I wanted some mid day wardrobe changes I suppose.  The same girl who brought two oversized suitcases (yes, more-than-50-pounds-pay-extra-oversized) to study abroad in Spain.. but came home with three to house the 9 pairs of shoes I couldn't-live-without and had-to-buy when there. 

So I challenged myself, to really cut corners, bring only the essentials and pack as lightly as possible to leave room for a pair or two of those can't-live-without purchases.  And I did it. 

THE BACKPACK:

Lets take a moment to chat about pack size.  I bought mine off ebay for $45.  The brand is 'Creeper'

EDC Las Vegas: what to expect!

It has taken me a full week to digest EDC Las Vegas... And I'm still not fully sure that I've made sense of the whirlwind adventure.

Here's a few of my lessons learned. Ill post more soon, but I feel compelled to share the best.. And craziest.. weekend of my life with you.

1. The festival starts at 6pm. And goes until 6am. I know. Ludicrous. This is something you should seriously mull over. I didn't find out until I was driving up to
Vegas. Panic ensues.

2. Talking about driving. Don't. Buy a flight a few months ahead of time. Or better yet flirt your way into a private jet.

3. I know. You waited too long and all the flights are foolishly expensive. You now have two options. You can drive on thurs or sat am. We left sat at 6am. You cannot leave la at any time on Friday and think you'll get there in any less than 6 hours.

4. Getting from your hotel to the festival and back home again sucks ...if you're not fabulous. We ranked semi fabulous so we got to take the complimentary artist bus instead of the 80 Dollar wait for 4 hours peasant bus. The only real way to get there is via helicopter though. And anyone whose anyone is traveling via heli. Word is they have a little sponsored bar at the launch pad. Talk about luxury.

5. A regular wristband gets you into the festival where you can walk to all 6 stages, watch all the parades, go on the rides, eat, drink, and rage your face off with the happiest people on earth (yes more so than kids at Disney). The VIP brings you to a separate elevated area at the back of main stage. There is a full service sit down restaurant and bar here. The artist, Guest wristbands or a marquee wristband admits you to marquees bottle service area and backstage of the other stages. And the coveted guest of Pasquale or Jason Strauss wrist band gets you to an even more exclusive bottle service area.

6. Dress appropriately. It's hot and dusty and you're going to be dancing for 12 hours. Heels probably aren't your best bet. Closed toe sneaks, neon and crop tops is perfect. Tu tus and furry boots with pasties isn't quite me... But be my guest if this is what you're after. You'll fit right in with the ravers pushing towards the stage.

7. This is a drug culture. Watch your drink and don't be pressured into take Molly or ecstasy or whatever else everyone is consuming if you don't want to. Believe me, the show is mind altering enough without the enhancement of drugs.

Embrace this experience. We're living history in the way our parents did at Woodstock. This is the modern hippie festival where everyone has the free love mantra. The stages, lights, headliners and production is out of this world, over the top, amazing. Your senses will be shocked; you'll be dazzled and wowed beyond your wildest fantasies. If you're lucky enough to get one of the passes to the bottle service tables... Well enjoy that too but don't be afraid to walk around and experience the festival for all that it is. You'll feel exhausted and lifeless after three long days, but honestly it is
worth it. I promise.

Peace. Love. Unity. 🌻