Tag Archives: traveler

Culture, Travel

An unrealistic Romance with a place called Cuba.

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My love for Latin culture runs deep.  The irony is I have no idea why.  I grew up with German roots in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and yet a salsa song comes on and you’d think I’m busy celebrating my very own Quincenara.  I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many incredible adventures to Latin countries- from Colombia to Costa Rica and now to Cuba.  I’ve wanted to go to Cuba for so many years I’ve lost count.  When Obama opened up travel, I was thrilled for the chance to finally learn more about this country, it’s people, arts and music and get the Real Real on this country.

Needless to say, I was a bit…..hmmm, how shall we say, oddly surprised?

I know my expectations might be slightly off- The spirits of Buena Vista Social Club Streets playing throughout the streets, while couples dance Salsa with reckless abandon.  Instead, it was more like streets ripped up. Riddled with trash. Clearly uncared for, for decades.  This country has endured a lifetime of entrapment, not only NOT moving forward….not staying as is either, as nature still manages to take its course in dilapidating and breaking down not only the land but also the buildings.  This stunning beautiful architecture crumbling and dilapidated. People residing in buildings that have no windows, floors of rubble.  Perhaps even a tree growing out from where the foundation used to be.

Inspired and stunning architecture still remains within the soul of this city.  Even if most of the buildings appear to be dilapidated, blown out- as if a war had taken its toll.  Though in reality, most of these buildings being owned by the government and unfortunately not upkept by its residents has turned this great potential into a sad reality.

As you walk the streets you can feel the pain this city has endured.  From the many years of revolution and take over from other countries.  This is not a city to be taken lightly.  For it’s people have incredible heart and determination.  Not to mention loyalty.  To my surprise, everywhere I turned was either the image of Che or a memorial of sorts for their recently lost Fidel.  I’ve never been to a communist country before this excursion and I was apparently a bit surprised to discover, learn, experience and bear witness to the life within.  And yet with all of this said, this place is still incredibly hopeful.  Mangrove trees line the streets.  A colorful life exists around them.  And the people, who offer beautiful smiles, despite the struggle are filled with the spirit and soul to believe that one day Cuba can truly be CUBA LIBRE!

 
Culture, Travel

Iceland, the land of magic

For a few years now, I’ve wanted to check out the magical mystery of Iceland.  Though to be honest, it wasn’t quite at the top of the list.  Though timing just happened to be perfect for a new excursion in what would end up being one of the most unique adventures of a lifetime!  And like most wanderlust spirits, there are many places that we’re naturally drawn to, from a passion to experience a new culture, new land or simply to explore and experience life in some place that is foreign to us.  Then there’s Iceland, which offers all of that and then some!!

Often when booking trips, I do a bit of preliminary research, “instagram scouring” and the like, though I typically wait to commit to plans, until I’ve had a chance to take in some of the local suggestions to ensure I’m fully able to indulge in all the flavors, sights and culture of the country once there.

I grabbed a gal pal, scored a deal on WOW Air, booked a spectacular Airbnb flat and off we went.  We arrived at the crack of dawn on a freeeeeeezing winter day, after no sleep on your standard red eye and yet fired up and inspired to take it all in.  We took the first day to wander the streets and harbor of Reykjavik.  It’s a quaint little city and quite small indeed.  In fact, the entire population of Iceland is approximately 300,000 so you can imagine, the city tends to feel rather familiar in no time at all.  Which, in turn, makes it even more welcoming!  In fact, it’s so small that even as we drove for hours and miles out in the middle of nowhere, we still managed to run into the same couple all around the Island- on three separate occasions.  Sadly, however, this did not mean a run-in with Bjork as I was hoping.

After checking out our new “home” for the next week we headed off to check out Þingvellir National Park, which is a beautiful drive through vast snow covered, and at times, quite barren land.  With that being said, let me suggest that whenever there’s a gas station along the drive whether on the golden circle or simply around Iceland- stop.  This was suggested to me and I was beyond thankful to be overly cautious about it as there were times when it felt as though gas or no gas, you could easily get stranded out on the road.  The funny thing about Iceland is you’ll see at many souvenir shops items that say: I Survived Iceland.  And although funny and cheeky in some ways, it’s legit.  From the driving to some activities- it can be an bit intense experience. From within the park, we toured around the see the famous Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall that are located within the park.  They’re in close proximity to one another, so it’s a great way to check off and enjoy both wonders in the same afternoon.

Day 2, after a few drinks celebrating our arrival and first night out…oh and a few hours of sleep (Jet lag….what’s Jet lag when you’re running on pure adrenaline and enthusiasm!) , we were once again off for another day of exploration.  We arrived again in the park with some time to spare for a hike around to see some sights before our first Icelandic adventure began.  Snorkeling in a balmy -2 degrees celsius at Silfra.  This is the only place in the world where you can dive between two continents   Although the thought of immersing yourself in such frigid waters for a tour seems not overly welcoming, it is by far something that must be seen.  So, toughen up for an hour or so, throw on your flippers and dive on in!  The stunning turquoise waters and unique experience will be worth your while.  Plus, when else can you swim between and touch two continents at the same time.  Don’t miss it.

As you venture off throughout the country, be sure to keep your eye out for the Icelandic horses, typically hanging out on the side of the road…simply waiting for your arrival and adoration.  Which is not hard to do, as they are simply adorable creatures!  In fact, there is much to see along the way.  From waterfalls on the side of the road, to stunning landscapes for miles and miles, the road trip itself reinforces the idea of enjoying the journey….not just the destination.  So, with some good tunes, a full tank of gas, a big cup of Joe and a spirit ready for adventure, the road and all it’s sights await you within Iceland.  Enjoy the ride!

 

 

Culture

Who takes the Bus?

When in Rio a few years ago, we took the bus to go from Leblon to Copacabana and to be honest I was a bit snobbish about it. I thought…Who takes the bus? However, my ignorance was based on the fact that Americans don’t often take the bus. Nor much public transportation for that matter. Especially in Southern California. The east coast, certainly a bit more, especially in the larger metro areas of Ny, Philly and DC. Though I’ve realize why. It’s highly inefficient there.

When working for Westfield I had a meeting in LA and refused to sit one more early and long morning in that insane 405 traffic. So I decided to take the train. Why not!  The train station is a mere two blocks from my little neighborhood of little Italy and seemed rather convenient and a nice experience. And it was. As For anyone who has taken the train along the Southern California coast will most likely agree that it is picturesque, as you travel along the spectacular coastline. However once you arrive in LA. That’s where the inefficiently comes into play. Upon arrival I had to then call an Uber to take a 45 minute ride to my office. And this was after 3 hours on the train. Mind you, without traffic LA is technically only a 2 hour drive. Though no traffic and LA really never go together. As I’ve even been stuck in traffic on the freeway in the middle of the night-Its that bad!
I arrived safely 4 hours later to my 4 hour meeting to then turn around and carpool with a colleagues for 5 hours home on the freeway. I’ve never been great with math though I can tell you that a 9 hour commute for a 4 hour meeting doesn’t seem to make much sense.  Put simply, that’s a commute that doesn’t compute!
So now. Here I am in Paris. No car. At the “mercy” of public transport. And I have to say I’m delightfully surprised at how well I’ve taken to it all!
For my final weeks of living in Paris, I’m residing in the “burbs” for yet another experience of my life in France. So, to get to the city of lights, I now either walk 30 minutes to the metro, or take a bus to the station, though you never quite know when it will show. Though I must say, it’s quite nice.  No worries about stressing on the freeway…Nutty drivers, commuters eating a breakfast burrito with one hand and applying mascara with the other. Just once in awhile, having to manage a fellow metro passenger nutcase.  And yes there are plenty of those. Nonetheless, it has been a delightful experience taking on the public transportation. And I can only hope that the states someday, somehow, someway find a way to offer efficient public transportation in future. Better for the environment and certainly better for our sanity!  Plus there’s often great entertainment in the corridors of the metro, even on the train themselves. Not to mention it’s been a great “life lesson” in seeing others be courteous to one another and showing random acts of kindness. Letting the elderly and or the ladies take their seat when the metro is packed like sardines or in helping an older woman bring her heavy suitcase up the metro stairs.  All of it truly warms my heart.  Manners….ahhh…oh so refreshing.  Now if only some of the smells on the metro were just as refreshing, we’d be fairly close to perfection!