Bahamas, cruise, Florida, Hawaiian Shirts, tour guides

The Grand Celebration Cruise Line

Everyone likes to win prizes.  The best thing I have ever won was a pots and pans set from a tiny diner in North Dakota called Mr. and Mrs. J’s.  The only problem was that I was 14 so I didn’t really realize the value of a good pots and pans set. It was a wasted win.

My boyfriend on the other hand got that phone call we all wait for…HE WON A FREE CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS! After the initial excitement, he waited for all the fees and fine print.  It turned out to be a timeshare.   Luckily, we live in the sunny state of California where we are exempt from doing timeshares and could still take the vacation! (What…who knew that was a thing?) We decided to take the offer though we were obviously worried it was too good to be true. Luckily, that wasn’t the case and we were about embark on the Grand Celebration Cruise Line

The cruise, as offered, would set sail from the Port of Palm Beach in Florida.  We would get a two-night stay at the “luxurious” Radisson Inn, a rental car, the cruise and then a one night stay in the Bahamas. We were responsible for the flight and all taxes and fees.

Here is the breakdown of the fees: 

  • 2 nights in Florida at the Radisson Inn taxes and fees-$40 ($15 per day resort fee + taxes)
  • Car rental taxes and fees-$75
  • Pier parking-$17 per day
  • Service charge on boat-$12 per day per person
  • Fuel Charge on boat-$9 per day per person
  • Bus transportation on the island-$18 per person round trip
  • Grand Lucayan resort fee-9$ per person per night
  • Grand Lucayan energy surcharge-$10 per day per room

We decided to take the offer, stay in the Bahamas for 4 nights, and brought my sister and her boyfriend along for the adventure!

 

cruise, ship, Bahamas, Florida, Grand Celebration Cruise Line

Once you arrive at the Radisson, you must pick up your vouchers. MAKE SURE each person’s name is on the vouchers.  This could be a huge problem when you get to the Bahamas.  You will have to spend the whole morning of your first day in a long line where numerous people try and figure out what went wrong while you stare at the tropical beach through a window with utter despair.  The Radisson also offers a free buffet.  It just happens to be the worst buffet I have ever had.  Everything had been sitting out for hours.  You can’t trust a place that has bad macaroni and cheese…so maybe skip that.

The ship boards at the Port of Palm Beach and a passport is required for all guests who are staying on the island. If you do not get off the ship you can use a birth certificate rather than a passport.  Don’t fall for the “room with a view” upgrade.  It’s the same exact room as those without a view, except for a teeny tiny circular window that has such thick, foggy glass you can’t see out of it anyway.  You CANNOT bring alcohol on the ship so be prepared to spend some money on board if you are a drinker.  I would also like to note that the legal drinking age on international waters is 18.

 

Grand Celebration Cruise Line, Florida, Bahamas, vacation, rooms
Grand Celebration Cruise Line, rooms, vacation, cruise, Bahamas, Florida

Once we were all settled in on the Grand Bahama Celebration, we realized we were on the Holiday Inn of ships.  It used to be a Carnival ship, 15 years retired.  Everyone shuffles into an auditorium for a safety meeting where you find out that there are enough boats if there is an emergency and there won’t be a repeat of the Titanic. There is an MC at the safety meeting who just happens to be the MC all over the boat.  Somehow, he appears everywhere consistently trying to sell you watches or jewelry that you can get for a “real special price” once you get to the island.  It seems the Bahamas have a lot of rare gems that no one has ever laid eyes on.

The moment we stepped on the ship there was food.  There is a breakfast buffet, after breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, mid-day BBQ, snacks, dinner buffet, after dinner buffet, late night snacks…you get the picture.  Luckily the food was much better than the Radisson buffet, so we were mildly uncomfortable from overeating the entire trip. If you pay twenty-five extra dollars per person you can eat in the fancy sit down restaurant.  It was worth it not because of the food, but because you get to share your table with strangers  which always makes for an interesting conversation.  We just so happened to be seated next to an ex-FBI Republican from Texas and his lovely trophy wife who hadn't left the house in over a year.  I couldn’t have written these two characters better myself!

The nights on the boat were full of activities ranging from corn hole to Karaoke.  My sister got second place in the competitive corn hole competition, proudly walking away with two drink vouchers.  We played ping pong for hours listening to Karaoke that pierced through most of the ship.  The boat was relatively empty.  Some people were gambling, a few were dancing at the club, but most were at the Legends show where there was a Dean Martin impersonator that stared at himself in the mirror while he sang…the entire time! It seemed many of the passengers were middle-aged Midwesterners who had sat through the time share and were ready to let loose.   It was prime people watching material.

Overall I would recommend this cruise if you don’t have huge expectations.  The Grand Celebration sails every other day of the week which allows for a 1 night, 4 night, or 6 night stay in the Bahamas. All things considered, it’s relatively cheap and a great way to visit the Bahamas.  I even noticed on their website Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line you can enter to win a free cruise right at the top!  

Like any vacation, it’s all about who you go with.

 

 


Living the Dream…Enjoying the Journey

Whenever I read about traveling, it always has to do with enjoying the journey rather than the destination. Most often when we get to the destination it’s nothing like we could have imagined.  It’s amazing how this holds true not only when traveling but in life and following your dreams in general. I feel like I woke up one day and was like “FML, I am thirty…what the hell am I doing!? It seems everyone on Facebook has their shit together with their baby and dog pictures and I am still struggling to pay rent and eating ninety-nine cent mac and cheese (not ideal… though delicious). I thought I was supposed to be a working actress by now!??” Then I began to question, how does one know if they are actually living their dreams or not?

I feel like the first lesson in achieving your dreams is to stop comparing yourself to other people.  Facebook is not real.  There is no way every single person is having the best day of their lives EVERY DAY.  In fact, I think it’s vital to take breaks from social media all together.   It’s important to really understand that everyone’s path is different.  Do not compare where other people are in their personal journey to your own, because that is not where you are supposed to be.   You just have to accept and be proud of where you are.  Your journey is what is going to shape you to be the best human being that you can be.  It’s so easy to get frustrated when things don’t seem to be going your way, but that’s when you miss out on the good stuff.  When you are thinking about the future or the past, you are missing out on all the delicious, amazing things happening at this very moment.  When you are truly in the moment, your body is so perceptive to your feelings.  Happiness should really be the ultimate goal for every human being.  When we are in the moment we are able to listen to our inner voice or instincts.  Our inner voice is always guiding us towards happiness.

That being said, I am HAPPY to make my first public announcement that I am diving head first into making my second feature film– a Sci-Fi thriller called Interpreters.   I feel like this is a huge step on my journey toward living my personal dream.Interpreters

I will be working with some of the most talented people I know (INCLUDING MY AMAZINGLY TALENTED SISTER AMBER BRACKEN) and we are embarking on the over-whelming journey of shooting a movie. Why, you might ask, wouldn’t I share this news much earlier? The true answer happens to be lesson number two in how to achieve your dreams-trust what people do, not what they say.  I have painfully learned that the entertainment industry is riddled with a lot of talk and not a lot of action.  I also know that type of behavior is not exclusive to the entertainment industry. It’s really easy to talk about our dreams, but it’s much more difficult to actually do something to make them happen.  This lesson has been so valuable, and I wish I would have really understood this many years ago (though I am sure a much wiser adult must have told me this at some point). We can’t really depend on something happening until it’s truly happening, and we can only be responsible for ourselves.   We have no control over the words or decisions of other people, and need to be 100 percent responsible for our own actions.  Your dream life doesn’t happen by itself, you need to make it happen. We get to actively create our destiny and have a fucking amazing time along the way.

If you would have asked me 10 years ago where I thought I would be at age 30, it isn’t exactly where I am at currently.  I still have to work a million part-time jobs to pay my bills; I am renting a two bedroom with the bathroom the size of a closet with three people; and I spend more time as a production assistant for infomercials about hair removal than I do acting.  BUT when I stop and look back at the last ten years, MY JOURNEY, I realize that I am actively achieving my dreams.  I have an amazing life.  I just have to trust that what I put into the universe will come back to me…especially love.  Every day I need to practice gratitude and love for all of my blessings because I actively get to make choices every day, and I choose to be happy.  I have the power to choose to love my journey.

I am MAKING A MOVIE.  Those words roll off my tongue and fills me with so much joy and yet, it’s like nothing I could have imagined.  There is no big budget, no first class flights, no tropical weather, no fancy hotels, and no Brad Pitts.  Instead, my dreams coming true consists of 15 hour days, minimum wage, Super 8 motels, and living in Redding, California for a month away from my boyfriend and family. It’s not glamorous and it’s definitely not making me rich.  It requires so much sacrifice in many other areas of my life, but I am LIVING my dream in this very instant. My dreams aren’t happening right in front of my eyes, they are happening in my heart.  I am living them right now and I can’t wait to share this journey.  If you are actively pursing your dreams, don’t get frustrated if things don’t seem to be going as planned.  Stop, put things into perspective, and you will realize you are in the perfect place on YOUR journey.   Enjoy it!

Sisters, Famous, Walk of Fame, Actress

Watch Out World


Magic Kingdom, Disney

The Happiest Place On Earth-Disney World

Disney really is the happiest place on earth, and I can almost guarantee most haters will be converted if they spend just one day in the park.  My sister and I were definitely Disney believers and have turned the haters in our lives (our boyfriends) into the most faithful Disney followers.  Even the grumpiest can’t help but smile with the endless food and fun.  That is why, as a 30-year-old who wanted to travel around the world, I figured the best way to kick off my trip was with a huge dose of DISNEY MAGIC.

Disney, Star Wars, Disney World, Magic Kingdom

There is not a right or wrong way to do Disney World but everyone has different preferences.  Some people prefer to do half days taking naps in the afternoon while others like to have every little detail planned out.  My crew and I like to GO HARD! We don’t mess around when it comes to our Disney experience but this does require a little planning ahead of time.

I suggest planning for your Disney World adventure up to six months in advance, only because that’s often when you can get the best deals. Always check the “special offers” page of the Disney World website for room discounts, discounted tickets, and dining offers. Travel at off peak times for the best deals and lowest prices on lodging.  The week days are always less crowded than the weekends, and if you really want to miss the crowds, go when school is in session rather than on holidays and spring break. We went at the end of October right around Halloween and that proved to be the perfect time. We had to watch out for the Magic Kingdom Halloween Nights (which requires a separate ticket), but besides that the park was relatively slow and the weather was great.  There is also the added bonus of everyone dressing up for Halloween which makes the park even more fun.

Disney Halloween Nights, Disney World, facepaint

Another reason you want to plan early is because dining reservations fill up really quickly.  The most popular dining spots like Bell’s Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom are reserved months in advance (up to 180 days).   Everyone wants to try the grey stuff, it’s delicious.  Disney also offers Dining Plans which are a great option, but be aware that one meal goes A LONG WAY.  I personally felt that four people could get 2 meals a day with 2 snacks and have more than enough food. Sharing is the way to go and is way more cost effective.   If you are going with small children, two or three of them would be able to share one meal.

DISNEY TIP: Instead of buying expensive bottles of water, you can go up to any restaurant and ask them for a cup of water for FREE! Nothing tastes better than free.

When buying your tickets, be aware that kids 3 and under get in for free.  You also have to decide if you want to do a park hopper or not.  We allotted one day for Magic Kingdom, one day for Epcot, and then we did a park hopper the third day for Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  That ended up working great for us but if you have small children, one park a day is more than enough.  Make sure if you’re celebrating anything to let Disney know.  They will give you a button for almost any occasion and you never know when a little magic pixie dust will get you a free desert or an upgrade.  Disney is the master of making their guests feel special.  They realize that this could be the only vacation a family (or a group of “adult children”) may ever be able to take and want to make sure its magical.

Choosing where to stay for your Disney adventure can also be a daunting task.  If you really want the full experience, I highly suggest staying at a Disney Resort.  If you stay at a Disney Resort, you can take advantage of the early morning magic hours when you can enter the park before regular guests.  There are all kinds of price ranges for almost every budget, but it’s really great to be able to shuttle back and forth from the park.  You never know when you need a nap, a pool break, or want to run back to change clothes because you got soaked from Splash Mountain.

Another great thing about staying at a Disney World Resort is that you get free airport transportation.  Disney will pick you up and drop you off.  If you do decide to drive, you will get free parking at not only the resort but all of the theme parks. When staying at a Disney resort, you can buy any merchandise in the park and it will be delivered directly to your room for free.  My favorite resort perk was the free Disney Magic Bands.Magic Bands, Disney WorldThey serve as your room key, park tickets, fast passes, dining plan, and you can connect your CC or Debit Card so you don’t have to carry anything around the park.  They arrive prior to your trip in a fun little box.  You can personalize their color and your name is printed on the back.  They were magical.

Disney Tip:  With an active Walt Disney World resort reservation you get first access to FastPass and Dining Reservations.

I think it’s really great to do some pre-planning, but just realize that you DO NOT want to over plan.  I would suggest only having a few dining reservations.  The parks are HUGE and there is no way you are going to be able to do everything.  Pick your three fast passes per park and then just be prepared to enjoy the rest of the day.

EPCOT

Epcot, Disney World

 

My favorite park was Epcot.  This is an adult child’s playground.  Not only were the rides geared more towards adults but every year from September- November is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. If you like to eat and drink, it is so much fun!  We literally ate our way around the world grabbing beef from Canada to drinking prosecco in Italy.  I could have just ate and drank the entire day away.  The Illuminations fireworks show is amazing and the views are great from pretty much anywhere around the lake.   A must stop is the Werther’s Caramel Store.  They had the best popcorn and caramel apples in the entire park.

Epcot Tip: Our favorite ride, but easily missed, was mission space.  It’s a simulator thrill-ride that sends guests crashing on Mars.  Pick the “orange” line for one wild ride! (Caution… it can make you ill.)

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom, Disney World

Magic Kingdom, like it’s name suggests, is full of magic.  In my opinion though, Magic Kingdom was much better at Disneyland than Disney World. The rides seemed to be a bit shorter in Florida even though the lines were just as long, and it just seemed like there is more to do in California.  No matter if you are at Disneyland or Disney World, catching the parades and the fireworks show are a must!!!  People start posting up very early to get the best spots.  There is usually a parade right before the fireworks.   We like to grab some corn-dogs and hot chocolate and grab a spot for the parade about an hour and a half early. You want to sit curb side so you are front and center and no one can block your view.  Right after the parade is over, generally the crowd moves center to watch the fireworks.  For the fireworks show, it’s always better to be center and further back from the castle.  Always make sure you double check to make sure there isn’t a tree blocking your view.   I know it’s tempting to ride the rides when everyone else is watching fireworks, but Disney does it best.  Their show is the most magnificent I have seen in my entire life (though the one time my dad accidentally lit an entire box of fireworks on fire on the 4th of July was also very entertaining).

Magic Kingdom Tip: If you get tired and want to rest, take a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.  

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom, Disney World

If you love animals, the Animal Kingdom’s safari ride is great, but the attraction that stole the show for us was Expedition Everest. It’s a high-speed roller coaster through Disney’s version of the Himalayan mountains. Your train will reach a max speed of 50 mph, moving forwards — and backwards — while being pursued by the fierce guardian of the mountain, the Yeti.  I would highly suggest getting a fast pass for this ride.  We rode it over and over.

Animal Kingdom Tip-The only place that served breakfast without a reservation was Starbucks.  Be aware if you get “hangry” in the morning.

Hollywood Studios

We divided a day between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.  That was perfect for us.  We loved the Aerosmith Roller Coaster but the line was extremely long.  We also had a few die hard Star Wars fans so it was really fun to go to Star Tours.  There was a lovely woman working at the burger place right by Star Tours who made our day.  She was about 80-yrs-old and said she still worked at Disney because she loved making people happy. That really sums up our trip.  Despite all the crowds and how expensive it can be, Disney really is a magical place for all.

 

When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

Hollywood Studios, Beer, Disney World, Star Tours

Sometimes it’s fun to make up cheers! “There are friendships and spaceships, now let’s blast off!” -Ivan Olson

 

 


Mosquitoes, Malaria

The Malaria Monster

I felt like once I got to South America I wasn’t the only one who wanted to do the snacking.  Whether it was spiders, bed bugs, ants, fleas, the occasional bat, or MOSQUITOES, everything wanted to eat me.

The threat is real people!!!!!

Mosquitoes are the bane of every traveler’s existence.  Not only do they cause those nasty, itchy welts, but they can also kill you with one little bite.  Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest “animal” in the world.  The Anopheles mosquito, in particular, is the most dangerous because it transmits Malaria, which kills more than one million people every single year!   I found it very interesting to find out that only female mosquitoes bite people.  Females need the protein in blood to help their eggs develop.  The average mosquito’s lifespan is less than two months but under ideal conditions, females lay eggs about every THREE days.  No wonder why she bites!

What is Malaria?

Malaria occurs as a result of a bite from an infected Anopheles mosquito, a mosquito infected with Plasmodium parasites.

Following a bite, the parasites enter the person’s bloodstream and quickly migrate to the liver, where they rapidly multiply before re-entering circulation to invade the red blood cells. There, they continue to multiply until the cells burst, releasing large numbers of parasites back into the blood. It is the sudden release of vast numbers of parasites that causes the classic high fevers associated with malaria.

Symptoms usually appear 10 days to 4 weeks after infection though some people start to feel ill as much as a year later.  People tend to experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells. If not promptly treated, the infection can become severe and may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death. If you have been traveling and experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.


How to combat the vampires!????

1: Insect Repellent-

DEET is a traveler’s best friend even though the chemical is known to melt plastic. 30% DEET is known to repel insects for 4-6 hours.  I often only sprayed it on my clothes and then used this great cream called Ultrathon Insect repellent for any skin that was showing.  I would say no matter what chemical you choose, wash it off as soon as you can!

Note: Make sure you apply Ultrathon before your sunscreen.

Garlic and Lemon: You are probably laughing right now but after staying in the rainforest, I learned that the local indigenous people mix garlic and lemon and cover their bodies in it.  It also makes a great salad dressing!

Permethrin: This product was developed especially for application to clothing. Permethrin bonds to clothing where it remains repellent to insects. Reports vary as to how long treated clothes remain repellent –2 weeks to 6 months (5-20 detergent washings).


How do I apply Permethrin?

-One can of Permethrin will treat several outfits – shirts, shorts, and socks.

-Spread out all of the clothes to be treated on a flat surface. Hold the can approximately 12 inches away from the clothing. Spray the clothing using sweeping motions until the clothing is moist. Pay close attention to cuffs and collars. Turn the clothes over and repeat the process. Hang up the clothes and allow them to dry thoroughly.

-Repellent properties will last longer if clothes are sealed in a resealable plastic bag until use.

-Treat mosquito nets in the same manner as above.


 2: Mosquito Nets-

If you plan on sleeping outside, a mosquito net is a must! I swear just being inside of this little cocoon will make your sleep so much more peaceful.  Not to mention, when you wake up in the morning you can see some of the creatures caught in the net that were trying desperately to eat you.

Most places in the rainforest will provide you with a mosquito net.  It’s never a bad idea to purchase one ahead of time that is pre-treated with permethrin, but it’s also something you can pick up on your travels.

3: Long-sleeved, light colored, loose clothing and socks-

The last thing I wanted to do was wear long sleeves and pants in 90-degree weather with %100 humidity…in fact, I didn’t want to wear any clothes at all!! Alas, walking around in my birthday suit (though tempting) might have been terribly awkward since I am not on this season of Naked and Afraid and being covered makes it much more difficult for the skeeters to make you their favorite dinner guest.

Another “hot” fashion trend is sticking your pants into your socks.  At first I thought I was too cool for this trend but quickly learned that my ankles are prime mosquito real estate.  I quickly adopted the style and was very thankful that I did.

Lastly, dress in light colored, loose clothing because not only do skeeters see dark objects more easily than light, but they use smell and heat to find their blood meal and you are more likely to get sweatier in dark clothing.

4: Anti-malarials-

Due to growing immunity from mosquitoes, different tablets work best in different areas of the world. These are the five main anti-malarial tablets you’ll be likely to be prescribed.

Chloroquine – Start one week before travel and continue for 4 weeks after you return. Can be taken for periods exceeding 5 years. Can cause nausea and mouth ulcers.

Paludrine – Start one week before travel and continue for 4 weeks after you return. Can be taken for periods exceeding 5 years.

Mefloquine – Start 2.5 weeks before travel and continue for 4 weeks after you return. Can be taken for up to one year.

Doxycycline — Doxycycline is recommended to be used in Southeast Asia and in chloroquine-resistant areas. You should start taking the tablets (100mg a day) 2 days before you arrive and continue taking them for 4 weeks after you leave the area. Doxycycline can be taken up to 6 months and usually have very few side-effects. It can make you very prone to sunburn and it’s recommended you don’t sunbathe whilst taking these.

Malarone – Start 2 days before travel and continue for one week after your return. Can be taken for up to one year.

Hopefully this article was helpful for all your mosquito needs.  And now to quote Lil John “ah skeet, skeet, skeet, God Damn!” Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t been in bed with a mosquito.” African Proverb


Cafe Du Monde, Beignets, Chicory Coffee

I will take a beignet with my history lesson-NOLA Day 3

Day 3 in New Orleans started very similar to day 2…hungover. It took everything my boyfriend and I had to roll out of bed for breakfast at B & B Monrose Row. We drank as much coffee as possible and still decided to go back to bed until around 1 pm. It was a little rainy which is the perfect weather for an after breakfast nap.

Once we finally were able to get up we were hungry AGAIN, so we grabbed an umbrella from our fabulous host Cindy and went out for the day. We took a lovely stroll through the French Quarter all the way down to Decatur St. where we stopped at the Original French Market Restaurant that has been open since 1803. We were greeted by the most animated waiter who raved about his food and told us he had the best oysters in the city. We took him up on his offer and started with the garlic and herb char-grilled oysters. They were so delicious…like a must-get! I am salivating just thinking about it. Those and some alligator sausage and we were stuffed.

Alligator Sausage, The Original French Market

Gator Sausage

But not that stuffed… After lunch was the moment I had been waiting for since we arrived in the Crescent City. We were walking up to the world famous Café Du Monde which is French for “café of the world”. I could smell the sugary dough blocks from the tiny little café and couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into one of their warm beignets. I was astonished at how large the café is for only serving two items on their menu, chicory coffee and beignets (you can also get regular coffee). Somehow my boyfriend and I showed some sort of self-control because we only ordered one order to share and two chicory coffees. ONE ORDER!! That may be the biggest regret of my life this far. Each bite was so delicious it took everything inside of me to not just lose it and order like ten more.Cafe Du Monde

Earlier that day (like that 30 min span we were awake for breakfast) our host Cindy was telling us about how after Hurricane Katrina, the French Quarter was dead. There was no running water and definitely no tourists. It had been like that for a few months, until one day the most wonderful smell was filling the streets. Every single shop and restaurant owner took a minute to follow their noses and were filled with such joy because that sugary smell meant Café Du Monde was up and running after being shut down for two months. To the residents of New Orleans, the reopening of Café Du Monde meant that New Orleans would be able to recover after Hurricane Katrina. That particularly sweet day, Café Du Monde served up free powdered sugar beignets and warm chicory coffee for free for all of the people of their beloved city. I think that’s a prime example of the sense of community I felt while I was in New Orleans.

It took a while to move after our sugar coma, but we eventually decided to take a New Orleans Scandals tour with the Haunted History Tours company. The tour began with drink vouchers for ½ off hurricanes, so we were pretty positive that we had made a great choice to kick off our evening. The tour ended up being my boyfriend, myself, and two 50-yr-old wild women from Indiana who were away from their husbands for the weekend. They provided non-stop entertainment starting with jello-shots and ending in marriage advice. To top it all off, one of the women’s legal names was Shadow. They wanted to meet up with us later, but I am pretty sure they passed out on the walk back to their hotel.

The tour was interesting (and entertaining) but we got the real history lesson at this tiny little absinthe bar called the Absinthe House that is hidden right off of Bourbon Street in a dark alley way. The bar has been around for almost 200 years and is situated in a building that bears the name of Jean Lafitte. It is rumored that the pirate Jean Lafitte and Andrew Jackson met there and planned the victory of the battle of New Orleans. The Absinthe House also happened to be the after work hang out for many of the local tour guides. My boyfriend and I had the hot seat as different tour guides came and went and we picked their brains for as much juicy New Orleans history as we could get. We learned all kinds of interesting things such as the first settlers of the region were all male convicts from France. It seems there is a good possibility that most of the initial settlers were eaten by a near-by tribe of cannibals called the Atakapa, being lured out into the marsh by females of the tribe for “dinner”.  Needless to say, France had to send more convicts and this time they added in mentally insane woman and prostitutes.

In a land filled with misfits, the first two buildings built were a gambling house and a brothel. New Orleans was full of brothels and sometime in the late 1800’s a new music form called “Ragtime” started to become popular. According to our drunken history buffs, Ragtime began in the brothels of New Orleans.  As many of us ladies know, living with other women often causes our menstrual cycles to become synchronized. It turns out it’s been that way for 100’s of years. When the prostitutes were “on the rag”, they couldn’t work for a few days. In order to compensate during “rag time” the madam of the house would urge the musicians to play more vigorously in hopes of inducing customers to stay around dancing and spending money. This energetic jazz music was appropriately named “Ragtime”.

History is so cool. If my high school history teacher was as interesting as these bar patrons, I maybe wouldn’t have cheated my way through class!!

The last bit of history I have to share is about the lore of the green fairy and absinthe itself. Many of you have probably read about how absinthe was a muse to bohemians or that it makes people mad and hallucinate. It is also rumored to have drove Van Gogh to cut off his ear.  Sadly many of these stories just aren’t true. According to the lovely lady behind the bar dressed in an outfit from the late 1800’s, cloudy green absinthe started out as a medicinal drink and that’s why it tastes terrible. The wormwood was put in it because many people at that time literally had worms, and the wormwood was meant to rid you of that problem. The hallucination rumors may have started because some “free thinkers” may have dripped liquid opium on the sugar cube while waiting for it to dissolve into the green abyss.

Though the colorful rumors of absinthe are a lot more fun, more realistically the wine industry of France was probably responsible for demonizing the spirit. In the middle of the 1800’s, the French wine industry worried that cheap absinthe was eating into the market and used its political clout to get the liquor banned. Good new for us,  absinthe is no longer illegal in the United States !!! Whether you are chasing the green fairy or not, I suggest you try absinthe not only for the unique taste but because the traditional method of serving absinthe is a ritual and very beautiful.

Absinthe is served in a beautiful Pontarlier glass which has a well at the bottom indicating how much absinthe to pour. An ornate, slotted spoon is then laid across the glass, with a sugar cube. The final step is to drip ice cold water, possibly using an absinthe fountain, into the glass until the liquid turns cloudy.

I hope that this particular blog has given you really great history tidbits to share at a party or at least inspired you to have a drink! Bottoms Up!

Absinthe

Photo By Eric Litton


packing, world domination

Packing For World Domination

I feel like I work best under pressure.  I left for my two-month trip on October 29th 2015, so obviously I started packing the night of October 28th, 2015! To circumvent any major freak outs and panic attacks I would avoid waiting until the night before to pack for a two-month trip in four countries and extreme weather climates at any cost.   The combination of nerves and the fact that I could fit literally one-fourth of everything I planned to bring with me caused a few CAN’T SEE THROUGH THE TEARS-SNOT RUNNING INTO MY MOUTH minor breakdowns.  Thank god for my little sister who helped me with the daunting task of narrowing down 4 tank-tops to 3.  I am not kidding when I say that every little bit of weight and space matters. DO NOT BRING ANYTHING YOU WILL NOT USE.

Every person’s packing list is going to be a bit different.  A lot of it will depend on what time of year you are going and what types of terrain you will be traversing.  My boyfriend and I planned a trip that started in the Bahamas and then skyrocketed over 15,000 ft into the Peruvian Andes.  That was followed by 10 days in the mosquito ridden rain forest only to be followed by more beach time.  We then sprinkled in some city life and topped the whole trip off with a 5-day trek at the bottom of the world in Patagonia.  Needless to say we had to plan for every type of weather.  We planned for heat, snow, rain, wind, mosquitoes and every single thing I was bringing had to fit in my “perfect” itty-bitty little 45L Redwing bag.

When choosing what clothes to pack, I want to make you aware that wear and tear is a great factor.  You will literally be wearing the same 5 shirts over the course of your journey and they will constantly need to be washed…how much depends on how comfortable you are with being the stinky kid.   You want to make sure the items you are bringing are of good quality and will dry quickly.  Jeans, for example, take a very long time to dry.  Layering is also very important.  The weather can change very rapidly and you want to make sure you are prepared for everything.   Another thing to be cognizant about is choosing clothing that can be used for a dual purpose.  For example, I bought a lot of clothing that not only I could hike in and get dirty but would also look cute if I threw on my flats and added some cheap jewelry.  A website that I loved was Kate Hudson’s FABLETICS.  She offers a ton of cute workout clothes at a relatively low cost that doubled well as “going out” clothing when we got to the bigger cities.

I am going to be completely honest, I wanted to be practical but I also wanted to look fucking amazing in my photographs!

I would dare to say that the most important item that I brought with me was my hiking shoes.  If you like to explore and walk, you will be spending A LOT of time in these shoes. Make sure they fit and make sure they are extremely comfortable.  In case you didn’t know, your hiking shoes should be about a half size to a size too big so that your toes don’t get smashed.  Make sure you break them in before you go and also make sure they are waterproof.  Goretex is the way to go!  Inevitably you will probably lose a toe-nail or get some blisters at some point, so make sure you pack a little emergency kit.

Since my hiking shoes took up half the space in my bag, I didn’t have much room for anything else. That being said, here is a tentative packing list.  Obviously traveling is very personal so use this as a guide to maybe get a few ideas of things you should bring or leave behind.  I also want to remind you that I am packing for all types of terrain and weather.  I was very pleased in that everything I brought, I used regularly.

What you will learn after traveling around the world only living off the items that you can carry on your back, is that material things don’t define you... your experiences define you.

Clothing:

1 fleece sweater                                                                            1 T-shirt

1 quick dry long sleeve zip up                                                   1 white thin cotton long-sleeved

3 quick dry racer back tank tops                                              1 denim long-sleeved button up

2 pairs of black leggings                                                             1 pair of black quick-dry work out pants

1 pair of jeans                                                                               1 quick-dry jumper

1 pair of jean shorts                                                                     5 pairs of regular socks

2 sports bras

2 pairs of hiking pants (that were cute enough to dress up)

10 pairs of quick-dry underwear (don’t skimp on these!)


Beach Wear:

1 sun dress                                                                                      2 swimsuits

2 swimsuit cover-ups


Cold Weather:

1 pair of thermal socks                                                                1 beanie

1 pair of mittens                                                                           1 Rain/Wind proof jacket


Shoes (I wore them all!):

Hiking Shoes (remember to get something at least water resistant)

Small black flats (comfortable and perfect for any occasion)

Sandals (make sure they are easily slipped on and off)

Water Shoes (these were perfect for the rainforest and for swimming in rivers and lakes)


Toiletries:

Glasses                                                                                                Contacts

Contact Solution                                                                               Mascara

Blush                                                                                                   Lip Gloss

Moisturizer                                                                                        Face Wash

Sunscreen (bring lots of this-so expensive in other countries!)

Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Shampoo Biodegradable Shampoo and Conditioner (think about minimizing your carbon footprint)

Sea to Summit body wash                                                              Chap stick

Toothbrush                                                                                        Toothpaste

Wilderness Wipes                                                                             Make-up Removers

Deodorant                                                                                          Razors

Hair Ties                                                                                             Ear Plugs

Floss


Electronics:

Tablet                                                                                                   Head phones

Phone Charger                                                                                   Power Outlet Adapters

Flash Light                                                                                          Head lamp

Extra batteries                                                                                    Kindle


Medicines:

Tylenol                                                                                                 Stool softener

Pepto bismol                                                                                      First Aid Kit

More-skin for blisters                                                                       Tums

Aloe Vera                                                                                             Tampons

Mosquito spray and creams!! (Permethrin for pretreating clothing, 75% deet spray, Ultrathon Insect Repellents which was a cream that we LOVED)

Dramamine (sea-sickness)

Anti-Diarrhea                                                                                    Antihistamine

Acetazolamide (Altitude Sickness)                                               Ciprofloxacin (Diarrhea)

Atovoquone-Proguanil (Malaria)


Other Stuff:

Sleeping bag liner                                                                              Quick dry towel

Deck of playing cards                                                                        Small sewing kit

Duct Tape                                                                                            Binoculars

Journal with Pens                                                                              Crazy Glue

An Itinerary folder that also contained extra copies of my passport and travel insurance.

Bonus Tip:  I packed using travel cubes.  This was a great way for me to keep things separate and pack up very quickly!

 

“To Move, To Breathe, To Fly, To Float,

To Gain All While You Give,

To Roam the Roads of Lands Remote,

To Travel is to Live”

Hans Christian Anderson

packing, world domination, Redwing Bag


Vaccinations

The “Prick” that could save your life: VACCINATIONS

There are lots of pesky bugs out there that can make you really sick.  “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”  Go to the CDC website to double check what vaccinations are recommended for the countries you are traveling to.  Many countries require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate in order to enter their borders.

You must remember to factor in the cost of travel vaccinations into your overall budget.  Some vaccinations such as Hep A and B and Tetanus should be covered by your insurance. YAY OBAMACARE! Some of the other vaccinations can be quite pricey.  I think I spent an extra $300 making sure my vaccinations were up to date, so that is definitely something that you want to consider when making your budget.

I also want to point out that a really great place to get travel vaccinations in Los Angeles and around the country is Passport Health . They got my boyfriend and I an appointment very quickly, were extremely knowledgeable, and also had the last vials of the yellow fever vaccination in the entire city.

Depending on where you’re buzzing around the world here is a list of some of the preventable illnesses you can get.

Hepatitis A: Present in all countries with poor sanitation and public hygiene.

Hepatitis B: Found in South East Asia, the Middle East, South and Western Pacific and parts of the Caribbean.

Tetanus: present WORLDWIDE!

Diphtheria: Found in most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South East Asia and South America.

Typhoid: Present worldwide, however it is worse where food and water may be contaminated with sewage — in Africa, Far East and South America.

Yellow Fever:  Present in tropical Africa and South America. You may be required to show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter certain countries if you are traveling from an infected area.

Polio: Found in developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Japanese B Encephalitis: Occurs following the rainy season in China, regions of Nepal, northern Burma, eastern and southern states of India, northern Sri Lanka, northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Occasional outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, southern parts of Thailand, southern Sri Lanka and all of India.

Rabies: At great risk in Asia, Africa and South America.

Tick Borne Encephalitis: Found in European Russia, Austria, Hungary, the Balkans, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Scandinavia. It can also be found in eastern parts of China.


How are these diseases transmitted?

Hepatitis A– Associated with poor hygiene and sanitation and is transmitted by infected food and drink and personal contact.

Hepatitis B- Hepatitis B is a blood borne viral infection that is spread through infected blood, contaminated needles, etc.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis– Diphtheria is transmitted through respiratory droplets, personal contact and contaminated clothing, bed linen etc. Tetanus spores are present in the soil worldwide and the disease is caused from contaminated wounds.

Typhoid– Associated with poor hygiene and sanitation and is transmitted by infected food and drink and by the fecal oral route.

Yellow Fever – This is a serious viral illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Polio– Poliovirus is usually spread from person to person through infected feces entering the mouth.  It may also be spread by food or water containing human feces and less commonly from infected saliva.

Japanese B Encephalitis– This is a rare but serious insect borne disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Rabies – The risk to travelers in endemic areas is proportional to their exposure to potentially rabid animals. Travelers in tourist resorts are at very low risk.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis– This is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected tick and rarely from drinking unpasteurized milk.


When should I get my vaccinations and how long do they last?

Hepatitis A

A single vaccination provides immunity up to one year and is effective after two to four weeks.  A booster dose is given between six and twelve months of the original and gives immunity up to ten years-effective immediately.

Hepatitis B

The vaccination is given as a course of three injections, the second 28 days after the first and the third 6 months after the second. Immunity lasts for at least five years.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
Tetanus immunization is generally required before starting school. Five doses of vaccine are recommended. When over ten years has elapsed since the primary immunization course or the person is travelling to a country where tetanus is indicated, a tetanus booster should be given. This could either be in the form of a “Td vaccine” which is a 2-in-1 vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria and is required every 10 years or in the form of the new “Tdap vaccine” one time. The Tdap vaccine is a 3-in-1 vaccine that comprises tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and a cellular pertussis.

Diphtheria vaccination is also one of the recommended childhood immunizations which should begin during infancy. A diphtheria booster should also be given if travel is for more than one month to a country or region where it is indicated.

Typhoid

One dose is effective after two or three weeks and immunity lasts up to three years

Yellow Fever

The vaccination must be given 10 days before leaving and is good for ten years. This is a live vaccine and it has to be given on the same day as other live vaccinations (Polio), or 3 weeks apart.  Every once-in-awhile the U.S experiences a shortage of the yellow fever vaccination so you want to make sure you get this with ample time before your trip.  REMINDER: Carry your certificate with you.

Polio

Polio vaccination is another one of the recommended childhood immunizations and vaccination should begin during infancy. A polio booster may also be advised for travel to certain countries if ten years has elapsed since the primary course.

Japanese B Encephalitis

The vaccination consists of two doses, the second administered 28 days after the first dose.  The persistence of the immunity is unknown.

Rabies

Vaccinations against rabies is carried out in two distinct situations:

  1. To protect those who are likely to be exposed – Pre-exposure.
  2. To prevent establishment after exposure has taken place – Post-exposure.

The vaccines used for pre and post exposure are the same but the schedule of administration is different.

For pre-exposure three doses are given on days 0, 7 and 21 to 28 (a few days’ variation in timing is not important). A booster dose is required every two to three years depending upon risk of exposure.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

The course comprises three doses. The first dose on day 0, the second dose one to three months later and the third dose five to twelve months after the second. It gives a 97% protection rate and lasts for three years.

The booster comprises a single dose after no more than three years. It is effective immediately and subsequent boosters should be given at three to five year intervals.

Get vaccinated. 

A disease that can cause complications for a lifetime isn’t a souvenir you want to bring home.  


coachella, balloons, sunset

Dance Like No One is Watching-Coachella 2016

Why Music Festivals Are More Important Now Than Ever: 

Coachella is on Friday which means there is a 30 pack of beer and a handle of vodka in my living room, the musty sleeping bags in my garage have been washed, and I have stocked up on face paint, flash tats and flowy moo moo’s.    Music festival season is upon us and Coachella is a music festival in Indio CA that my friends and I have attended annually for the last 6 years.  It is our adult Christmas.  It’s that one time each year where we carve out time for one another, don’t shower for four days, and just live like kids again…though be it, stinky kids.  

As I was sitting there sorting out my glow sticks today, I began to question why exactly I love music festivals so much?  I definitely love music, I love food, and I also really enjoy spending time with my friends.  I feel like these are the obvious reasons millions of millennials flock to music festivals annually.  The crazy thing is that festival attendance keeps growing exponentially every year, and there has got to be a reason more and more people keep flooding the festival gates.  Sitting there in my pre-festival bliss, it occurred to me that maybe we are all searching for something...

CONNECTION.

In a time that we are more connected through technology than ever before, we are losing contact with what matters most, one another.  We feel isolated.  We no longer communicate face-to-face but hide behind screens and computers.  Many of us have 1000’s of Facebook “friends” but feel terrified to sit across from someone and tell them how we are feeling.  We have pushed our feelings so far deep down inside of us that we are all ticking time bombs waiting to burst from too much stress.  We are so bombarded with images telling us who we should be, that we feel ashamed of who we are.

In 2016, we-as a human race, are searching for a connection not only with other people but with ourselves.  This is why I think the festival scene is thriving.  Going to a festival is a 24-7 sensory extravaganza that makes us forget about the stresses of city life, our shitty jobs, our student loans, etc.  When we are stripped of all of our worries and we can quiet our minds, we are left with one thing…our hearts.

Whether it be traveling the world or through attending music festivals, I have come to realize that ALL PEOPLE just want to feel love and connection.  That is true anywhere in the world.  The beautiful thing about a music festival is that the ambiance alone sparks a light in anyone attending.  Music reawakens sleepy souls.  It creates an energy that pulses through the crowd that makes every single concert goer feel like they are in perfect harmony with every single person there. This feeling is an addictive adrenal rush, not because of the drugs often associated with the festival experience, but because we are communicating through love.   We are connecting as a human race, even if only for a moment.

Music has been linked to so many health benefits, but I think it has this magical power to help enhance people’s moods and make them feel like they belong.  I find that every music festival I have ever been to people are just generally happy.  I feel many festival goers, along with traveler’s I have met abroad, have had a conscious shift and they realize there is so much more to life than money and success.  Their souls are searching for connection and love because in the end, that’s what matter most.   

I may be a hippie, but I look forward to those hot days in the desert every single year.  I put my glow sticks and flash tats on with pride as I continue my journey to be a more conscious human being, be more vulnerable, and dance every day like no one is watching.coachella, tye dye, group love

"Yeah, I met somebody in a sea of people, and that's just how I'll leave it
Yeah, I left my body in a sea of people, and that's just what I believe in"

Grouplove