Pura Vida! A Reflection of How Pura Vida Came to Life for Me in 2014

Pura Vida!!!

Directly translated into English, Pura Vida means "Pure Life", but for the people of Costa Rica there is a deeper meaning. The essence of Pura Vida is that no matter how bad your current life situation, someone somewhere has it worse. So maybe, if you really think about it, your situation isn't all that bad after all. And in the end, life is short; life is wonderful. So start living your life! Witnessing and experiencing "Pura Vida" all over Costa Rica made me reflect on my life and how, out of the blue, I decided to visit Costa Rica. So to end the last few hours of 2014, I think that a personal reflection post is quite appropriate.

2014 has been fantastically wonderful. Then again, when is being just plain alive not fantastically wonderful? In particular, the last few months have been a whirlwind of wonderfulness as I planned my around-the-world trip. For those that weren't aware, I had grand plans to quit my job in January and buy a one-way ticket to Tanzania where I would teach 15-22 year olds about business and leadership. Then I would climb Kilimanjaro and travel around the world indefinitely until 1) I got bored or 2) I ran out of money. I'm pretty sure the latter would have happened first though. By an odd twist of fate, the day I was looking for my one-way flight, I was contacted by a recruiter. 16-days later, I landed my dream job that was a blend of all my passions: food, health & nutrition, and a global role. My grand plans for a year of worldly adventures came to a halt, but I still needed to travel somewhere to lightly scratch that travel itch. Fast forward, I landed in Costa Rica where I was immersed into the Pura Vida lifestyle and began reflecting on how Pura Vida came to life for me in 2014. 

• Planning an around-the world trip despite being pretty slightly freaked out about the idea of being incomeless and aimlessly wandering the world with no real plans
• Dropping all those plans when my dream job landed in my lap 
• Losing my Burning Man virginity and being able to share those experiences with friends old and new 
• Doing my first Yoga handstand while my sister stood at my side cheering me on 
• Backpacking the Lost Coast in California for my birthday with close friends
• Camping in Yosemite for the first time... And learning that I can survive the freezing 35 degree nights... :) 
• Witnessing the beauty and power of heavy rainfalls as I hiked through both Zion and Bryce during a torrential rainstorm
• Learning to make bread from scratch and, in the process, realizing that keeping yeast alive is quite a challenge
• Experiencing the worst sea sickness ever while deep sea fishing then being rewarded with fresh salmon
• Creating lasting memories with the amazing people in my life

Looking forward to 2015, I definitely want to continue to keep Pura Vida alive. On my bucket list for 2015:

• Learn Spanish--probably a good idea to learn the language that is spoken at so many countries that I adore
• Learn to be a Barista--Coffee. Yum!
• Experience Tomorrowland in Belgium--supposedly the best music festival EVER so why not right?
• Learn to play the guitar or maybe the sax... or both?
• Work on a farm--milking a cow sounds kind of cool don't you think?
• Kick @$$ at my new job
• Continue to blog about tasty eats and my worldly adventures

How was your 2014? And how will you ensure that Pura Vida is a part of your 2015? 

Pura Vida!!

The Southeast Asia Edition: Vietnam in a Nutshell - Top 5 Things to Do

Vietnam has quickly grown in popularity as a top destination. From the beautiful stretches of beaches to the ancient cities and limestone islands--Vietnam's diversity is astounding. If you are looking for a country with profound history, cuisine, and natural beauty, then look no further. Vietnam is your answer. Here are the top things you should do during your visit to Vietnam.

Take an Overnight 'Junk' Boat Tour of the Ha Long Bay 

Ha Long Bay literally translates as "bay of descending dragons". This UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Vietnam is one of the natural wonders of the worlds. With thousands of limestone islands emerging out of the waters, Ha Long Bay makes for a surrealistic seascape that looks like it came straight out of a movie.

Ha Long Bay is best explored via an overnight 'junk' boat tour. While you can easily take a day cruise of the bay, an overnight tour allows you to experience the most wondrous moments of Ha Long Bay: sunrise, sunset, and a clear, moonlit evening. Be sure to pre-book your tour. While it might sound like a good idea to try to bargain for tickets at the pier, it is not set set up for independent travel and hawkers will rip you off with premium-priced tickets. Also be sure to find a good operator who does not oversell you or lie about what the boat looks like or the amenities on the boat. You do not want to be one of the many tourists thinking that you are about to embark on a luxury cruise ship only to find yourself on a dingy boat.

Float Through The Mekong Delta

The swamplands of the Mekong Delta, also known as Vietnam's "rice basket" or a "biological treasure trove", supplies over a third of the country's annual food crop from its abundant fish farms, orchards, rice paddies, and plantations. Life in the Delta revolves around the river and many of the villages are often accessed via rivers and canals versus roads. A visit through the Mekong Delta is awe-inspiring with the bustle of the colorful floating markets, the laughter of children as they ride on the backs of water buffalo, and the peacefulness of boats gliding through the maze of channels. 

If your time is limited, one-day trips of the Mekong Delta can easily be organized from Ho Chi Minh City. If you have more time, partake in a farmstay where you will get the opportunity to learn about life on the Mekong Delta from a local family. The best times to visit are during dry season from December to May.

Get Lost in the Chaotic Hanoi Streets

Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, is a mixture of French colonialism with Eastern influences. A visit to the History Museum and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are highly encouraged during your stop in Hanoi. A must-do, is exploring the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter. Drop in to a Parisian style Vietnamese coffee shop, then join the locals at one of the many restaurants filled with low tables and seats that spill onto the sidewalk--it's the only way to really experience dining in the Old Quarter of Hanoi!  Before arriving, be prepared to handle the hustle and bustle in the streets of Hanoi city's Old Quarter. The traffic made up of hundreds of scooters, cyclo bikes, and pedestrians lasts all day. To safely cross streets, just close your eyes and go! Don't change your speed and trust that the locals will be able to time themselves perfectly to barely whiz by you. It is like nothing you will ever experience anywhere else.   

Explore Vietnam's History and Modernism in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. With a blend of war-torn history and modern beauty, the city offers a vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife experience. While in town, be sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and the War Remnants Museum for a flavor of the country's history. Then wander through Dong Khoi, a colorful stretch of road lined with beautiful colonial architecture and a span of shops and bars. Do not forget to stop through the markets for bargain shopping and food stalls. Then take a break to grab some Vietnamese Coffee from one of the numerous coffee shops that dot the city. 

From Ho Chi Minh city you can take a trip to the Mekong Delta or visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense system of underground tunnels used as a hiding place by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. 

As with any other major city, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pick-pocketers in Ho Chi Minh. As tourism has grown, so has the number of wallet-swipers.
  
Eat Foods Beyond Banh Mi and Pho
  

There's more to Vietnamese food than Banh Mi's and Pho. Vietnam has a reputation for having some of the yummiest street foods in the world. So skip that pricey restaurant and sample some good eats from local street stalls. Be sure to try:

• Banh Xeo, a crispy crepe filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and other fresh herbs and garnishes
• Ga Nuong, honey marinated and grilled chicken wings that are crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender inside
• Che, Dessert served with layers of beans, jelly, coconut milk, fruit, and ice -- one of my absolute favorites!

And do not forget to find the Lunch Lady AKA Nguyen Thi Thanh--a street vendor in Ho Chi Minh who is well-known from having been featured by Anthony Bourdain. She makes a mean noodle every day of the week and is well worth the hunt. She is so famous, her location can now be found via Google Maps!

The Burning Man Edition: The Truth About Burning Man

I'll admit right off the bat--the title of this post is a bit misleading. There really is no singular "truth" about Burning Man. Burning Man is an experience that is as individualized as the ridges that make up your fingerprints. You get what you want out of it and your experience is ultimately created by your decisions. If you have never attended Burning Man it is almost impossible for you to fathom the experience unless you just go! Even then, each year you return home to the Playa, your experience will be completely different than before (at least that is what I have been told). So while I cannot offer you singular "truths" about Burning Man, what I can offer are my personal "truths" based on my experiences THIS year. Will my experience next year be the same? Probably not. But for now, these are my truths from Burning Man 2014.

What is Burning Man?
"It's A Hippie Fest." 
"It's just like Coachella, Woodstock [insert name of other large festival], but bigger."
"It's a raver event for drugged up 20 year olds."

False. False. And false. This is such a tough question to answer, but I will try anyway. Burning Man is a temporary city of almost 70,000 people from all walks of life who come together and dedicate themselves to the spirit of the community to express radical self-reliance and radical self-expression. A week later, all 70,000 attendees depart from the Nevada desert, leaving no trace of the city's existence. Yes there is music--lots of it. Yes there are 20-year olds. But there are also 2-year olds and 70-year olds. The city is truly an all-encompassing community of free-spirited, open-minded individuals who come together from all parts of the world to create the Burning Man community.

Burning Man is a place for self-introspection, transformation, and expansion of horizons, whether aided by substances or not. It is a place to explore the freedom from societal economies, break free of social boundaries, and push your personal limits. 

Photo Credit: Dara Dowlatshahi

Burning Man taught me to be comfortable in my own skin and love every part of me for who I am. I was able to dig deep to discover my true values, hopes, and dreams. It allowed my inner child to break free and be mesmerized by the creativity and ingenuity of fellow burners as I explored the massive art installations, hopped on fire-shooting art cars, and danced to the lucid beats pumping from sound camps while watching the sun rise over the Playa. 

I learned to appreciate the grandeur of dust storms as it enveloped the city. I experienced admiration for the natural beauty and elegance of every facial feature, body shape, and bone structure of each individual on the Playa. Most importantly, I embraced a new found sense of hope for human kind--that people are inherently genuine and good at heart. I grew significantly closer to friends that I had started this adventure with. And along the way, I met some of the most amazing souls at Burning Man. Words cannot begin to describe the emotions that emerged as these complete strangers welcomed me home with a big bear hug and, without hesitation, offered me a tremendous amount of open honesty, generosity, and love. Cuddle puddle anyone? 

Given the emotional, chaotic sense of bliss and wonder at Burning Man, the question always arises: "Everyone must be drugged up the entire time right?" I would be lying if I said that Burning Man is a drug-free event, but I think most people already know that. However, not everyone is always drugged up. In fact, many attendees stay drug-free. There are actually plenty of things to do without partaking in the use of mind-altering substances. This leads me to the next question I've often been asked...

"Aren't you bored out there? What's there to do for a whole week in the desert?"

Truth of the matter is, there are more things to do than you could imagine. Despite warnings from experienced Burners that it would be impossible to see and do it all, I tried anyway. I would make daily plans and agendas. Then I would happily get distracted along the way and never even make it to my destination. I had caught Burning Man A.D.D. I remember my second day of exploration. I was en route to a Yoga Twerkshop when I decided that it was too hot and stopped for a Champagne Snow Cone at one of the theme camps. Then a gentleman stopped and asked me to help him find his Soul Mate. How could anybody say no and deny this man of his soul mate? This led me to a salon where I got a massage and body art. As I began on my journey again for the Yoga Twerkshop, I came across a camp offering Mimosas with Samosas (who could turn that down?) and decided to join them for deep conversations on Playa life. The conversation then turned to Playa events and I was asked if I would care to partake in Prom night--yes Burning Man Prom exists. So will you get bored? Likely--no. And if you do, you can always just give God a call and have a chat. 

Photo Credit: Chris Dotson

I could go on and on about chasing after fire-spitting dragons and octopus', then climbing aboard these art cars to enjoy a cup of soothing Yerba Mate while dancing to the calming drum beats. The childhood joys of rolling around the rubber grass art installation in the middle of the Playa that illuminated under the starry desert night sky. Or the emotions that are aroused while reading the pained memories that others have penned on the wooden walls of the Temple. But all of my babbling would probably not make any sense. 

Your only solution to really discovering the Truth about Burning Man is to just attend and find out for yourself what Burning Man means to you. 

Get ready for it! There are only 360 days until life on the Playa will return once again.

The Southeast Asia Edition: Your Top 13 Must-Do's in Thailand

Southeast Asia has always been a backpacking haven. The region attracts the most visitors between November and March when people are looking to escape the cold winter months back home. The interest in this region continues to grow as evidenced by the sheer volume of requests I've been receiving for Southeast Asia travel tips. 

"What should I do when I go to Southeast Asia? Any tips on must-visit places?" Well... yes indeed! However, considering the numerous countries that the Southeast Asia travel route encompasses this is a ridiculously TOUGH question to answer. So I thought I'd start this edition with some tips on visiting the travel hub of Southeast Asia: Thailand. If you're headed off to Thailand, here are the top 13 must-do highlights while you're visiting. 

1. Eat Street Food. Eat LOTS of Street Food.
The best thing about traveling is eating the local food. Locals are not eating at the 5-star hotels and restaurants. They're eating from the street vendors. The food is cheap, delicious, and you'll get to experience the real deal! Scared of getting diarrhea? Read #8 on this post for avoiding diarrhea while traveling.

2. Visit Temples.
Thailand is filled with temples galore. Beautiful temples. Even if you're not into temples you should definitely visit at least a few. You'll be awe'd by the intricate details and magnitude of the structures.

3. Join the Full Moon Party.
Once a month, a crowd of tens of thousands gather on the beaches of Ko Pha Ngan to dance from dusk til dawn under the full moon. Music ranging from trance and house to reggae and R&B blare all along the beach as jugglers and fire-eaters entertain the revelers. Even if you're not a rager this is a must-see event you should experience at least once. For details on when the next event will be held and tips for attending, visit the Full Moon Party Page.

4. Go Scuba Diving.
Thailand is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. So diving is a must! If you aren't already certified, you can do so in Thailand. It takes about 3 days and is safe and very affordable. 


5. Play on the Beaches.
Not into scuba diving? No problem. Just hang out on one of the many beaches in Thailand. The water is crystal clear and the backdrop is breathtaking. What more could you ask for?

6. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride.
Tuk-Tuk's are the taxi's of Thailand. They can be a bit of an oddity if it's your first time riding in one. You might even feel a bit unsafe with only a metal bar keeping you inside. Worry not! With Lonely Planet's tips, you'll be a tuk-tuk riding pro in no time! 


7. Get a Massage... or Two!
Thai massages typically involve stretching and a deep massage. At only $7-15 USD (depending on your negotiation skills) for a one hour massage, you can afford to spoil yourself! 


8. Visit a Fish Spa.
Though banned in several states in the U.S., fish spas are widely available in Thailand where toothless Garra rufa fish, the size of minnows, nibble away at dry, dead skin on your feet. There is controversy over health risks of these spas. I would definitely recommend only going to spas where they thoroughly clean your legs and feet and check for any cuts prior to allowing you into the spa. Get ready to giggle! It tickles!

9. Volunteer with the Elephant Nature Park.
Everyone has "riding an elephant" on their bucket list. What most people don't realize is the abuse elephants undergo to be "trained" for allowing people to ride on them. Elephants are beaten with bullhooks and endure spinal injury from the weight of carrying baskets full of people all day long. So instead of riding an elephant, volunteer for a day with the Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai. In all my years of traveling, this was one of my most memorable experiences. Expect to spend a whole day cleaning, feeding, and playing with your elephant. You even get to ride the elephant! Instead of electric prods, bullhooks, and heavy baskets full of people, it'll just be you riding bareback on your elephant!

10. Drink From a Bucket!
Thailand is known for buckets. Essentially it's colorful little sand pail filled with ice. You choose a small bottle of spirits, a mixer, and pour both into the bucket. Throw a few straws in and sip away with your buddies!  

11. Attend a Muay Thai Match. 
Experience the real deal in Thailand! The energy and intense atmosphere are incredible. You also learn that Muay Thai is not about knocking someone out. While the goal is to win, athletes will show respect during the match. Ratchadamnoen And Lumpinee are the two stadiums in Bangkok offering fights on alternating days of the week. 

 

12. Then Train Muay Thai For a Day!
Feeling inspired after watching some Muay Thai fights? There are several boxing gyms and camps throughout Thailand that offer training for as short as one session to multiple sessions over several months. Note that these are not air-conditioned, indoor gyms. You'll be training in the heat so be ready to work up a sweat!

13. Have a REAL coconut.
Forget about paying $3-4 for tiny little containers of artificially sweetened coconut water. Try the real thing in Thailand! For as little as $0.50 you can have a fresh, whole young coconut. Be sure to have a spoon ready to scoop out all the tender coconut meat after you finish sipping the juice. Healthy and refreshing without breaking the bank!

Tips For First Time Travelers

Virgin Traveler. We've all been one before. Even for those who aren't virgins, traveling can offer a mix of emotions. It's exciting with all the new experiences and endless possibilities. At the same time, it can feel a bit daunting and uncomfortable because of all the unknowns. 

I often reflect on the first time I ever REALLY traveled. It was October 2006 and I was headed off to Spain. Boy was I a NOOB! I've gained some wisdom along the way on traveling practicalities as well as having a new perspective on life experiences. For the young, inexperienced, "noob" traveler that I once was, and for all of you who may be looking for some tips to make your journey a little easier, this post is dedicated to you!

The Practical Tips

1. Pack light. 

Trust me when I say this: You won't use half the clothes you think you might need. If you're not sure if you need it, don't pack it. You can buy most things overseas. Whether you're traveling for two weeks or two months, pack the same amount. Laundromats are your friend! Check this out for some packing tips. You'll be happier not lugging around a heavy suitcase! Speaking of which...

2. Invest in distinctive looking luggage.

Surprise! You're not the only one with a black suitcase. Or a red one for that matter. Go with patterned luggage or personalize your bag with something unique like a bright yellow ribbon or iron-on patches. As a matter of fact, I'd actually recommend not even using a roller suitcase because...

3. Backpacks are easier to travel with.
Roller suitcases are nice at airports, but once you get to your destination where there are stairs galore and cobblestone or dirt roads, you'll find that the wheels aren't so friendly anymore.

4. Adapters and Converters are not the same.
An adapter simply changes the shape of the plug to match the outlet. Converters change the voltage used in a foreign country to the voltage required for a particular AC device. Your best bet is to buy an all-in-one adapter/converter.

5. Use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. 

Check your policy. Even a number of American Express cards charge fees! If you're looking for a good card, I recommend the Capital VentureOne: No foreign transaction fees, no annual fee, AND you get flexible reward points!

6. Bring your ATM card. 

Travelers checks are a thing of the past and some places may only take cash. ATMs are plentiful and tend to give you the best exchange rates. Just be sure to check with your bank on fees and notify them of your travel so your card does not get blocked.

7. Scan a copy of your passport. 

Email the scanned image to your family and to yourself. If you lose your passport or need a copy of it, you'll have it right at your fingertips!

8. Buy a simple, cheap travel watch. 

Don't rely on your phone to tell time--the batteries may die or you may lose it. And you don't want to attract unwanted attention with a Rolex. Just buy a watch with basic functionalities like... telling the time! An alarm would be useful too.

9. Turn your phone to airplane mode. 

If you don't have a global plan, using your phone overseas for calls, texts, or data can get very expensive. Use WiFi instead. It does not count toward your data allowance and is readily available in many airports, hotels, and restaurants. To communicate over WiFi, use apps like WhatsApp. For iPhone users, iChat will also over WiFi.

10. Bring your "go-to" drugs. 

There's always a chance you'll get sick and if you're anything like me, you'll want Theraflu when you're feeling ill. Unfortunately, it's pretty hard to find Theraflu overseas. So pack it! And don't forget to include some Imodium in your bag... just in case.

11. Sleep on your flight according to your destination time zone.
As soon as you board, set your simple, cheap travel watch to the time at your destination and sleep accordingly. This will help you immensely with fighting jet lag. At least it does for me!

12. Tipping rules vary by country. 

CCRA is a great resource to review before your trip.

13. Use your room key to activate the electricity. 

Who knew? I certainly didn't! Apparently, in many foreign countries, you have to insert your room key into a wall slot to trigger the electricity in your hotel room. I learned this the hard way after notifying the front desk receptionist that there was no electricity in my room. Silly American!

And now... for some deeper advice

14. Don't over plan. 
Have a general idea of what you want to see and do, but don't plan every second of your trip. Allow yourself to take it slow, absorb the moments, and be flexible. You never know who you'll end up meeting along the way or what happy accidents might come across your path that could change the course of your journey.

15. Accept that things will go wrong.
Your flight will be delayed. Your luggage will be lost. You might even get pick-pocketed. Things don't always work out perfectly. Accept this before you start your trip and you'll be able to enjoy your journey regardless of what happens. In the end, it's usually these awry moments that lend to the best stories!

16. Don't skip out on an experience.
It might be expensive. It might be out of your comfort zone. But when will you return to this place again? And how much time and money did it already cost you to get here? So just do it! You don't want to return home having any regret.

17. Be open to the endless possibilities.
Traveling the world can offer you more than you could ever expect. Keep an open mind and allow yourself to immerse into the culture and connect with the people you meet during your travels. You'll stand to gain so much more out of your experience.

18. It's easier to travel than you think.
There are plenty of people out there traveling. It's not as scary as you might think. You may feel uncomfortable right now, but being uncomfortable is how you grow. Even for people who have traveled plenty, the nervous jitters from all the newness never fully goes away. It's an exciting feeling!


And finally, my last tip: Learn to toilet squat. You'll need it at some point during your world travels!