Bariloche

Bariloche is a small city in Argentina, which is in the foothill of the Andes. Bariloche is surrounded by lakes and is one of the most famous tourist destinations of South America.

I went with my family in November or 2007 and we had an amazing time. We stayed at the Cacique Iuacayal hotel it was a very nice hotel. It was very clean, the rooms were big and pretty and they had a nice restaurant. The hotel has free wi-fi so you can bring your laptop with you. Also, the hotel had an amazing view because it is next to the Nuhuel Huapi lake plus it has a good location because it is close to downtown, where all the restaurants and stores are.

If you are into skiing, hiking and water sports Bariloche is the place for you!!! just remember that when is summer here in the US is winter in South America. So if you go in July or August it is going to be freezing!

None of us are into that kind of sports so we went to enjoy the food, the amazing view and of course the delicious chocolates and alfajores.

Our favorites alfajores are the Abuela Goye, these are a must have!! we ate so many and we brought home many many more.

In downtown you can find many chocolate stores and some of those stores are also the factories so you can see how they make the chocolate. For chocolates I recommend the Mamuschka.

If you go to the chocolate stores you should also get a hot chocolate which is AMAZING!!! believe me when I say that those calories are worth it because it is made with real chocolate. not like the Atarbucks one that's only with chocolate syrup.

I dont remember very well the name of the restaurants but I do remember one of them. It is a pizza place called Bucanero, we went twice. The pizzas are so good!!! I can say that is the best pizza I've ever had!!!! (and I've been in Italy) so imagine how good these are.

If you want a relaxing vacation you should definitely go to Bariloche! you wont regret it!

Copenhagen Denmark

The Little Mermaid Statue - Copenhagen, Denmark

Rome

Rome 2005.

Fun fact:  It was a very long and strenuous climb to reach this view on top of the Vatican!

The next place I would like to travel to is...

I would love to visit any country in South America or travel to the Artic.  I have never been to any of these continents and as I have mentioned in a previous post, it is one of my life goals to travel to all 7 continents.

South America: After learning about the language and culture through high school years and growing up in a Latino neighborhood, I look forward to being able to see and experience the culture.  Of course, by now I have forgotten most of the Spanish that I've learned, but that will not prevent me from going!

Antarctica: Why would anyone go here?  I want to go because of 2 reasons: travel to all 7 continents and to see the aurora borealis/australias!  I've always seen these lights and photos and can't even imagine how magnificent it would be to see it in person!

NYC

this is one of the best desserts i've had in my whole life!!! a huge fortune cookie that is filled in one half with white chocolate mousse and in the other half with milk chocolate mousse is delicious!!

I shared it with my mom, dad and sister when we went to TAO in NYC.

Wishing I was in London

Hundreds and hundreds of people were lining this morning in the streets of London to witness the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Personally I was not very excited about the wedding. My sister asked me if I was going to get up to watch it and I say of course NOT!! Now that I have been watching all this pictures and hearing all the comments I cannot help it but to be excited. I am actually watching the videos online and going through all the pictures.

This was a historical event and I regret not getting up at 3 in the morning to watch the wedding but oh well there's nothing I can do right now.

Just a visual...

As I was searching for pictures of parasailing, I came across this video in which I thought I would share with all of you. Even though it is not a video of me, I thought it would still be interesting to post. These individuals are parasailing in Lake Tahoe. The scenery looked very familiar while I was watching this video and I recognized the location right away. I had a series of mixed feelings because this clip made me very excited, but sad at the same time due to the fact that I have not participated in this activity for quite a while. Parasailing has become a routine when I visit Lake Tahoe, and I hope to travel there again soon!

Parasailing in Lake Tahoe

As mentioned before in one of my previous blog entries, one of my favorite times to visit Lake Tahoe is during the summer. Yes, I do know that everyone, including myself loves the snow but sometimes it is nice to have your windows rolled down, listening to your music full blast, not worrying about anything. One of my favorite things to do in Lake Tahoe during the summer is to go parasailing. This truly is one of the best things I have ever done. Imagine, being on a boat, and all of the sudden being lifted by the wind when the boat takes off. The driver lowers the parasail so that your feet can touch the water. The feeling is truly too great for words. As your toes touch the water, look over to your side and watch the fish try to beat you as they swim as fast as they can. I loved being in the air and out of no where, my feet were in the water. The surprises we face, even during an activity such as this one are unexpected. They remind us of the turns life takes when we least expect it. What is the price you may ask? I was shocked when I found out that something as fun as this was not that expensive. For twenty minutes, we were in the air and only paid thirty five dollars. The driver of the boat was very nice and explained everything to us before we took off. Of course, as all businesses do, they tried to sell us a picture after our adventure. Luckily, my friends mom had taken many pictures of us. ( Tip: Have someone go on the boat with you to take pictures for FREE, therefore you can still have the memories and not pay anything!)Every time that I take a trip to Tahoe, I stop by the Truckee river and take part in this activity. I really recommend it.

Until next time!

My personal favorites

In order to make sure that people can ski, snowboard, or even play in the best snow, here are some of the most popular places to go in Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Ski Resort, Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley USA, Northstar resort, and Sierra at Tahoe. Here are a few pictures of these very fun ski resorts. Take a look!

Happy Travels!

Honolulu City Lights

One big attraction during the holiday season is the City Lights that are on display in Downtown Honolulu. Along with the big displays, there are dozens of Christmas trees decorated indoors with different themes.

Hotel Del at Christmas Time

Hello Passengers,

Christmas time is a beautiful time to go the Hotel Del. The hotel is decorated with lights and Christmas trees, which makes me happy because winter is my favorite season and the Hotel Del is one of my favorite places to go. I even joke about one day getting married during the winter time at the Hotel Del. There is also an ice staking rink in front of the ocean. Here are some pictures of My friend and I at the Hotel Del for News Years.

Happy Travels,
Amy Bernstein

Kate Morgan

Hello Passengers,

Here is a video about the history of the Hotel Del and the ghost, Kate Morgan. Kate Morgan is said to haunt room 3327. Many have said they saw Kate Morgan or felt her presence, including my dad and I. Once when I was about two years old, we stayed in the old section of the Del. I woke up screaming and my parents couldn't figure what was bothering me. Finally my dad switched beds with me and I slept with my mom. My dad said he felt like someone was sleeping on top of him. He also refused to sleep in that bed for the rest of the trip. Are you brave enough to look for the ghost?

Happy Travels,

Amy Bernstein

Lake Tahoe

One of my favorite places to take a break from reality is Lake Tahoe. Whether it be with friends or family, snowing or sunny, Lake Tahoe is a great place to get away and enjoy some outdoor activities. Many people enjoy this place because it can be a very family oriented place, or a nice romantic getaway.

In the winter, many people go to Lake Tahoe for the most obvious reasons. THE SNOW. All around Tahoe, there are popular ski resorts such as Heavenly Mountain Resort, Squaw Valley, Northstar, and Alpine Meadows. When people talk about Lake Tahoe, they mention that it is not a lake, but THE lake with seven world-class ski resorts. There are a variety of majestic mountains, cliffs and amazing views of the lake. 400 inches of snow a year pile up to make white powder for people to ski or snowboard on. If kids or even adults do not prefer to ski, there are still many things to do such as sledding, snowball fights, spending time in the cabin next to a warm fire, or having a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the lodge. Many people prefer to ski or snowboard due to the rush and excitement it brings.

During the summer, when all the snow is gone, Tahoe is a bit different. There are many casinos, cozy taverns, restaurants, clubs, and local hangout places. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is walk around downtown Lake Tahoe and go into the shops. The weather is beautiful and the rays of the sun sparkle on the water. Parasailing is a very big activity to do on the lake during the summer. Many people like to do things in the water whether it be this or renting a canoe or a jet ski for a few hours. Every time that I visit, this is what I do with my friends or family. It is very fun and although it might sound crazy, it is very relaxing. During the summer, many people enjoy sitting outside their homes, or even on the patios of restaurants and have a glass of wine. It is very common to see groups of people sitting on their front porches talking and watching the sunset.

Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places to visit, whether it be summer or winter. Although many people feel that there is nothing to do in the summer, they need to visit before they say this. Each season truly has its own perks.

Enjoy!

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is volcanic crater and also an icon of Hawaii.  This is a view of Diamond Head from Magic Island.

Hotel del Cornado

Hotel del Cornado(picture from bigfloridiacountry.com)

Hello Passengers,

Imagine yourself sitting on the beach and listening to the waves crash on the surface. Imagine tanning pool side with a tropical drink in hand(alcoholic or virgin for those of us under 21). The temperature linger in the mid 70s and famous buildings sits in the background. This is the Hotel del Cornado, one of my favorite travel destinations.

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to the Hotel Del(short for Hotel del Cornado) every summer with my family. The hotel tends to be a little pricey, but there are a large amount of things to do there. The Hotel Del is located in Cornado, which is beach community with an island feel over the southern coast of San Diego. The island is small and mostly consists of tourist, however, there are a few residents who live there. The hotel itself is located on 1500 Ocean Avenue and surrounded by a multitude of fabulous restaurants. The hotel also has many fabulous restaurants and shops as well. The pool side cafe and sun deck restaurant are perfect for a day at the pool or beach. It serves hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and many different kinds of cocktails(including delicious smoothies for those not old enough to drink).

The beach at the hotel is one of my favorites. The hotel offers surf lessons and rents out all kinds of beach equipment. There is something for everyone at this beach. You can surf, swim, tan, build sandcastles and even look at tide pools. The pool is also a nice place to swim. During the summer, a band plays music on the deck above the pool. The hotel also has kids camps for younger children and teen area for older guests to hang out, shot pool and play video games with kids their age.

Even though the hotel is expensive to stay, I encourage you to walk around the historic and beautiful grounds. The hotel has been used in several movies and it is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Morgan who killed herself at the hotel in 1892.

Happy Travels

Amy

Waikiki

           Waikiki is one of the biggest tourist spots on Oahu.  Shared by locals, it features a strip of stores, great restaurants, hotels, the beach, a great view of Diamond Head, and so much more.  The main “strip” of Waikiki is Kalakaua Avenue.  To me, it’s like a mini Las Vegas plus the ocean.  Besides all of the hotels, there are restaurants, and shopping centers all in between.  One of the newer shopping centers of Waikiki is the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.  It includes various restaurants such as CPK, PF Changs, Yardhouse, and so much more.  Also, it is three stories and has almost every high-end store that you can think of.  And, if it isn’t there, you are sure to find it somewhere else along the road.  Waikiki is a very unique place for shopping because it is one area that has a lot of exclusive designer boutiques.  Some of these are boutiques are only found there and New York.

            When you go to Waikiki on a nice day, you are bound to find everyone walking around in their bikinis and board shorts.  There is no shame in Hawaii; everyone is unique in their own way.  The beach is really nice because closer to shore it is very calm.  However, if you do go out a bit, it is a good area to learn how to surf or paddle board.  Right along the beach there is also the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.  Both great places for families as they have interactive areas where you can either play in the petting zoo, or feel some underwater creatures.

            The last few unique things about Waikiki are that every night, there are street performers.  Whether it’s the gold, silver, or newspaper man who doesn’t move, or people dressed in costume, they are all great entertainment and more than willing to take pictures with you for a donation.  Also, there are street vendors selling homemade gifts or paintings.  You never know what you’ll find as there is always something new.  Friday nights are especially special because the Hilton Hawaiian Village has their weekly firework show, definitely something you can’t miss.

            Waikiki is definitely a fun place to get a taste of Hawaii, but absolutely not the only place you should visit on Oahu.

The Last Part

Greetings!

Sadly, today is my last day in Alameda. Over the past weekend, I have had a wonderful time driving all around, eating delicious food, and seeing old places that I have not seen for a while. I walked up and down Park Street with my brother under the warm sun and saw at least four people that I knew. It was nice to be home again.

Alameda Towne Center is another very popular spot. Located right next to the beach, you can find stores such as Kohl's, TJ Max, Old Navy, Sally's Beauty Salon, Beverly's craft store, Radio Shack, and they are in the process of building a Target. Restaurants like Chipotle, Sushi house ( the BEST Japanese restaurant in town), Jamba Juice, Applebee's, and a hamburger joint are also located in this area. Many people come to Alameda just for grocery shopping. The size of our Safeway is about three times as big the average Safeway. Alameda Towne Center is known as a hangout spot. Whether you want to grocery shop at Trader Joes, grab a coffee at Starbucks, go to the post office, rent a movie at Blockbuster, or pick up a book at Borders, Alameda Towne Center has it all. I was fortunate enough to buy a coffee and walk my dog around the area. It was great.

Last night, I went to the Alameda Movie theatre ( the theatre is modeled like an old fashion type theatre with old furniture, but plays the movies of today) and saw the film Hanna. I ate at the famous Taqueria Ramiro and Sons located next to Alameda High School. I also did some shopping for shoes at a store called Doumitt ( located on the corner across from La Penca Azul). I never realized how much there truly is to do in my hometown until I left for school and never seem to have enough time on the weekend to do everything I want to do.

Since the weather is warmer now, people are beginning to pay more attention to the beach as many people like to play beach volleyball, swim, play in the sand, windsurf, wakeboard, or just lay in the sun. Driving through town, from the west end to the east end, neighborhoods change, as well as the types of homes. The variety of homes from the victorian and craftsman era, to the modern day of today are seen on every block.

There are three ways to leave Alameda, and most Alamedians know that the high street bridge exit is the best way out with the least amount of traffic.

As I reflect today on Easter, I am truly blessed to live in such a wonderful place. Covered in trees and full of wonderful people, Alameda is a friendly place to be in and I would never change my hometown for anything. Its uniqueness cannot be described in words. One must experience in to see what I am talking about.

See ya later!

Holy Week

Hey guys!!

Since today it's Easter, I think it was a good idea to share with you what people usually do for Holy Week. Schools, universities and government organizations are closed since Thursday and the private companies and rest of the country close on Friday because Panama is a Catholic country. Most of the people leave the city and go to the beach or the country side to enjoy this holiday.

Although people on these days should reflect and go to church, they do completely the opposite. Since everybody is on the beach people throw parties on their beach houses and do BBQ on Saturday.

Good Friday is the only day that one can say that people stay calm. It is prohibited to sell alcohol during this day and also you are not allowed to play loud music. People also avoid eating meat and they base their meals in seafood. Seafood is really good in Panama and also very cheap.

There is also a legend that says that if you go to the beach on Good Friday and get in the water you will become a fish. Of course this is not true but is what parents tell their kids so they stop bothering them that they want to go to the beach. There is also another legend that says that one farmer was working on Good Friday and his donkey spoke to him and told him: "not today, tomorrow."

Easter is similar to Easter here in the US. Kids receive candy from the Easter bunny. People go to mass with the family and then return to the city.

Happy Easter!!

Arizona

Hello Passengers,


Today I am in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. My trip has been great so far, I spent some time with my family, ate some good food, swam in the pool and went shopping at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. Scottsdale's Fashion Square is a huge mall and is about three stories tall. They mall has almost every store you can image. It has forever 21, juicy, 7 for mankind, nordstorms, Macy's and much much more. My cousin and I spent 3 hours there and only went to 3 stores. I enjoyed shopping because the mall was air conditioned and a nice break from the hot Arizona sun.


Another way to cool down is to take a drip in the pool. I am staying at the Camelback Inn and it has a fabulous pool. The pool here is open 24 hours a day and has two hot tubes as well. I enjoy the pool area and lied out for a bit this afternoon. The Camelback Inn is a gorgeous hotel. The rooms look like cabins and each one looks out to a view of the desert. It makes for a good night time walk after the weather cools down. The hotel also has several great restaurants, hiking trails, and a tennis court. It is the perfect hotel for families.

Here is a picture of the Camelback Inn. Doesn't it look pretty?
Hope you enjoyed your stay in the hot yet beautiful Arizona.

Happy Travels

Amy

My Backpack

This has traveled with me to over 20 countries and serves me very well.

A Taste Of Alameda

I know that sometimes it is difficult to try and imagine things as you read about them. I found this clip online that takes you around some of the places in Alameda. Although everybody knows that the experience is not the same unless you visit, I figured that this would allow all of you to at least see some pictures. Please sit back and enjoy!

Welcome To Alameda, Ca.

I felt right at home when I drove back into Alameda. My windows were down, my music was very loud and upon entering, I had recognized a few people already. Located 45 minutes North from Santa Clara it takes about an hour to get there. The drive seems to go fast as you drive by places such as San Leandro, Hayward and Oakland.
This is one of the best things about this town, in my opinion. Everybody knows almost everybody. I took the long way home and drove down one of my favorite streets: Park Street. When a person visits Alameda, Park street is a MUST. There are many shops, restaurants, and places to hang out with friends. The street is very long, and is usually very busy especially on Friday nights. Walking up and down this street brings me old memories as I used to spend time with my friends and family all throughout high school and elementary school. One of my favorite places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner is " La Penca Azul" which is located on the corner of Park street and Santa Clara. ( Tip: It is better to go during a weekday because even though there may be a long wait to sit down, it will be much faster than on the weekend). This authentic Mexican restaurant is famous for its margaritas, fajitas and burritos. On Sundays, they provide a delicious brunch filled with eggs, chorizo, ham, tortillas, bacon, and "pan dulce" which is the Mexican sweet bread. Usually, there is a very long wait to eat at this restaurant during any time of the day, but my family always gets in fast because we are friends with the owners. ( Tip: In Alameda, if you the owner of any restaurant or shop, you are most likely to get a discount or some type of advantage over others). After drinking a delicious margarita ( the strawberry margaritas are my favorite) and a carnitas burrito with extra picco de gallo, most people walk down the street to "Tucker's Ice Cream."

Tucker's is located on Part street as well, just one block down from " La Penca Azul." This is Alameda's most popular ice cream parlor and has been serving Alameda since 1941. They have ice cream, yogurt, sorbets, sherbets, FRESH fudge, cookies, ice cream cakes, and coffee. What other great way is there to end your night with a scoop of ice cream or a sunday? My favorite sunday is toasted almond with hot fudge and strawberries. Even though I can't finish it all alone, I get someone to help me.

These are my two favorite places to eat in my hometown. Every time I visit, I have to make a stop at both places. I have a feeling I will be eating dinner on Park street tonight, and I cannot wait.
Well that's all for now!

3 Essential Items for Backpacking

The 3 most important things that a backpacker cannot survive without are: an internal frame backpack, a sleeping bag, and a day bag.

Backpack:  In order to travel efficiently, you should have an internal frame backpack to carry all your belongings with you.  I personally like one that has many compartments and pockets so that I can sort my stuff.  It is importantly to at least have a sleeping bag compartment.  Another feature that I enjoy is the front and top accessibility feature.  This would allow you to lay your bag down and grab items like a suitcase or prop the bag up and access items from the top.  I would also check to make sure the padding of the straps is thick and secure.  Most importantly, try on the backpack with weights and walk around in it for about 15 mins to see how it feels.  Make sure it feels comfortable!

Sleeping Bag:  This is the 'bed' that you will be spending many nights in so don't be afraid to splurge a bit.  A cheap and low quality sleeping bag will cost you your sleep and energy!  Be sure to buy a sleeping bag that tailors to what you plan to use it for.  Generally if you're backpacking, you would buy a 3 season sleeping bag, whereas someone hiking in the Arctic would buy a below-freezing temperature rating bag.  There are two kinds of fills for sleeping bags: Down and Synthetic.  Down is better quality, warmer and lighter, however it is also more expensive than synthetic.

Day bag:  When sightseeing a tourist spot, you don't want to be lugging your internal frame backpack.  You would leave it at your hostel and carry a day bag with you.  This can range anywhere from a messenger bag or a regular school backpack.  This allows you to carry only what you need for the day.  Pack the bare necessities that would allow you to be prepared in any situation such as a water bottle and a poncho/rain jacket.  Your important documents and money should always remain with you on your body in a passport pouch.

Maito

Hey guys,

I am gonna share with you my favorite restaurant in Panama. Every time I go home for vacations I have to go at least one time to this place. It is called Maito.

They have really good seafood and pretty nice cocktails (drinking age in Panama is 18)

I usually get squids that come with black rissoto (SOOOO good) and for dessert I get a creme brulee!!

I also order a glass of white wine sangria to accompany my meal

It is ranked as the eleventh best restaurant in Panama in trip advisor.

Finding good deals on gear

In order to backpack, you need proper gear or else you will not be able to survive.  I generally get all my gear at the REI used gear sale.   
This sale occurs once every month at every location and all the gear there is at least 50% off.  The conditions of the items range from new or in barely used conditions to torn up with holes.  REI sells all their returned items at these sales because they are not able to place them back on the shelves.  I once found this sleeping bag for $30 (original price was $200) and it was returned because the previous owner did not like the color!
Of course, you need to have a membership in order to purchase these items.  You can buy a lifelong membership for a one-time fee of $20. 
Feel free to also check craigslist or consult with other travelers to see if they have any gear that they no longer use and would be willing to sell to you at a discounted price!

Hawaii through pictures

Here's a blog that shows different things that people love about Hawaii through pictures. Enjoy!

Alameda!

Hello everybody,
This weekend, I will be traveling back home to Alameda, Ca. As I stated in one of my previous posts, Alameda is one of my favorite places and I cannot wait to go back and visit. I feel like it is appropriate if I blog about my hometown in this point in time, considering the fact that I will be visiting family and friends for this Easter weekend. Not many people know of this beautiful place. I will be informing you about my travels, as well as what I do there in the upcoming weekend, and give you some cool places to eat and hangout. I am very excited to go back and see everybody.
See you later!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Hello Passengers,

I just want to mention a fun place to spend the day or weekend, Santa Cruz! When I go to Santa Cruz, I love to go to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk has many rides that appeal to people of all ages. I have been going to the boardwalk since I was 7 and have always had a good time. One of my favorite rides is the Giant Dipper, which is an old wooden roller coaster. The boardwalk also has a lot of good food, including salt water taffy. So drive on over to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for some food, rides, and fun in the sun! A wristband for access to all rides is $29.95. However, if you just want to walk around and not ride rides, it is free!

Happy Travels,
Amy

Pali Lookout

A great place to get a beautiful view! The Pali Lookout is right off of Pali Highway up in the mountain. Be careful, though, because it is very windy up there!

Donner Lake in Truckee

My friends and I went to Truckee for the long weekend in January.

Truckee is really close to Lake Tahoe and is a small beautiful town.

My friend on the right lives there so we stayed at her house.

One of my favorite things was this lake. It is so beautiful!!! great place to think and rest while you enjoy this great view. Very relaxing

Your Trip is just Around the Corner

Hello travelers,

I am getting ready for upcoming trip to Arizona this weekend. I am excited to see my family for Easter weekend. Getting ready for a trip is a stressful time. Make sure that you print your boarding pass the day before your trip if you are traveling by plane. Printing your boarding pass will save you time in the airport. If you are running late, you won't have to wait in line to get your boarding pass, you can just go directly to security and to the gate. Packing is another stressful aspect of travel. Before you pack, check the weather of your destination. Also make sure to bring a variety of clothes for different weather. You never know if the weather will randomly change. Also if it helps, write a list of things you need and check them off as you pack them. If these trips your travels will be more successful.

Talk to you later,
Amy Bernstein

Ohana

If there’s one thing I love about Hawaii the most, it would have to be the concept of family, or ohana. I’m not too sure what the customs are here in the mainland, but back at home the line between friends and family is often erased, as we are all one big ohana.
Growing up in such a diverse place, you get to experience a lot of different cultures. By doing so, you develop an appreciation towards others who aren’t exactly the same as you. Furthermore, this gives you the opportunity of sharing your own culture with those who aren’t as familiar.
One great example of this would be Christmas at home. There is that typical American stereotype that you spend Christmas day with your relatives dressed real nice and you eat turkey and pie. This is definitely not how my family and I spend our day. Like many others, my Christmas festivities start around noon where everyone gathers at my house bringing some sort of dish as we always make it “pot-luck” style where everyone contributes. By doing it this way, we always get such an assortment of foods such as Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, and so much more. This is a great example just showing the mixed culture. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same if I weren’t eating sushi, ham, cake noodles, and my dad’s shrimp tempura.
Along with the assortment of food, we always seem to get an assortment of people. Of course my family is always invited to my house, especially because I don’t have too many blood relatives. Along with them, though come all of our other friends who don’t have other engagements. Even though we may all look different, we consider ourselves all to be family.
You could say that people everywhere celebrate this way, and I wouldn’t argue because it is just another way of sharing that feeling of family and togetherness and I hope that everyone could have a family as big as mines.

Hiked the highest mountain in Southeast Asia: Mount Phan Xi Păng

10,312ft - 3 days and 2 nights of howling winds and pouring rain

From left to right: Me, Nghia (13), Tai (15), Matthew.  Serving the poor street children in Saigon, Vietnam.  We took the students shopping and bought whatever they wanted and ended the night by taking them out to dinner.  Instead of looking for toys for themselves at the market, they went and looked for hair ties and headbands so they can give to me.

Carnival in Panama

The carnival is the biggest party in Panama and people start getting ready for it months in advance. This might sound crazy but some people start saving money for the next ones as soon as they get back from the carnivals of the current year. People go crazy!!! they spend all their money in hotels, parties and alcohol. and it's not just the young ones but parents and older people too! it is not uncommon to hear that some kids do not have their books for school because their parents spent it all during carnivals.

The carnivals take place every year, 40 days before Holy week so the date varies every year. They are celebrated all around the country!!! so if you do not like the noise and craziness you better get out on time before they start and thats exactly what my family does. Even though most people love the carnivals some others take advantage of this holiday to travel.

The carnivals start the Friday before Ash Wednesday and they go until Tuesday night.

On Friday night is the presentation of the two queens of the town and people kind of dress up. After the presentation people either hang out in the park or go out to parties! you are allowed to drink in the street at this time of the year!!! usually people party until 5am.

Saturday morning people are ready to get drenched at 10am so people wear whatever they want. It is the time of the year when its OK to be ridiculous!! and some people really take advantage of it. The dancing, drinking and getting soaked in water keeps going until 5pm. At this time people go back home to eat something and maybe take a nap to be ready for the party at night!!! people usually get their tickets before the carnivals for these parties.

This routine is repeated on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday is usually the craziest day because it is the last one and people go all out.

The city of Las Tablas is known for having the best carnivals but everywhere you go you are going to have a good time if this is your kind if party.

watch this video to get an idea of how are the carnival's party during the day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBSvh4yNnBc&feature=related

A little about myself..

Hello everybody!

I am very excited to share my travel stories and experiences with all of you. These memories will stay with me forever, and it is an honor to be able to share them all with you. Not only will I be writing about them, but I will also be posting pictures and tips for you all.

But, first off, my name is Lissette Ramos and I am a sophomore at SCU. Throughout my four years here at Santa Clara, I will be working towards a double major in communications and spanish with a minor in sociology. I was born and raised in Alameda, Ca. This beautiful little island is my home and if any of you ever get the chance to visit, I would recommend it. I will be blogging about Alameda at least once for all of you who are curious to learn. I love to travel because I meet new people, see new things, and as I walk into somewhere foreign, I immediately embrace the culture. I have been to many different places around the world and plan to visit many more throughout college, as well as after I graduate.

So, buckle your seat belts and prepare yourselves to dive into some amazing places!

Hotels and Inns

Hello Travelers, Here is a link to some hotels and inns in the Carmel Area. Some even offer coupons for discounts! Your weekend getaway is one step closer. Happy Travels! Amy http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/carmel_hotels_inns.htm

Beach

One thing I, and the majority of the population, like to do in Hawaii is go to the beach.  This is Lanikai beach, and with the bad weather recently all I can think about is relaxing at the beach.

my home country and my FAVORITE place on Earth...

PANAMA!!!!!!

here is a link for a video about the tourism in Panama

most of the videos were in Spanish and didn't have any subtitles so this is the best one I found in English.. hope you enjoy it :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TtxWYEGeyk

Senor Frogs

Here is a picture of Senor Frogs. As you can see, it is a fun place to be day or night. Many people that I have talked to like this place, just like I do.

Picture from : http://img.cbpmexico.com/080715160850-448-PDC-PM-Common-SenorFrogs-vert-Jun06.jpg

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

**Playa del Carmen: Mexico**

As I am lounging in my foldable beach chair the unfamiliar, but warm breeze, crosses my face. I turn my head to see crystal blue waters and pearl white sand. It is Day 1 and the excursion begins here in the warm town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. “ Welcome to Mexico!” says the bartender who walked over with another drink. Mexico is full of great people, flee markets, clear blue water, delicious restaurants, and of course, the drinking age is 18. I love to walk around with family and friends and enjoy the warm breeze that Mexico presents. In any part, you can find things to do. From wake boarding, banana boating, or even riding a jet ski, Mexico has something for everybody. Every time that I go, my cousin and I get our hair done in braids ( this is very popular and pretty cheap as well). Many people talk about the restaurants in this great place. One of my favorite restaurants in Play del Carmen is Senor Frogs. Their sizzling plates come right to the table as the waiters sing to us in Spanish. My recommendation: the fajitas or the quesadillas. These dishes are to die for! The chicken or beef melts right in your mouth and the quesadilla makes you taste a bite of heaven as you sink your teeth in the first bite and listen to that cheesy crunch. This restaurant is located right on the beach. If you want a drink, or just a bite to eat after a nice swim, Senor Frogs is the place to go. Do not forget to save room for desert. Their ice cream, made fresh, is to die for. They also have an amazing flan dish ( egg custard) which I feel like every other table orders. The deserts are big enough to share and you will still enjoy the full experience if you decide to do this.

Beach volleyball is an activity that many young people like to participate in. If you are with a group of friends at the beach and have the urge to do something other than swim or tan, of course, a competitive yet fun game of volleyball is one of the best activities to take part in. Needless to say, there are other activities as well, but this one is one of the most popular. Many people enjoy kicking a soccer ball around in a patch of green grass, or even throwing a football in the sand. ( Watch out ladies, this might be your dream man's opportunity to "hit" you by accident and secretly just want your phone number). Either way, watching or playing, a day of some beach volleyball or beach football is very entertaining.

I truly recommend everybody to take a vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It is a very family friendly place and has many things to do. You will not get bored, especially if you decide to go to the beach or walk around everyday. Trust me, you will want to buy everything you see ( I speak from experience) and it will put a dent in your wallet. But, overall the trip is worth it and I hope to go again someday and grab a quesadilla, sit on the beach, and watch the waves of white and blue tease me.

Forge in the Forest

Hello Travelers. This is a picture of the restaurant Forge in the Forest. Isn't the scenery beautiful? Nothing beats eating great food in an environment as pretty as this.

Happy Travel!

Amy

Picture found at www.flickr.com/photos/73717134@NOO/2044167363

A bit of an insight on Playa del Carmen

Hello everybody,

Here is a relaxing video that will give you an idea of what Play del Carmen is all about. It is truly an amazing place. Nothing beats a day with family and friends on the beach. If you watch closely, you will see many of the things that I talked about. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OygzbUAuGCE

Machu Picchu

This is a picture of me and my family in Machu Picchu!!

It's breathtaking

Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Viet Nam

My favorite place to travel to is my motherland, Viet Nam.  I've been back 3 times and will be going again this summer.  What draws me back each time is the lifestyle.

The Lifestyle: It is almost a complete 180 when coming to this country.  Unlike America where we try to cram as many activities as we can into a day, the atmosphere is much more relaxed and friendly, even when in big developed cities such as Saigon. For example, people take naps during the noon time!  Another story: the main mode of transportation in Viet Nam is a motorcyle.  If a random bout of rain sweeps in, people in transit will just pull over on the side and just wait for the storm to pass.  Houses along the street graciously open up their front gate to allow strangers to park their motorcycle there and invite them to come inside for cover from the rain.  After the storm passes, the people will simple continue with their daily routine.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Hello Passangers! Welcome to your first stop on your trip. I would like to talk about one of my favorite places to visit, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel is located about 74 miles south of Santa Clara, which is perfect for a little weekend get away. The town is full of little shops, great resturants and is also near a beach. One of my favorite things to do in Carmel is go for a walk around the town and window shop. There are also many great resturants to choose from in Carmel. One of my favorite places for dinner is Forge in the Forest, which is located at 5th and Junipero Ave. The resturant has beautiful surrondings and the outdoor sitting is surronded by fireplaces during the cold months. Forge in the Forest has a variety of dishes that could satify the even pickest eater. Their menu includes sandwhiches, salads, pizza, pastas, fish, chicken and steak. Also be sure to save room for dessert, their Chocolate Cookie Dream is to die for. The cookie dream is a giant chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream. This dessert is big enough for about four to share and I get one to share each time I go to Carmel. Another great resturant in the area is Katy's Place. Katy's Place is located on Mission Street and serves breakfast and lunch daily. I encourage you to try their pancakes. They are very delicious Next time you are looking for a fun weekend get away, I encourage you to drive over to Carmel. It is a great place to relax, shop and eat. Till Next Time, Amy

Spam!

Tonight as I thought about what I wanted to eat for dinner, I couldn't get spam out of my mind.  Back at home, spam is one of the major foods and can be used in anything and everything! So, I dug through my cabinet to find a can and made my most favorite thing with it, spam musubi! It is spam fried in a shoyu-sugar sauce placed over molded rice and wrapped with a piece of seaweed. It was delicious and made me think of home!

Hello Passengers, Welcome Aboard to...

... my travel blog!  My posts will be a collection of my travel experiences and helpful tips for the adventurous!

Let me start off with a bit about myself.  I am a Vietnamese American born and raised in San Jose, California.  I have started my international travels at the age of 11.  I've been to four continents (Asia, Europe, Australia, America) and it is one of my life goals to travel to all seven.  I have been to over 25 countries and my primary mode of travel is backpacking.

Well, it's time for take off and I will continue next time!
-Rosemary

Introduction

Hi! My name is Lauren. I am currently a sophomore at Santa Clara University studying Web Design and Engineering. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and came to California for the mainland college experience. I enjoy what mostly everyone in Hawaii likes to do on a daily basis: beach, and hanging out with friends and family. For the next nine weeks I will be blogging about my favorite things to do in Hawaii along with what I love about it.

Welcome to the trip of a lifetime

Hello Passengers!

Welcome to the trip of a lifetime. Here I will share my travel experiences and talk about all the exciting places I have visited. I will also provide tips to ensure you will also have successful travel experiences. First let me start by introducing myself.

My name is Amy Bernstein and I am a sophomore at Santa Clara University. I am a communications major and I have a minor in creative writing. One of my hobbies is to travel because I love to explore new places. I have been to many different places around the world and hope to continue my travels in the near future. I will be studying abroad in Florence next fall and am planning to explore all of Europe.

Get ready to explore the world and learn how you can also explore these places.

Welcome to our blog!!

Hello!!!!

My name is Carolina Durling and I am going to be blogging about my favorite places!!

Here are some facts about me:

-I am a sophomore at SCU

-Communications major and Italian Minor

-I am an international student from Panama

-Spanish is my first language

-I LOVE traveling

-Love to dance!! especially reggaeton in Spanish

Hope you enjoy our blog :)