Safe and smart traveling

It is important to have fun while traveling, but you should also remember how to travel smart and safe.

First, always keep your important documents (passports, visas, medical information, money) on your body at all times. These can be kept in a passport pouch that is tucked away underneath your clothes and safety pinned to your clothes. Though it may be uncomfortable, it is a necessary sacrifice to make. This is to prevent your important documents and money from being pickpocketed. The safety pin is a guard against pickpocketers who cut the string holding your passport pouch.

It is also important to have an open mind and an awareness for the culture that you are in. Remember that you are not in America so of course things will be different and what may seem normal to you might offend another or vice versa.

Remember that you can never be too careful when you are traveling. At the same time, do not let this hinder you from fully experiencing the culture.

Preparation for summer trip

I am extremely excited for my summer travels this summer. Lately my family has been preparing for our medical mission trip. We need to pack medicine and toothpaste into boxes because it is cheaper to buy those in America. Furthermore, the quality of these items cannot compare to the quality offered by American products.

There will be several college atudents going with the group of doctors. Because most of us do not have any medical experience, we will assisting with translation between the doctors and the patient. I also have another responsibility of taking care of daily liturgies because I can play the guitar. I plan to buy a guitar in Vietnam because I will not be able to bring my own guitar. Due to the climate change, it would be unwise to bring a guitar from America because the climate in Vietnam is much more humid and hot. This will cause the guitar to delaminate.

I cannot wait to meet my friends again who I have made friendships with from my previous trips. I also look forward to eating good and cheap food. The conversion rate is extremely favorable for USD.

A trip for my fifteen year birthday

In Panama like in most of the Latin American countries when a girl turns fifteen years is a big deal. Now people not only make parties but also they go on a trip. I choose a trip over a party and I went to Disney and a cruise in the Caribbean for 2 weeks. We were a group of 150 girls and half of the girls were in my school so it was really fun. The first week we went to Orlando, we went to all the parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, Sea World, Epcot, Bush Gardens and Hollywood Studios. We stayed at the All-Star Movie Hotel and I shared a room with four of my friends. The second week was a cruise in the Caribbean. We visited Jamaica, Gran Cayman, Cozumel and Haiti. It was really fun and the food on the cruise was really good. While we were on the cruise we ice skated, went to karaokes and went to the pool. We had to formal dinners. The waiters were all really nice! there was pizza and sandwiches 24/7 and the room service was also included which meant that sometimes at 4am my friends and I were ordering nachos!! there was also ice cream by the pool, which was really good also. On the cruise there was a Johny Rockets, the food there was not included but it was very very cheap!! for only 3.95 you would get the hamburger, fries, soda and ice cream for dessert. I remember that after we came back from Jamaica we went straight to Johny Rockets because we were starving and OMG we ate so fast!! It was the first time I had Johny Rockets, in Panama there was not any of those but they recently opened one.

here is a pic of my friends and I at the cruise...

"Chiva Parrandera"

The chiva parrandera is very popular in Panama. If you are into parties you should definitely ride one of those if you ever go to Panama. It basically is a party bus but without air conditioner and it has the windows open all the time. People go standing and dancing. It is usually a 3-hour-ride.

Hawaiian Monk Seal

The Hawaiian monk seal is an earless seal that is endangered and native to Hawaii.  You often find them basking in the sun on the sand at local beaches.  Be careful not to get too close!

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The Big Island of Hawaii is made up of five volcanoes.  Mauna Loa and Kilauea are located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea has been continuously eruting since 1983 and is the world's most active volcano.  This National Park is a great tourist attraction.  You will be able to see a lot of Mauna Loa's creation and learn about the history.  If you're lucky, you may even be able to witness Kilauea in action!

Acai!

For the past few years, my most favorite treat would be acai bowls.  Acai is a Brazilian berry that comes either in a juice or a frozen concentrate.  It is very organic, and these products are always made with 100% acai berries.  The way I like it the most would be in “bowl form.”  This means that the acai product is blended with ice, soymilk or apple juice, bananas, and a variety of other berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and/or raspberries.  So, it turns out to be sort of like a smoothie, but much thicker.  Obviously, it is then put into a bowl topped with granola, bananas and other fruit, and honey.  As you can sort of tell, there are many different variations of this special treat. 

Another way to enjoy this treat would be in smoothie form.  It is basically the same ingredients as the bowl, but there is usually more fruits included and it isn’t as thick as the bowl.

            So where can you get this?  Basically almost every smoothie shop, or dessert shop, or food spot will be serving this.  Everyone has their own favorites and supports the store that makes it.  My favorite is when the acai bowl is pretty plain.  I like the acai blended with apple juice and just strawberries and bananas, topped with granola, honey, and bananas. 

            Back on Oahu, Hawaii, these are my favorite places to get acai products and their approximate prices:

            Blue Hawaii Lifestyles: $8

            Jamba Juice: $7

            Jewel or Juice: $8

            Mocha Java: $8

            Blazin’ Steaks: $7

            Red Ginger: $7

            Lanikai Juice: $7

Acai berry

Sleeping Bag Upgrades!

I just recently bought two new sleeping bags because the zipper of my previous one broke.  I will miss my old one dearly because it has been all over the world and served me well for 7 years.

REI is currently having a 20% off coupon and I used it to get myself a light travel sleeping bag.  The temperature rating is 45 degrees and only weighs 1.7lbs.  The insulation is down which is why the sleeping bag is a bit on the pricey side.  The sleeping bag is perfect for my summer travels because it's compact and light weight.

I also purchased another sleeping bag in the REI-Outlet store.  It is a REI Mojave +10 Down.  The title says it all.  It is a sleeping bag meant to keep you comfortable at 10 degrees Fahrenheit.  Its insulation is down which allows for a light weight of only 2.372lbs.  It is also very compact.  

I think it's important to have 2 different sleeping bags because there's no point in lugging around extra weight with a 0 degree bag during the summer time.  At the same time, you will not be able to keep yourself warm during the winter camping trips if you only have a 45 degree sleeping bag.  

Jurassic Park- Universal

One of my favorite rides!!! me and my friends are all on the first road, this is when we went to disney and universal for our "quincea;era" trip.

A View From Tennessee

Here are some pictures of the views from the Sky lift in Tennessee. Enjoy!!

The view of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and part of Gatlinburg from atop Crockett Mountain during the day.

The view of downtown Gatlinburg at night from atop the mountain.

The gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and your photo.

The outlook platform that overlooks the city. Here you can view the mountains or downntown with these binoculars.

People to People Trip Italy!!

Hello Passengers,

The summer before my freshman year of college, I went on a trip to Europe with People to People Student Ambassadors. Here are a few pictures from my trip in Italy, since Italy was my favorite country that we visited Enjoy!

Me in front of Statue of David Ultimate tourist pose at Leaning Tower of Pisa My sister and I in front of the Colosseum!

I can't wait to return to Italy and study abroad in Florence next fall!! I am ready for gorgeous sights, amazing food and great wine.

Happy Travels,

Amy

Sky Lift in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

One of my favorite things I did while I was in Tennessee was ride the Sky Lift. It is known as the "best seat in Gatlinburg" because of the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and the city itself. I rode the chairlift twice, once during the day and the other at night. I think I liked it at night the best because it was a completely different experience. The downtown lights illuminated the city which produced memorable views that I will never forget.

The Sky Lift starts near the streets of downtown and goes up 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain. While going up the mountain a souvenir photo is taken of you that you can purchase at the gift shop at the top of the mountain. In the gift shop, there are many things to buy including: t-shirts, keychains, coffee mugs, jewelry, post cards, and photo albums. Enjoy ice cream, snacks, and frozen drinks while looking around the gift shop where you can stay for as long as you like. Also, at the top, they have binoculars on an overlook platform where you can look down onto the city or out into the mountains. Spectacular views of the forest and mountains can be seen from atop since it is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The hours may differ depending on the time of year, but the rates stay the same. Adults are $12 and children ages 3-11 are $9.

Backpack Upgrade

I sold my old backpack (I do dearly miss it for it has traveled with me for 6 years) in order to upgrade and buy a new one.  As the years pass, the technology and construction of backpacks improve, making the packs lighter and more durable.

Here's my pack:

Gregory Deva 60

I researched online for a pack that had all the features I wanted (many pockets, a sleeping bag compartment, front/top panel access, adjustable torso).  After I narrowed it down to 2 packs, I went to the store to try on the backpacks to see which one was the best fit for me.

I love my new bag!

Hawaii Five-O

The current Hawaii Five-O series is a remake of the 1968-1980 series.  It is a drama television series filmed in Hawaii.  If this interests you, you can watch some episode here!

My Trip to Tennessee

Hello Travelers,

A few years ago my family and I went to Tennessee and stayed in a log cabin way up in the Smoky Mountains. I had never been to the Smoky Mountains before and I had no idea what it would be like so I was a little skeptical about taking a vacation there. However, once we got there and settled in I went to the deck to look at the view and realized how beautiful it was. I had never seen anything like it before. I looked out into the mountains and it really looked as if there was a layer of smoke covering them. Here is a picture of the view from our cabin.

A lot of people visit Tennessee for the hiking, National Parks, and the outdoors but there are also many other attractions to visit and things to do. Since we stayed near Gatlinburg, Tennessee we spent a lot of time downtown shopping. If you are ever near Gatlinburg you must visit the downtown area. It is very tourist friendly and can keep you busy for a few days at least. There are a lot of little souvenir shops, candy stores, old time photo places, restaurants, and the famous Sky Lift. My favorite part of downtown was probably riding on the Sky Lift and visiting the souvenir shop at the top of the mountain. While riding up the mountain on a ski lift chair, I experienced an amazing view of the Smoky Mountains and all of Gatlinburg at night.

Another thing that we did was go white water rafting down the Upper Pigeon. I had never been white water rafting before so I was very excited but also nervous. The Big Pigeon River consists of Class 3 and Class 4 whitewater rapids. We were accompanied by a professional river guide who escorted us down the river. The thrill of being on a raft speeding down the river in the middle of the forest, around rocks, and through rapids was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. I definitely recommend everyone who gets the chance to go white water rafting. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera because this is something that you will want to remember forever!!

Salty's Seafood Grill

Hello Passengers,

Last November in Seattle, we celebrated my Grandparents 60Th anniversary at the seafood restaurant Saltys. It was delicious and had gorgeous views of the harbor. Their menu has many seafood options to choose from. And you can't beat the view!!

View of Saltly's Seafood Grill (picture from www.salty's.com/food)

Happy Travels,

Amy

Sight Seeing in Seattle

Hello Passengers,

I am going to talk about Seattle. I have cousins who live in the Seattle area and have visited them a few times. I actually went last November for Thanksgiving. It was really cold and there was snow on the ground when we arrived. There are many things to do in Seattle. You can sight see, shop and eat at a multitude of amazing restaurants. When we were in Seattle last November, I spent a lot of time shopping and sight seeing.

My sister and I shopped at the Westfield Southcenter, which is located at 633 Southcenter Seattle, WA. It was a huge mall and had tons of shops. I got a good deal of early Christmas shopping done there.

Friday was sight seeing day. We went to Experience Music Project Museum(EMP) and the Space Needle. The EMP was full of musical instruments of past performers and other musical equipment for guests to learn how to play. You can even go into a room with a green screen and make a music video. Inside the room is instruments and microphones. When the music starts, you can pretend to sing or play an instruments. After you are done, you can buy a DVD of your performance or My family made a music video to Hey Ya!

The Space Needle is 605 feet tall and has an observation deck at 520 feet and a restaurant at 500 feet. The views are gorgeous and I encourage you to check them out for yourself next time you are in the Seattle area.

My brother and I on observation Deck on Space Needle

Happy Travels,

Amy

Graduation and Leis

            With high school and college graduation happening, I thought I would give you all an insight as to what it is like to graduate in Hawaii as well as what to expect.  First off, graduation is BIG!! I’m sure just like the mainland family and friends all gather to the ceremony to celebrate the graduate.  In Hawaii, the ceremony is not always what is the most important; it’s the lei giving afterwards that you have to go to.

            A lei, in Hawaiian, means garland or wreath, but more loosely is defined as any series of objects strung together with the intent of being worn.  The most popular kind of lei is the flower lei.  Any kind of flower can be used to make a lei.  My favorites are pikake and puakenikeni.  Although they are both a little on the pricy side, their smell makes up for it.  Whenever I receive one of these leis, I save them for days mainly because whatever room I leave them in is filled with their smell.

            Going back to graduation, leis are the most popular things to give to the new graduates.  Most students get more creative when giving leis, due to the price of a fresh flower lei, and make candy or yarn leis.  Another type of lei given to graduates is the haku lei, which is a flowers woven together into a head piece.  These are very beautiful and come in all different kinds of colors with the variety of flowers found in Hawaii.

            So, after the initial commencement ceremony comes the lei giving ceremony.  Lastly, something that is very important is the party!  Most graduates have parties in honor of their recent achievement.  Here, family and friends give monetary gifts in hope that the graduate will save it and use it wisely in the future.
            Here are some pictures from my high school graduation.

Panama Canal

Panama is mostly known for its canal. Some people when I tell them where I'm from the first thing they say is "oh the Panama Canal." and it's true the canal is one of the main attractions and one of the things that most attracts tourists. The canal is much more than just an attraction is key to the maritime commerce. Right now the canal is under construction one more time because they are building a new set of locks, which would be the third one. The expansion of the canal is schedule to be finished in 2015. 100 years after the inauguration of the canal.

The canal did not completely belonged to us until December of 1999 because under Torrijos–Carter Treaties the canal belonged to the United States.

I remembered December 31, 1999 every person in Panama was watching the ceremony of transition, it was an exciting moment. The canal was finally in our hands.

If you ever go to Panama, which I hope you do, you should also visit the Panama Canal Museum. It explains the history of the Panama Canal since the beginning, it also includes the first attempt to construct a canal by the French.

Russia

In 2005, I was able to backpack through Europe with my youth group.  Russia was one of the countries we visited.  One of the most prominent part was the Orthodox churches we visited (Catholicism is not very popular/accepted in Russia).  It was very interesting to have a first hand experience on the differences between Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Visiting orthodox churches in Russia.

The churches were very grandiose structures and reflected a similar architecture.

Insides of the churches were decorated with these types of paintings.