I couldn’t remember where I was.

Through the haze of deep sleep, I could hear the footsteps crunching on the cheap vinyl carpet. Somehow, through the fog, I knew those steps were coming for me. The bus lurched. The breaks squealed as they forced the bus to a painful stop. Was I in the right place? Did I somehow turn left instead of turning right? Maybe, perhaps maybe, I had gotten on the wrong bus. The events of the day unfolded quickly in my mind; about 7 hours ago my wife and I boarded a night bus from Cappadocia bound for Pamukkale. I was certain I confirmed with the ticket agent; double and even triple checked the number. No, I didn’t make a mistake.

I struggled to make sense of my surroundings, but the dim cabin lights magnified my displacement. Looking around at the other passengers, mostly locals, I could swear they were consciously avoiding eye contact. I had a feeling, they’ve been down this road before and that wherever we were, it was a place they certainly did not want to be. As I peered out the window, greeted by my own reflection, I could see only darkness. This sure as hell wasn’t the Travertine pools nor was it Denizli.

The Galley Master, looking convincingly like a bus attendant, addressed us in English laden with a thick Turkish accent, “Here, here.” Whipping us into line like sheep to the slaughter, he forcefully ushered us out the now open back door.  There were four of us in total: me, my wife, and two other women. Within moments, before we could realize what was happening, we were standing alongside the bus, watching the driver grab our packs and toss them haphazardly unto the roadside, all while ignoring our silent protestations.

I grabbed the Galley Master’s arm as he turned to walk away, hoping to force a conversation or the very least an explanation. With a surprising deftness, probably honed from previous victims, and in one well-rehearsed movement, he shrugged off my hand, jumped on the already moving bus, turned and said, “Here, wait here.”

“Wait here? There’s nothing here,” I responded to no avail.

As we watched the bus roll away in the darkness the four of us shared a glance. Words were unnecessary at this point, but we knew what we were all thinking, “what the fuck just happened?”

We were in an empty lot, surrounded by trees on all sides. Besides the few crude wooden benches dotting the edges and a couple of randomly placed street lamps, the lot was unremarkable. About 100 feet away, a group of Turkish men stared at us with a mild curiosity. Periodically they would take drags off their cigarettes to remind us of their indifference.

We were in the middle of nowhere.

I’ve been stranded before. Being a seasoned backpacker, this certainly wasn’t my first rodeo. I’ve hitchhiked, I’ve trekked, and I had no reservations about asking help from strangers. But this time it was different.

I could hear the disembodied growls all around us. It happened fast.  Within heartbeats, the shadows came alive with a pack of rabid wild dogs. Like predators sensing weakness, the dogs circled, jostling and pacing for a better attack position. With little effort, I instantly spotted the Alpha; a big muscular hellhound, with glistening yellow teeth, whipping saliva with each bellow. This was no ordinary run in with strays. Instantly we went on the defense. The women formed a tight defensive circle, stepping as high on the benches as was possible; I grabbed my bag, holding it in front of me as a shield. The pack continued to circle, brandishing their teeth, howling intermittently as though calling for action. I bluff charged, I yelled, but this only served to aggravate them more. We braced ourselves, as the attack seemed imminent.

Suddenly, we could hear loud whistling, followed by even louder yelling. From behind us, the three Turkish men dropped their indifference and charged, attacking with rocks and cigarette butts. The dogs attempted to mount an offensive. But in the face of greater aggression, the pack scattered running back into the shadows from whence they came. Clearly, these men have dealt with their kind before.

Perhaps we were meant to wait for another bus, or perhaps we really were left stranded. Looking back, it no longer really mattered. What was expected to be an uneventful bus trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale became one of our fondest memories. In the end, the three men not only pulled us from the fire, but also helped us arrange a ride to take us the final few hours to Pamukkale. For my wife and I, this was the reason we traveled. In the place we least expected, we were given a peek behind the curtains and experienced the genuine kindness and generosity of the Turkish People.

If this was nowhere, I’ll take that over somewhere any day.

The post The Road to Nowhere – Cappadocia to Pamukkale appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Upon landing in Siem Reap there was really only one destination I had in mind: Angkor Wat. Of course there are other things to do in the thriving Cambodian city, but our plan was to see Angkor and then figure out the rest as we went.

There are different ways you can go and explore Angkor Wat, but Mike and I opted to get our own tuk-tuk driver and a personal guide (allowing us to set our own pace and see what WE wanted to see). After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast we were ready to be amazed. And amazed we were. I have been to a few Wonders of the World and other World Heritage Sites, but Angkor Wat is in a class of its own. I was instantly captured by its beauty, lost in the amazement and often found myself racing to catch up to Mike and our guide.

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that occupies over 400 square kilometers and includes three large temples: Bayon, Ta Prohm and Ankor Wat. Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, the temple city contains temples and monuments that pay homage to both its Hindu and Buddhist past. Initially a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple and statutes of Buddha, along with other elements and symbols of Buddhism, were added everywhere. As a city deeply rooted in religion, Angkor was once the largest religious pilgrimage site in Southeast Asia.

The Bayon Temple.

Ta Prohm Temple.

The biggest temple – Angkor Wat.

Vishnu – The Hindu God.

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva – the Compassionate Goddess in the Buddhist Religion.

Angkor is an architect’s dream. There is purpose and meaning in every structure, adding to the city’s brilliance. It has been the setting for some epic battles in Cambodia – first with the Chams and Thais, and then amongst the Cambodians during the Civil War – and it is tragic that some of the temples and statues became victims of the wars. During our tour, we saw massive bullet holes along bridges and structures and missing Buddha heads, all evidence of the violence and invasions the city endured.

Both sides of the bridge to the Bayon Temple is lined with buddha statues, but you can see some of the heads were missing.

Bullet holes on the left side of the frame.

It is hard to describe in words the beauty and magnificence of Angkor Wat, so let me show you with photos what I can’t do with words. But even these pictures don’t properly convey the magic of Angkor. It is something you really need to experience.

The enormity of Angkor Wat is a bit overwhelming, so here are some helpful tips for visiting Angkor:

• Hire a guide: the history and stories are just as important as the temples themselves, so hire a guide who can give you valuable information and provide context to what you are seeing. This will allow you to appreciate the site so much more. Also, a guide can show you where the more popular points of interest are or tricks to avoid bottlenecks, which are helpful especially if your time is limited.

• Give yourself plenty of time: there is a reason why Angkor is considered a temple city. It is enormous, so make sure you have enough time to enjoy yourself so you aren’t rushing from one temple to the next.

• Weather: it can get extremely hot, so it is better to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon (when the sun is not beaming down on you). A lot of people try to make it to Angkor for the sun rise, which I’m sure would be breathtaking, but given that I’m not an early riser (especially on my vacation) it was something we didn’t get the opportunity to experience. Also, bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat to shield you from the direct sunlight.

• Respect the dress code: there is a lot of walking, so make sure you are dressed comfortably but remember no sleeveless shirts, and pants and skirts must be below the knee. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are refused entrance to one of the temples.

• Be patient: there are a lot of tourists and it can get congested, especially in places where only “one-way” traffic is permitted and you have to wait for a good break in the flow before you go up or down. Don’t let this frustrate or annoy you, just accept it as being part of the experience. Also, it can be difficult to get the perfect picture in front of a temple or statue without tons of people being in your frame, but check out Travel Hack #3 to get the perfect shot.

• Enjoy and live in the moment: it is easy to get lost in the busyness of Angkor and want to move from one place to another, but find a place to sit back and soak in the wonder. Be present.

Buddhas sitting in meditation.

The post Angkor Wat: A Wonder in Siem Reap appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

There is so much to do and see in a vibrant city like Saigon. It can be overwhelming at times, especially if you only have a few days to spend in the city, so here are some suggestions on things to do and places to go.

1) Go to Chợ Bến Thành: The main market in Saigon where you could get everything from clothes, jewelry, fruits, vegetables, dried foods, spices, ready to eat meals, and my absolute favorite – chè (a sweet Vietnamese dessert or pudding). There’s a particular stand that sells several types of chè and you definitely need to go there. Although the portions are small, which just means you get to try as many different types as you want, it is authentic and approved by the locals.

There are several food stands that offer a wide selection of Vietnamese cuisine, from more popular dishes such as pho and bun to “less Westernized” dishes such as banh bot loc (a dumpling wrapped in banana leaf) – there is something for every palette. Our last morning in Saigon Mike and I went with the three musketeers and had breakfast at one of the food stands. It was great way to say goodbye to Saigon – amazing food and even better company!

Chợ Bến Thành is also a great place to pick up souvenirs, clothes, or knock-offs. Remember to haggle with the vendors, but not if it is first thing in the morning. Vietnamese people are extremely superstitious and they believe that the first sale of the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you haggle with the vendor first thing in the morning chances are you will get yelled at.

2) Visit the Reunification Palace: The Palace was the headquarters for the American and South Vietnamese troops during the Vietnam War. It also symbolized the “Fall of Saigon” when the Viet Cong bulldozed through the Palace’s main gate on April 30, 1975 to capture the capital and end the war.

While touring the palace you can see the command centre, along with communications equipment and maps used during the war. The most interesting thing was the bullet holes and helicopter on the rooftop, which is meant to illustrate Americans being airlifted from the Palace before the Fall.

3) Visit the War Remnants Museum: This museum tells a different, not-often-heard side of the Vietnam War. Although disturbing, it is definitely a must see. Be aware though, there are gruesome images of war victims that will evoke some strong emotions.

Most of us have seen the famous picture of the Napalm Girl taken by Huynh Cong Ut, which shows you a bit of the horror of what those children faced that day. What we don’t see are the ever-lasting effects of the Agent Orange liberally used during the Vietnam War.

4) Go for a Xich Lo Ride: During my first visit to Saigon (23 years ago), the Xich Lo was my main form of transportation. My first tour of Saigon was by way of Xich Lo and I have to say, it was the best way to see the city. It made me feel like a local and allowed me to see things from a different perspective.

Xich Los were once the main form of transportation in Vietnam, but with development and modernization Xich Los are now a thing of the past and have been traded in for faster forms of transportation that allow people to travel greater distances. You can still find Xich Los in Saigon, but rather than being used by Vietnamese people to get around and transport goods their purpose is to give tourists a unique Vietnamese experience.  If you decide to tour Saigon on a Xich Lo make sure to negotiate and agree upon a price before hand.

5) Get Massages or your hair shampooed: I don’t know about you, but I love going for a massage. The idea of going for a massage instantly relaxes me. The great thing about getting one in Saigon is you only pay a fraction of the price.

My cousin and I went to get our hair shampooed at the Hoang Oanh Salon and it was amazing! They massage your scalp and face (if you want) for about 45 minutes. They do this while you are laying down, so once they are done shampooing your hair you flip over and get a back rub as well. After that, they blow out your hair so you are ready for a night out on the town. The greatest thing about the shampoo and scalp massage is it cost me less than a cup of Starbucks coffee!!!

6) Try Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: Every square inch of real estate in Saigon is used for some sort of business, most of which consists of food stalls. Don’t be afraid to pull up a chair and try some authentic Vietnamese food. In Saigon, unlike some other places in North Vietnam, you really don’t have to be afraid of being served a portion of man’s best friend (yes – I know a bit of a culture shock to even have to think about that).

Most people have probably tried a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich (a chicken, pork, or beef sandwich served on a baguette with pickled carrots, cilantro, pate, a special mayonnaise, and hot peppers), but there really is no banh mi like the ones you get in Saigon. Mike and I ate so many chicken banh mi sandwiches that I thought we had our fix, but when we went to Nha Trang and Hanoi we found ourselves seeking them out, so make sure to eat up in Saigon!

Try the fresh fruit such as logan, lychee, rambutan, and mango. You really haven’t tried a mango until you’ve tried one in Vietnam, which are so juicy and flavorful – makes my mouth water just thinking of them. If you are brave enough, try durian. Durian comes in a porcupine like husk that has to be cracked open in order to get to the soft buttery fruit. I love durian and can eat it by the bucket loads, but I have to admit it is an acquired taste and most people can’t get past the pungent, gas like smell. Mike thinks it smells like raw sewage and won’t go near it, but that’s okay because it just means more for me! One time while my cousin and I were buying durian on the streets of Saigon, two British tourists asked us what we were buying and I told them it was durian. They were both willing to smell it, but only one was brave enough to try it. Not surprisingly, they quickly walked away after that. I know I’m not doing a good job of persuading you to try durian, but it is everywhere on the streets of Saigon so you should be aware.

If you want to learn how to make Vietnamese food, go to a cooking class. There are several places that offer classes and includes going to Chợ Bến Thành to pick up groceries.

7) Get custom made clothes and shoes: labour is extremely cheap in Saigon and there are many talented seamstresses. If you are looking for a new wardrobe, why not get things tailor made? Mike got three suits made in four days at a cost of $650 Cdn, which is $216 for each suit! There’s no way he would be able to buy a nice suit for that price in Canada. This was considered expensive because it was during Tết (Vietnamese New Year) and we also put a rush on the order.

If you have a favorite clothing item, pack it with you so you could get it made exactly as is. That’s what I did! I brought my favorite black trousers and was able to get them made in three different colors at only $30 a pair (this included the Tết and rush factor). The workmanship is impeccable and I didn’t even have to go in for a fitting.

This is the same for shoes. There are cobblers everywhere, so if you need a new pair of shoes go in and get your foot sized. It’s that simple! My uncle is actually a cobbler and Mike was able to score two beautiful pairs of shoes that he wears all the time.

8) Visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà): the Cathedral is a landmark of Saigon and is symbolic of Catholicism in Vietnam. Built while Vietnam was a French protectorate, it has a lot of history and you can go attend Sunday Mass or just people watch.

Across the street from the Basilica is the Central Post Office, which is one of the oldest buildings in Saigon and built during the late 1880s by the French. You can go visit the souvenir shop or mail a letter since it is still a functioning post office.

9) Go to the Củ Chi Tunnels: Củ Chi, which is approximately 30 km from Saigon or 1.5 hours on the bus, has an elaborate tunnel system used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were instrumental to the Viet Cong’s fight against American troops. They were used as living quarters for the Viet Cong and were an essential supply route, allowing the easy transportation of food and weapons.

Looking at the intricate tunnel system, which had many levels and included hospital rooms and kitchens, and the conditions that the Viet Cong had to endure you can’t help but respect their resilience and determination. Although I agree with Mike that the tunnels were built for small Vietnamese people and not Westerners, I am a small Vietnamese person and there is absolutely no way I could endure that kind of life for even one day, much less for months or years on end.

My cousin trying to make her way through the tunnels.

10) Travel to the Mekong Delta: Experience a different side of the Vietnamese lifestyle by taking a trip to the Mekong Delta. There are many things to do in the Mekong Delta including going to the floating market, visiting the Coconut Candy Factory (if you are nuts about coconut like I am, this is definitely a must do), taking a boat down the Mekong River, and visiting My Tho. (Ladies a note of caution: if you choose to go on this tour, bring toilet paper!!!)

Learning how to make candy at the Coconut Factory.

What are some of your adventures in Saigon? Were you brave enough to try durian?

The post 10 Things to do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Image courtesy of Giuseppe Milo.

I have always been curious about Ireland, a country known for its struggles to separate from Great Britain, potatoes, and of course Leprechauns. Fortunately, I was able to spend a week in Ireland and got to experience first hand the country’s beauty and the hospitality of the Irish.

The first stop was Dublin and I really didn’t know what to expect. I quickly realized that Ireland is a magical island and Dublin is the epicenter. Here are 10 things to do in Dublin Ireland:

1)St. Patrick’s Day: The Irish never really need an excuse to party, but St. Patrick’s Day is their special day.  It is amazing how everyone around the world becomes Irish on March 17^th.   The good St. made his name by driving all the snakes off of the emerald isle.

In Dublin, there is a massive parade which includes floats, music and of course, beer no matter what time of day.  The parade route varies from year to year but whatever the travel route, it’s generally standing room only along the entire stretch.

A great way to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day  (weather permitting) is to go to Phoenix park, which is Dublin’s largest park and accessible by the Dart.  It’s the ideal place to have a picnic, and like the parade, there’s plenty of music and other forms of entertainment (theater, poetry, magicians, etc…).  Going to the park is the preferred option for hundreds of people, so expect a lively atmosphere and a sea of green.

As you can imagine, this is a major date for the tourist heading to Ireland, so book your accommodations early if your plan is to enjoy this wonderful event.

Image courtesy of William Murphy

2) Pubs: pubs are a large part of the social fabric of Ireland and Dublin has more than its fair share.  Instead of watching television, most Dubliners go to the “local” (pub in their neighborhood), have a pint and converse with their fellow neighbors or anyone else that is sitting next to them.  Drop into a pub and enjoy. Keep in mind that there is often live music playing at the pub, whether it is a solo fiddler or an 8-piece band belting out traditional Irish music.  It can get loud, so if that’s not your thing, move on to the next pub.

Image courtesy of William Murphy.

3) Beer: what more to there to say except that Dublin is home to the Guinness factory and it is well worth taking a tour even if you don’t drink beer.  The Irish have a saying that Guinness doesn’t travel well, so if you do like beer enjoy some straight from the well!  Don’t fill up on too much Guinness though since there are many other great beers that you will find in Dublin.

Image courtesy of deandare06.

4) Sports: the Irish are very passionate about their sports.  Dublin has Aviva Stadium, which hosts all of the big events.  Soccer, rugby and hurling (a sport like Lacrosse where they wack each other with sticks, except with no padding) are very popular.  If you can catch anyone of these games live it will be memorable!  If you can’t get tickets, there is always the local pub which can get just as rowdy (in a good way) as the live event.

Image courtesy of Naomh Colum Cille CLG.

5) Food: if you are a foody, lower the expectations down just a notch or two.  Dublin is not known as a culinary destination of choice.  However, the pub grub is fantastic!  Irish stew and fish and chips are always a safe bet.

Image Courtesy of Antonf.

Image courtesy of Bjaglin.

6)  Transit: Dublin has an exceptional transit system that include trolleys, buses, and a light rail transit system called “The Dart”.  Hop on the Dart and explore some of the outlying areas.  Like any big city, there are many things to see besides the city centre.  The Dart follows the coastline and offers fantastic views.

7) Killiney: if you feel like heading to the beach then hop onto the Dart and take it to Killiney. Bear in mind that Irish beaches are not like what you would find in Kailua or Waikiki.  They’re a little rough around the edges, much like the Irish themselves!  However, many people swim from this location, so if you are not adverse to unpredictable weather and a cold ocean, then this is the spot to do it.

8) Dalkey: One place you may want to consider going to is a community called Dalkey.  It is a beautiful little township (which is what the Irish call suburbs).  There is a popular pub called “The Queens”, which has won Pub of the Year and this is no easy feat considering the volume of pubs in Dublin. It also happens to be Bono’s “local”.  Chances of seeing him, either alone or even with the Boss, are best when U2 is not on tour.

9)  Grafton Street: if you are looking to shop in Dublin, there is no better place than on Grafton Street. Running from St. Stephen’s Green to College Green, this pedestrian friendly street is lined with high-end shops, cafes, and restaurants and is bustling with people. Don’t forget to explore the side streets, which houses some uniquely Irish stores where you may find an unexpected gem. If shopping is not your thing, Grafton Street is a great place to people watch and take in the energy.

A short distance from Grafton Street is the world famous Trinity College, definitely a place worth visiting and stopping in to view the Book of Kells.

10) Weather: Not so much a “to do”  as it is a notable characteristic of Dublin.  Ireland has two seasons – rain or no rain.  That should in no way discourage you from going to Dublin!  In fact, it seems to have been a major reason for the pub culture where people can dash into a nearby pub for some warm soup and conversation.  Rain gear (or even an Irish sweater) is a good idea since it can start pouring at any time and from any location, but don’t fret too much as there can also be glorious sunny days too.

Image courtesy of William Murphy.

11) Accents:  The Irish lilt is almost musical, but since Dublin attracts people from all the counties the accents can vary in a significant way.  Sometimes you may wonder if the person you are conversing with is speaking English, but everyone gets the hang of it quickly.  An important Gaelic word to know is Sláinte, which means CHEERS!

So there’s my list of the top 10 things to do in Dublin Ireland.

What are some things you would add to this list? Sláinte and enjoy Dublin!

The post 10 (plus 1) things to do in Dublin Ireland appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Sustainable travel is a tough business. But Kach and Jon of Two Monkeys Travel have devised a formula that makes its seem so darn easy to work and sustain a life of global travel.  On the road since 2013, the Two Monkeys really put their money where their mouth is. With incredibly detailed, and actionable advice, Kach and Jon inspire others, such as myself, to just get out there and do it. Lucky for us, they’ve allowed us to share some of their best kept secrets…This is Part 2 of their Funding and Sustaining a Life of Travel Series.  You can find Part 1 here -How to Fund and Sustain a Life of Travel Part 1

Fund and Sustain a Life of Travel Part 2

Planning to buy this Combi– Arequipa, Peru

Option 1 – Work THEN Travel – The road most traveled

This is what Jon and I were doing before we met each other and it seems to be the way most travelers start.  He spent 6 months preparing and saving for his big move to South East Asia.  It’s a lot to ask yourself to stay in a job and a life that you already know you want to leave behind, but booking your flight makes it all the more bearable!  Because of this, he was able to fulfill his dream of traveling around SE Asia (Cambodia-Thailand-Laos-Vietnam) by motorbike with one of his best friends from home, Seb.

Jon with Seb on their South East Asia motorbike adventure

I lived and worked in the Middle East for 4 years and although I had been traveling short-term from time to time, I knew the time was approaching when I would finally quit for good.  So after four years of full time corporate work in Kuwait and Kurdistan, Iraq I had enough savings to travel for three months in South East Asia and live in Vietnam for another 3 months before finally getting a job!

Kach with Lory in Kuwait – after a Musical show

Option 2 – Overseas working – Become an Expat!

Moving around a lot is great, but if you really want to get to know a place and its’ people, nothing beats living there and there is always work if you know where to look.  After 3 months of traveling around South East Asia, Jon and Seb’s travel funds were diminishing and the motorbikes were suffering some serious issues; the main one being that they were shit!  So they set off on the three day ride from Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam in hope of finding work.  Luckily they had already prepared for this situation before leaving the UK.  Both had completed a 150 hour TEFL teacher training course so that they could have some kind of income almost anywhere in the world.  As things turned out, Hanoi is actually heaven for native English speakers looking to make good money.  Teaching jobs there pay $20-30 per hour and living costs are some of the cheapest in the world.   Jon landed a job teaching kids for 20 hours a week and rented a huge house with 3 guys; Seb, the half-French Cumbrian; a mysterious yet disturbing Swede named Martin; and Eachan, a 19 year old Geordie who realized Vietnam was loads better than the army…It was interesting…..

No, don’t become a sex-pat!

I, on the other hand, didn’t have any teaching certificates and wasn’t considered a native speaker in Vietnam, so it took me a few months to find teaching work, but once I landed my first job the flood gates just opened for me.  Also, since I have a good deal of marketing and administrative experience, I was also able to find freelance work.

Although we both had full time jobs as well as other part time jobs to help us save for our next big backpacking adventure through India, we still found time to take short trips away.  In seven months we rode a motorbike around North Vietnam for a week; spent a week in Laos; had a luxury cruise in Halong Bay and even treated ourselves to 4 and 5 Star hotel breaks in Hanoi and Ninh Binh!

By the time we left Hanoi, we had enough savings to travel to Singapore, India, The Maldives, UK and South America over 6 months.  And we were hardly sticking to a tight budget – the odd 5 star hotel managed to sneak itself into our India trip!

Our 5 star hotel in New Delhi, India

Option 3 – Work WHILE Traveling – Truly Mobile Travelers!

While living the expat life in Vietnam was an amazing (and quite profitable!) we both knew that in order to achieve that next level of financial freedom and mobility we needed to invest in some new skills that allowed us to work on the move.

Of course this would have to be something we enjoyed as well as providing a solid source of income to top up our pockets now and then.

Jon at Shri Kali Ashram, Goa, India

I had practiced Yoga in the Middle East and later completed a month long intensive Tantra Yoga course in Thailand, whilst Jon had practiced Tai Chi in the UK and Yoga in Hanoi.  Our decision to become qualified Yoga teachers was the main motivation to travel to India, where we studied traditional Tantra Yoga with Shri Kali Ashram in South Goa.

Jon’s yoga class in Ollantaytambo, Peru

Towards the end of our India trip, we also visited Rishikesh in the North West, where we found Dr Vinod Kumar, qualified Doctor (MD), Ayurvedic Doctor and founder of the Ayuskama centre, where we studied to become Ayurveda Massage Therapists.  Between us we specialize in Marma Point therapy, Pre and Post Natal and Childcare massage therapy

Business card in Arequipa, Peru

With these new skills we could now be truly mobile, practicing our interests and passions whilst funding our travels around the world.

Option 4 – Volunteering and Work Exchange – Stretch your budget…and your travels.

You won’t be able to save money or even earn it through this route, but you can definitely extend your budget, and consequently your travels, by working a few hours a day in exchange for your bed and at least one meal a day.  This is most often in hostels but you can also find more interesting jobs with eco-projects or charitable organizations.

Bowl of Compassion, Bodh Gaya, India

We have both volunteered teaching English in Cambodia and Laos and I worked in a Hostel on Koh Pah Ngan, Thailand.  We also worked 4 hours a night in a beach restaurant in India for two meals a day and worked in a Hostal in Ollantaytambo, Peru for a month so we could learn Spanish and visit Machu Picchu.  We also used this as an opportunity to meet massage clients and host Yoga classes!

Waiters at Duck n Chill – for FREE yummy food!

Duck n Chill. Agonda Beach where we worked at the bar at night!

However, BEWARE of anyone asking you to pay any kind of fee in order to volunteer.  We don’t believe in paying to donate our time, effort and skills to a good cause, but volunteer work has become so popular and accessible (thanks internet!) that many have taken advantage by charging extortionate fees for a ‘rewarding experience’.  Unfortunately it’s quite common for very little of this money to go to the people who actually need it.

One of Jon’s yoga class in Ollantaytambo, Peru

 About the Authors

Kach Medina and Jonathan Howe are working-on-the-road couple from the Philippines and UK. Having each decided to quit their jobs and set off around South East Asia to start their new lives, neither imagined they would end up traveling the world with someone they met in a backpackers’ bar in Laos.  But that’s what happened!  They are both certified Tantra Yoga Teachers, Ayurveda Massage Therapists and TEFL Certified Teachers. Working wherever and whenever they want! Travelling since April 2013 and currently exploring South America. their next major travel goal- Antartica via Argentina

 

Visit them at www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com

Drop by their Facebook page and get to know them!

Follow them on Twitter

Join the Twomonkeys Facebook Group

 

The post Fund and Sustain a Life of Global Travel Part 2 appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Sustainable travel is a tough business. But Kach and Jon of Two Monkeys Travel have devised a formula that makes its seem so darn easy to work and travel.  On the road since 2013, the Two Monkeys really put their money where their mouth is. With incredibly detailed, and actionable advice, Kach and Jon inspire others, such as myself, to just get out there and do it. Lucky for us, they’ve allowed us to share some of their best kept secrets…

How to Fund and Sustain a Life of Travel

For most of us nowadays, the world is a fairly accessible place. Cheap deals on flights and accommodation, thanks largely to online competition, as well as the massive growth in information available to anyone with an internet connection, means more of us are seeing more of the world than ever before.  As long as you have a job and can save a little money each month, you can fund that once-in-a-lifetime backpacking experience to SE Asia, India, South America, Africa…the list goes on!

Unfortunately though, all good things must come to an end.  You’ve had your fun, escaped the ‘real world’ for a year or two and now it’s time to get back to reality; build a career; buy a car; get married; buy a house; put babies in the house…Your own preferably.  Don’t steal babies! So that’s it – work and invest and raise miniature versions of yourself and do all of the things that you’re supposed to do up until retirement age.  If you’ve looked after your health then you can get straight back to having fun again.  Go wild!  Grow your own vegetables; play golf; join some kind of committee; maybe go on nudist holidays when nobody you know is looking.  It’s gonna be crazy!

But what if you don’t want to wait until the age of 65 to enjoy all these wonders that life has to offer?  What if you want to join the naked-vegetable-golf-committee right now?!  Well, you know what, you can!

There are many ways that you can fund a life of continuous travel and if you’re prepared to stay somewhere longer, actually build up savings as well!

Firstly, here’s everything we’ve done to earn money since leaving our jobs and up until leaving Vietnam.

Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh, India

Here’s our story: Jon is from the United Kingdom and I’m from the Philippines.  We both have completely different cultural, work and financial backgrounds.

Jon had already been saving for 6 months before he quit his job in the UK and flew to South East Asia.  His savings only lasted for 3 months though as he did a motorbike trip through Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; which used up most of his traveling funds.

In my case, my traveling funds came from my last 3 paychecks I received while working in Kurdistan, Iraq. I quit from my job and initially planned to travel for 3 to 6 months, one month of which was with my younger siblings.  I paid for everything, which put quite a dent in my finances as well!

When I decided to follow Jon to Hanoi, Vietnam, he had already found a job, a house and had 2 motorbikes but his bank savings were suffering.  By that time I had been traveling for 3 months and still had enough savings, from working in Kuwait and Iraq, to survive for a month or two, however I didn’t intend to touch them as it was invested in my mutual funds in the Philippines.

Now for the important stuff – How we managed to save and sustain our finances in Hanoi, Vietnam upon choosing this long-term traveling lifestyle.

1. Teaching English

Vietnamese New Year Celebration with May School where Jon taught English for 6 months

As posted in Memories of Hanoi, by teaching English we earned from $19 to $25. Jon, having a TEFL Certificate (from the UK) and being a Native English speaker, though without teaching experience, was able to get a 6-month contract with a private language school.  This paid a monthly salary of $1600 to $1800, depending on his working hours, with an extra of contract bonus.  He also took on some extra classes and private students to earn extra cash.  While now here in South America, you can also add yourself to websites which are specifically designed to help students and teachers to connect to each other, like this one, linking travelling teachers to students all over South America – www.englishclassforlatino.com

In my case, a non-native speaker without experience, nor TEFL certificate, it took 3 months to find my first teaching gig.  My first job paid me $17/ class (1 hour and 30 minutes) but I had a sure 30 class course over almost 2 months which paid me at the end of the course. After that, I was able to get a job through a private agency that sends teachers to rural areas in Hanoi, getting paid $20/hour for 10 hours every weekend and $25/hour for 5 hours on Tuesday and Thursday. This teaching job paid me weekly, so we used this money for our monthly bills while Jon’s monthly salary went straight to our 2014 Travel fund!

My students in the public school

Also, there were times that some centres needed a teacher to cover a class which they advertised in TNH or Hanoi Massive.  I once covered a short class for a week, paying $200! They wanted me to work longer but I couldn’t commit knowing that we planned go travelling.

2. Freelancing (Admin Job)

Since we had a high savings target, we had to work more hours to earn more money.  But teaching can be exhausting at times. Luckily though, through an advert on Facebook, Jon was able to get an editing job in an office where his job was to back-check and proofread emails.  At $20/hr and 10hrs/week it was exactly the boost we needed!

Teaching baby yoga!

I was able to get a job at this western-franchised company for children, which I was very sad to leave but I had to.  I developed marketing plans, organized open house events, pricing strategies and taught baby yoga to kids.  This job only paid me $10/hour but I had a fixed 80 hours per month (or $800/ month salary.)  I sometimes worked at night, weekdays or bulk hours on the weekend!  My sister even spent Valentine’s Day with me in the office since I had to work from 9am to 9pm!

3. Private Classes

Private class

This is my favorite, our private classes. Jon was able to get a private class teaching 5 cute Vietnamese kids in their house where he was paid $20/hour and was teaching them twice a week (1hr and 30 minutes per session).  I had two adult private classes.  I was tutoring my first student three times a week on how to pass her Canadian Immigration interview and she paid me $25/class while my other lovely student was working for the government and just wanted me to practice with her and improve her business English.  She also paid me $25/class, 3 times a week!

Crazy schedule on our last 3 months!

In our last 3 months in Hanoi Jon and I weren’t able to see each other as much as before, because our schedule was fully jam-packed with work.  I also had to learn how to drive a motorbike in Hanoi traffic for work, but it was all worth it, we left Hanoi with enough money by just living there and enjoying life for 7 months (9 months for Jon!) but saving for only the last 6 months!

TIPS for Couples

1. Compromise

As a couple, you will both know and learn each other’s spending habits by living together.  In our first month of living together, Jon and I were paying for our own food, drinks and etc. (completely different from the Filipino culture!)  This changed once we started making longer term plans together and we began to share all of our income and expenses; from food, to bills and partying.

2. Save Together

This is how I organize our budget while traveling!

3. Set a Goal and Target

We had a monthly target of travel fund to achieve.  I wrote on the wall and we can clearly see upon waking up in the morning. We tried to live smartly and sometimes frugally.  Whilst saving and with both of us working, we were able to travel to North Vietnam, a week in Laos, holiday trip in Ha Long Bay and a Christmas stay-cation in a 5-star hotel but we were able to leave Hanoi with travel fund to sustain our trip to South America!

Weekend trip in Ninh Binh, Vietnam!

Part 2 coming soon!

 About the Authors

Kach Medina and Jonathan Howe are working-on-the-road couple from the Philippines and UK. Having each decided to quit their jobs and set off around South East Asia to start their new lives, neither imagined they would end up traveling the world with someone they met in a backpackers’ bar in Laos.  But that’s what happened!  They are both certified Tantra Yoga Teachers, Ayurveda Massage Therapists and TEFL Certified Teachers. Working wherever and whenever they want! Travelling since April 2013 and currently exploring South America. their next major travel goal- Antartica via Argentina

Visit them at www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com

Drop by their Facebook page and get to know them!

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The post Work and Travel – The Two Monkeys way! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Being lifelong travelers, we all love our lightweight, multipurpose gear that can withstand the rigors of the road. Gear should be dependable, multifunctional, durable and perform beyond expectations. Nothing could be truer when it comes to buying a good hiking backpack, especially considering it’s going to be your home away from home. Traveling, especially long-term, will literally test the limits of your bag and your body, and as such this decision should never be made impulsively. Buying your backpack should not be a rushed decision and factors like trip length, capacity, material, functionally and comfort should always be considered. When I first got serious about investing in a good pack, I was at REI for a good 3 hours –I think they started to suspect I was applying for a job.

If my three hours was any indication, buying a good backpack is not an easy task. With hundreds of backpack manufacturers and styles, it can understandably be overwhelming. Whatever you do, don’t go cheap. You’ll be doing yourself a disservice and end up buying a new one anyways. A good backpack is an investment. You needn’t spend $500 on a backpack, but be wary of cheap, no-frills, run of the mill $70 brands, as you’ll regret the design flaws and absence of extras. Spend a little more for a good backpack from a trusted brand, and it will be your companion for many trips to come. The Osprey pack I eventually settled on has traveled with me from the U.S to the Middle East for 10 awesome years and I know it has another good 10 years to go.

Travel Backpack or Hiking Backpack

Before you begin shopping for the right pack, it’s important to know the difference between travel backpacks and hiking backpacks. A travel backpack is a backpack-suitcase hybrid with a zippered side panel similar to a suitcase. Hiking backpacks are the more commonly seen cylindrical top loading packs with straps, clips and a top lid. Some people have an opinion that hiking backpacks are only suited for the backcountry and has no place for the backpacker, I disagree. What works for you ultimately comes down to personal preference and style of travel. Travel backpacks are great for easy, organized access to gear and transporting from hostel to hostel. They also function well for short walks or even as a daypack.

On the other hand, if you possibly have camping or long treks in your travel plans, you may want to consider a hiking backpack. Hiking backpacks are designed for comfort, proper weight distribution, and toughness. Unlike a travel backpack, hiking backpacks will have enhancements like full-sized hip belts, shoulder and back suspension systems along with plenty of load bearing straps to mitigate discomfort. Granted the top down packing isn’t as convenient to access your gear, but that’s part in parcel to proper weight distribution. A good compromise would be to get a hiking backpack with side load access.

I am generalizing a bit as they do have travel backpacks that are in the upper capacity range with more advanced suspension systems, but if you’re going to get a 70L travel backpack, you may as well go with a hiking backpack. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did for that unexpected 20 mile trek to the next town.

Personal Backpacking Style

Next, determine the style of travel you normally like to do. Unless you’re willing to buy a different backpack for each trip, figuring out your travel style will save you a lot of money in the long run and give you a piece of foundation gear that’s ready for any trip. For instance, if you generally go on week long trips you needn’t get a high capacity bag and could probably get away with a 35 liter to 50 liter (L) pack, whereas living long-term on the road may require 65L or greater.

Size is pretty subjective though and shouldn’t be the only determining factor. Some people are able to pack very bare bones, where others require a bit more. Consider these factors:

How long is your trip:

Depending on the length of your trip the capacity and overall weight of your pack will vary. Short trips require less capacity, and long trips typically require more. But be aware that the bigger the pack the heavier it will become. 50lbs may not seem a lot at first, but 2 months in and it will feel like a ton of bricks.

What Type of Activities will you do:

I personally feel that one bag can rule them all since I generally use my pack for everything. However, this may not be the case for everyone. Knowing what type of activity you’ll be doing will help you zero in on that perfect backpack. If you’re not planning on carrying it around much, consider a travel backpack or even a wheeled backpack, whereas if you foresee yourself doing long treks then a hiking backpack may be more suitable. I like to be prepared for any type of spontaneous activity, so I lean more towards hiking backpacks. Also, hiking backpacks are generally made a bit tougher, so keep in mind that the more challenging the activity, the greater the stress on the bag.

 Lightweight or the kitchen sink:

Although I mentioned earlier that size is not the main determining factor, it’s still important to consider capacity based on what you plan to bring. If ultra light is your goal, avoid high capacity backpacks as you’ll invariably bring too much or if you do manage to pack light your backpack won’t distribute the weight properly. Conversely, if your backpack is too small, you won’t be able to fit everything in. Have an idea of the gear you’re bringing and pick the capacity of your bag accordingly. Don’t hesitate to bring your items to the store to see how it fits in the packs. A reputable retailer, like REI, won’t have a problem with this.

What To Look For In A Hiking Backpack

Backpacks vary in functionality as much as they do in appearance, with the more expensive models having the most bells and whistles. As with everything, your decision here is closely related to what type of traveling you like to do.

Water Resistant

Your pack is probably not going to be completely waterproof. Meaning, if submerged, or in a torrential downpour your clothing and equipment will still get wet. Although most backpacks now come with a rain cover, you still want it to be made of a tough, rip proof, and lightweight silicone coated nylon or Cordura type material that allows rain or water to bead off and not soak through.

Detachable Daypack

this option is really a personal preference, and not really a deal breaker, as many travelers bring an additional pack for day trips. But for those focused on traveling light, carrying two bags can be cumbersome. I personally like the option of a detachable daypack as I have it only when I need it. On my Osprey, the top lid doubles as a daypack. Not as comfortable as a dedicated daypack, but it serves its purpose.

Heavy-duty Lockable Zippers

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. No matter how good the material of the backpack, if the attachment points, like zippers, are weak the whole bag is worthless. Make sure the zippers are tough and lockable where applicable.

Pockets and Compartments

The more compartments the better. Good backpacks usually have a number of compartments to help store and separate your gear so you won’t have to sift through layers of clothes just to find your chapstick. For instance, maps can go in the top flap, while your flip-flops are stored conveniently in the side pocket. However you decide to pack, separate pockets allow easy and quick access to your gear. Most backpacks will also have strategically placed pockets, like on the hipbelt, so you can get to your gear without having to drop your pack.

Lightweight Internal Frame

Backpacks generally come with an internal frame, external frame, or no frame at all. I strongly recommend a lightweight internal frame made from strong carbon fiber rods. This provides more load support and just looks better. External frames are bulky, conspicuous, and use dated technology and frameless backpacks have awful load support at higher weights.   Trust me, without proper weight distribution, you’re shoulders are going to feel every single one of those pounds.

Side Load Access

I’m seeing less and less of this function on the newer backpacks, but if you do happen to find one with side access you’re golden. You’ll be able to access items from the main compartment of the bag without digging in from the top. You’re life will just be that much simpler.

Suspension System with Padded Shoulders and Load Bearing Straps

Don’t even consider buying a backpack unless it has either an adjustable or fixed suspension system, along with a bunch of load bearing straps. The suspension system is the part that usually rests against your back and where the padded shoulders connect. Fixed system means that it fits to one torso size, whereas the adjustable system can be calibrated. The whole system is meant to help stabilize load and transfer weight to your hips. The load bearing straps, like the sternum strap, will also help move the weight around minimizing pain and discomfort.

Ventilation

To minimize the discomfort from an annoying sweaty back, get a backpack with ventilation. Most internal-frame packs will have some sort of ventilation system or design feature that promotes airflow, creating a permanent breathable layer between yourself and the backpack. Although not essential for load support, it certainly increases your comfort level.

Padded Full-size Hip belt

This is probably the most important feature of any backpack since your hips will be carrying 80% of your backpacks weight. The padding in the belt will help you avoid fatigue, discomfort, and of course load distribution. Make sure you get one that’s full-size, where the padding comes around your hip bone to the front, and isn’t just a thin strap with a clip.

Multiple Straps and Tool Attachment Points

This feature is a personal preference and doesn’t really impact comfort and load distribution but I do feel it’s just as important. I like the idea of having excess straps, clips and tool attachment points. You’re able to perform on-the-fly spot fixes for a variety of unexpected circumstances, making your backpack function more than just as a bag. You’re able to tie, hook, and rig a whole mess of things while on the road without having to carry additional gear. Some backpacks have begun to include “daisy chains” (typically found on climbing packs) which is a series of tool attachment loops.

Internal Hydration Reservoir

An internal compartment that holds your favorite hydration bladder (i.e. Camelpak, Platypus) so you have hands free access to H₂O. Openings on the backpack will allow you access to the sip tube making it a very practical feature during your long treks. You won’t have to dig into your pack or stop your momentum looking for your water bottle.

What size backpack do I need

There’s no definitive rule for this question, as it completely depends on your own travel style, trip duration and weather. Generally, the colder the weather the greater the capacity needed; the greater the capacity the greater the overall weight. I try to pack light and bring only what fits in the backpack. So the best advice is to find a bag capacity you’re comfortable with, and pack in only what you absolutely need and what fits. I’ve provided a very broad guideline below:

Length of Trip	Size in Liters (L)
Day Trips	25-35
1-3 Nights	35-50
3-5 Nights	50 to 75
5+ Nights	65+

How to find the right fit

Image from Gregory Packs

For the best comfort and proper load distribution you need to make sure your backpack fits correctly. Ideally, you should try it before you buy it, but that’s not always an option. To find the correct fit you’ll need to find your torso length, not your height, which is the distance, in inches, between your 7^th cervical vertebra, and your iliac crest. In other words, from the base of the neck to the top of your hip bones. Once you have this measurement, use this guide:

As for your waist size, most backpacks have adjustable hip belts so finding your precise hip size is not as important as determining your torso length. Just make sure the belt sits on top of your hips, with about an inch above and below the belly button.

How much should I spend on a Hiking backpack

You’ll find backpacks ranging from under $100 to as high as $600. Unless you have an unlimited budget and want the latest model just because, it isn’t necessary to spend more than $300. With that being said, I would also stay away from anything under $150 as they will be lacking on essential features like a suspension system or a padded hip belt. Buying a backpack is an investment, and the last thing you want is for the seams to rip or a shoulder strap to tear off when you need it most. Just make sure your backpack has, at a minimum, the above features and fits comfortably.

The Best Backpack Brands

There are hundreds of great brands out there with an equally daunting number of styles and models. I’m not really the authority on which brand is better than the next. I can only tell you the brands I prefer and those whose quality I have confidence in. I’ve been using the same Osprey backpack since 2004, and my wife has been using a Gregory for nearly as long. I can honestly say, that after relentless airline abuse, backcountry trips, and overseas adventures, not a single strap, zipper or clip has ever needed replacement. Worth mentioning as well, Osprey and Gregory offer lifetime warranties on all their bags. You’ll probably never need it, but it’s great to know that the company stands behind their products.

Osprey

With 40 years experience manufacturing backpacks, and a lifetime warranty, Osprey exudes quality. They have one of the largest selections of styles and sizes for all sorts of adventuring, and their packs sport the latest backpacking technology. Osprey is my personal favorite and go to brand of choice; you really can’t go wrong with these guys.

Gregory

Like Osprey, these guys specialize in backpacks. My wife will attest to their quality and comfort. She has used her backpack for close to 10 years without a need to ever repair or replace. Gregory also stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty.

The North Face

Originating in San Francisco, The North Face has been developing adventure gear for over 40 years. I’ve never had the pleasure of using their backpacks, but with their pedigree and lifetime warranty, I would feel confidant carrying their packs any day of the week.

Arc’teryx

Along with having a really cool name, Arc’teryx pumps out some pretty awesome products. They are one of the more expensive brands out there, but if you’re willing to pay the price, you’ll most certainly get the quality

Deuter

A low to mid range brand, Deuter is a solid choice if you want function for a reasonable price. They’ve been in the backpacking game since 1968 and are very popular amongst Europeans.

Backpack Accessories

Rain Cover (separate or built in)

Most backpacks are water resistant but not waterproof, making them susceptible to persistent rain exposure. It’s a worthwhile addition if your backpack doesn’t already come with a built in rain cover. You needn’t get a fancy one or spend a lot of money, just make sure it fits your pack size. I use the REI Ducks Back Rain Cover, and it works perfectly fine.

Airporter Bag

The last thing you want is to have your backpack damaged before you even start your trip. With all the straps, exposed shoulder, and hipbelt, it’s easy for something to get caught and tear right off. An Airporter bag will cover your entire backpack (think bag within a bag) and protect it during transport. As well, you can put a lock on the lockable zippers as an extra layer of theft deterrence. I have the Osprey Airporter LZ. I wish it was lighter (weighs about 1lb) but I suppose it’s worth it for the extra peace of mind.

Well, there you have it, my “how to buy an awesome hiking backpack” guide.

What are some of your favorite backpacks and why?  Please feel free share your own experiences below.

The post How to Buy an Awesome Hiking Backpack appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

I often forget that Hawaii is part of the United States. Not only is it in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and 2,300 miles from California (its “neighbor” state), but the island culture is quite unique compared to mainland U.S. Truly a melting pot of cultures and ethnic backgrounds, Hawaii comprises many different beliefs and practices which results in the “aloha” spirit of helping and sharing.

A welcoming sign right after you step off the plane.

Maui and Honolulu seem to be the top two destinations that come to mind when most people think about traveling to Hawaii. Each has something different to offer. For my first trip to Hawaii I wanted the best of both worlds – the ability to stretch out and lay on more than just a square meter of white sand while at the same time enjoy the first class shopping that Honolulu has to offer – so I decided on Kailua.

Kailua Beach – everyone just does their own thing.

Most people have never heard of Kailua or if they have, they know it as the place President Obama visits during his vacations. Yes, President Obama has spent the last four Christmases in this windward town of Oahu, but Kailua is more than that. Located on the Southeast side of Oahu, Kailua is a world-class destination with one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to. The beach stretches for miles on end and is not as occupied as Waikiki, making it easy to claim your own piece of paradise. With fine white sand and the soothing sound of gentle waves lapping at the shoreline, it’s ideal for soaking in the sun, meditating and taking a minute for yourself, or even paddle boarding. When the sun is not out and the wind picks up, residents and visitors are quick to jump on their boards to experience the highs of kiteboarding.

It doesn’t matter who or what you are – everyone seems to be able to find a spot to relax.

Meditating on the beach.

Some kayakers enjoying the calm water.

Paddleboarders enjoying the calm water.

The perfect day for kiteboarding!

Kailua is beautifully understated with a laid-back vibe and small town charm. It offers everything you need for a great Hawaiian getaway, from kayak and boogie board rentals to Segways.

You can easily rent a kayak to take out on the water.

A different way to scope out the town!

One of the places that Mike and I frequented everyday during our stay in Kailua was the Kalapawai Market, a convenient neighborhood market that offers both locals and tourists their daily caffeine fix and a deli to grab something quick and yummy to eat (Mike tried everything on the breakfast menu, well maybe not the Yogurt Bowl, and I was a huge fan of the Oat Cake).

Kalapawai Market – your one stop shop!

My daily caffeine fix – a “tall” (this is really equivalent to Starbuck’s Venti) caffe latte with almond milk.

Mike’s daily breakfast.

The already prepared food was really good and convenient for us!

Before arriving in Kailua we heard a lot about Island Snow (aka the place President Obama goes to for shaved ice). Island Snow was our first stop in Kailua, this was not intentional as we took a wrong turn and the next thing we knew we were looking at the Island Snow sign and thought why not? The sun was blazing down on us and still wearing our travel clothes, we really needed to cool off. The first step in experiencing shaved ice bliss is to decide on the size and ice cream flavour (vanilla or macadamia nut). Your first scoop of ice cream is free and if you want another scoop, there is an additional charge (the first scoop of ice cream was tiny and not enough to satiate an ice cream lover such as myself). After this, you need to decide if you want a snow cap (condensed milk) and then pick the flavor or flavors you want (up to three). I know, a lot of steps in the ordering process and I was concerned I was going to screw something up and hold up the line, but have no fear the staff are friendly and helpfully. Definitely a great way to start out our Hawaiian adventures!

The place that served President Obama shaved ice!!!

There are a couple of things that I want to point out about Kailua that may be helpful to you:

• Traffic Lights as a point of reference: the distance between traffic lights is quite significant, so don’t be fooled when someone tells you that the place you want to go to is only 2 or 3 traffic lights away because you could be walking for a while.

• Buzz’s: there’s a lot of buzz about Buzz’s, but to me it was quite the buzz kill. Located right across from Kailua Beach, this eclectic restaurant may be a bit of a tourist trap. Known for its steak and seafood, I was expecting a lot when I ordered the grilled fish special of the day, which happened to be Ono (which literally means “good to eat” in Hawaiian). Our waiter boasted of the mesquite wood flavors, but in all honesty all I could taste was the seasoning salt my fish was marinated in. He was excited for me to try the “tempura fries”, which sounds exotic but neither Mike nor I noticed a difference between his regular fries and my tempura fries. We were told, once again by our waiter, that the calamari steak was the best thing on the menu, but given our experience I couldn’t convince Mike to come back for another buzz-meal.

Buzz’s Steak House

I had the Grilled Fresh Fish, which was Ono, and of course tempura fries.

Mike had the Teriyaki Chicken Burger.

For me the atmosphere and location were the bigger sale. Conveniently located across from Kailua Beach, the outside patio is a great place to sit and people watch. The ambiance was quite relaxed as most people were just coming from the beach and in shorts and flip flops. If you want to have lunch make sure to go between 11 and 3 pm, otherwise it’s either appies and drinks (on the patio) or dinner inside.

• Weather: if it is cloudy or rainy in Kailua, go to the other side of the island and chances are you will get sunshine. This happened twice during our stay in Kailua, so even though the day started out with stormy clouds we had nothing but sunshine during our hike up Diamond Head and tour aboard the Mighty Mo.

There is still a lot to do even when it is cloudy!

My plan for Hawaii was to spend most of my time on the beach soaking in the sun and getting lost in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell for my Book Club, but with so much to do and see that plan quickly went out the window.

Read more about my Hawaiian Adventures!

Surfing North Shore Oahu – Waimea Bay

Going to Honolulu? Things To Do In Waikiki

The post Kailua Hawaii – A Hidden Treasure appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Above image courtesy of Pablo Tomatis

Late Show With David Letterman

I grew up watching the Late Show with David Letterman and always thought he was a funny man. Sometimes his jokes were eye-rolling outrageous, but even then you can’t help but laugh out loud. I always thought it would be entertaining to attend the show and given the fact that the final episode is scheduled to air on May 20, 2015, I knew my chances were limited.

Check out New York Part 1:  The U.S Tennis Open

Ed Sullivan Theater NY

I submitted my request for tickets online thinking that if I was fortunate enough to get a pair then great, but if not oh well. I had nothing to lose. Weeks went by and one afternoon I got a call from the David Letterman Show telling me that I had a chance to win tickets, but had to answer a trivia question. Contestants are asked different questions, but they are basic enough that most viewers should be able to answer them (I was asked “what does Dave throw at the camera?” Answer: a pencil). After answering the question correctly I had to find a date where I could attend the show since I was unavailable on the date that was originally offered. I have to say that Jon from the David Letterman Show was extremely patient and accommodating so thank you John!!! Mike and I were put on John’s Gold List and set to go.

Tickets to the show are free but are non-transferrable and you need to make a firm commitment to attend since they don’t “oversell” the show. The show relies solely on the audience for the energy and applause and the last thing they want is a bunch of empty seats or a quiet audience since Dave feeds off of the energy.

Security for the show is quite tight and not only do you need a ticket to get in, but you are also required to go through a metal detector. Also, you aren’t allowed to take use any cameras or audio recording devices in the Ed Sullivan Theatre, so that means no pictures to capture the memories, but at the same time it really allowed us to focus on the actual experience and be in the moment.

On the day we went to the show, Dave’s guests were Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Will Power (2014 IndyCar Champ), and Alt J (an English rock band). I was definitely awe struck to be in the same room as these celebrities, but I honestly think the best part of the experience was to see David Letterman himself. He is a great comedian and before taping started, Dave came out and spoke to the audience for 10-15 minutes, answering questions and joking around. Also, during commercial breaks Dave often consulted with various people about the show and even got his makeup touched up.

Taping for the show takes approximately 45 minutes (this does not include the time that you stand in line to get the actual tickets) and if you are lucky enough to win the David Letterman Show ticket lottery, you should definitely go. I know I would do it again if I could!

Times Square

There is a reason New York is known as the city that never sleeps. There is so much to see and do and being there for just 6 days I only got a small taste of New York.   We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, which was extremely convenient because all of the things we wanted to do was close by.

How would you describe Times Square? Overwhelming. It is big, bright, loud, crowded, and overwhelms your senses in every way. Don’t get me wrong, anyone who goes to NYC should definitely go see Times Square, but I don’t think I will stay there next time.

Times Square Billboards

Times Square Billboards

If you do happen to stay in Times Square, make sure to venture to 8^th and 9^th avenue and Hell’s Kitchen for some delicious food. I was able to find a more authentic New York culinary experience at the restaurants in these areas, as opposed to the ones in Times Square, which to me felt more like your big chain restaurants.

“No soup for you!” The Soup Man most notably known for as the Soup Nazi in Seinfeld.

One of my favourite places was Amy’s Bread, they had the best pastries and their coconut dream bars were to die for. Definitely worth the calories! Before we went to NYC, I had a couple of rules about eating out: we couldn’t go to the same place twice and we wouldn’t wait more than 20 min for a table. With so many places to eat and choose from, I wanted to maximize my dining experience. However, I made an exception for Amy’s Bread and went there almost everyday for a coconut dream bar – I was able to justify this because the bars didn’t replace a meal, but complimented my meals so I was still able to go to different restaurants J.

It is fun to people watch in Times Square because there are so many tourists, vendors, and people dressed in costume. Just be aware that if you decide to take any pictures with the costume wearers, you aren’t required to pay them or even tip them. However, be careful because they often put you on the spot and demand tips. One time, Mike and I wanted to take a picture with Iron Man (my nephews love Iron Man and I wanted to show them that their cool auntie got to meet Iron Man), and out of nowhere Woody from Toy Story joined in the photos. Before even taking pictures, I had asked Iron Man if there was a cost and he said there wasn’t, but as we were walking away Woody stuck out his hand and demanded a tip saying that was how they made their money. I was annoyed because I didn’t even want to take a picture with Woody to begin with and he was the one who invited himself, but feeling pressured I did tip each of them. Later on, I noticed there were police officers in Times Square handing out flyers saying tipping was optional and we are not obligated to tip the costume wearers. Also, there are homegrown music artists trolling around Times Square trying to pedal their demo CDs to unsuspecting tourists and as soon as you grab one, you are expected to give them some money, so be aware!

Mike and Ironman in Times Square.

As I was posing with Ironman, Woody came out of nowhere and decided he wanted in on the picture too.

Hope you enjoyed my David Letterman and Times Square adventures!

More to come!

Read more about our New York adventures

New York Part 1 – Courting The Big Apple

New York Part 3 – City Tours, Keep on Hopping On

New York Part 4 – Gastronomic Heaven

Resources:

Travel Guides New York
Hotel reservations
Getting there

The post New York Part 2 – David Letterman and Times Square appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Above image courtesy of See-ming Lee

I was able to knock two things off my bucket list this past September: going to NYC and attending the U.S. Tennis Open. My trip to New York was absolutely amazing, not only did I see one of the more epic matches in tennis history (Federer vs. Monfils), but I was also able to win tickets to a taping of the David Letterman Show (more on that later!).

The US Tennis Open in New York is the last grand slam of the year and is held at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York. The tournament usually starts during the last week of August and finishes in September.   Tickets to the matches can be purchased through Ticketmaster in April (for USTA members) and in June (to the general public). Make sure you know which match you want to see because the tickets sell out fast and you can only buy tickets for one match at a time. Tickets to the tournament can be expensive and the cost depends on the matches that you see and where you sit.   If you make it to a match held in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, keep in mind that there really isn’t a bad seat anywhere so you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get a good view of the game.

Here’s a picture of the court from Row X of the Promenade. This is where I sat during the Men’s Finals between Cilic vs. Nishikori. I was able to see the players and tennis ball perfectly fine, and more importantly feel the crowd’s energy.

Even sitting all the way in the back, Mike and I still had a great view of the Men’s Final match.

To get from Manhattan to Flushing Meadows via Subway, catch the number 7 train from Grand Central Station or Times Square-42^nd Street Broadway Station to the Mets-Willet Point Station. During rush hour there is an express train called the Train 7 Flushing Express and it is depicted with a diamond rather than a circle. From Times Square to Mets-Willet, the Flushing Express makes 10 stops as opposed to 20 stops with the Flushing Local Train. This was definitely a time saver for us!

Tickets to a match give you access to the grounds, so make sure you give yourself a lot of time to walk around. There is a lot to see, souvenirs to buy, and places to eat. It is great to just sit, take in the atmosphere and people watch. Also, the media are all over the grounds and the legendary John McEnroe has a booth, so go see who he is interviewing or listen to his commentary about the players and matches.

US Tennis Open 2014

Everyone starting to get settled in before Federer and Monfils walk onto the court.

I was fortunate enough to get tickets to the Men’s Quarter Finals and the Men’s Finals. When I first purchased the tickets, I didn’t know who I would see but being at the game was exciting enough to me. Needless to say, I was blown away when I found out that I would be watching Roger Federer, who is my absolute favorite tennis player, play Gael Monfils.

Federer and Monfils taking the obligatory photo before they begin the match.

Watching Federer on TV is always exciting but seeing him live on the court is magical. Not only is he the epitome of a gentleman who is gracious in both triumph and defeat, but he also moves gracefully making it seem effortless as he glides from one side of the court to the next. On top of that, I experienced LIVE one of the most epic matches in Grand Slam history!!! Monfils won the first two sets at 6-4 and 6-3. Federer was able to win the third set at 6-4, but during the fourth set he faced two champion points and I thought this is it, game over. However, Monfils failed to convert the points and being the true champion that he is, Federer came back and won the set and ultimately the match – and that ladies and gentlemen is why Federer is holds the record for Grand Slam titles! The energy in the stadium was electrifying and everyone stayed till Federer walked off the court. I couldn’t have asked for anything more, well except a final game between Federer vs. Djokovic. Unfortunately that didn’t happen in 2014 because they both lost in the semi-finals.

During the Men’s Final game Marin Cilic went up against Kei Nishikori. This match up was one of the most unexpected in Grand Slam history. Although Nishikori’s career trajectory had been trending upward and even with seven ATP titles under his belt, few people expected him to beat Djokovic in the semi-finals, but I guess everyone loves an underdog! It was exciting to go to the final match because nobody knew what to expect and we all just wanted to watch some great tennis. In another unexpected surprise during the final match, Cilic beat Nishikori in three straight sets – 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, to capture his first Grand Slam title.

Mike and I capturing our own moment in tennis history J.

The players and match ups do add to the excitement, but regardless of who is playing on the court or if you are new to tennis or a long time fan, the US Tennis Open is definitely a tournament that you must experience.

Read more about our New York adventures

New York Part 2 – David Letterman and Times Square

New York Part 3 – City Tours, Keep on Hopping On

New York Part 4 – Gastronomic Heaven

Resources:

Travel Guides New York
Hotel reservations
Getting there

The post New York Part 1 – Courting The Big Apple appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.