Flying Solo

The first time I flew on a plane on my own was an experience all on it's own.  Of course I have been on other flights here and there with my parents or some friends, but never alone.  This was the summer of firsts for me, I was doing my first big trip and all on my own--I was heading to Australia.  The trip itself was a leap of faith; about 6 weeks in a country with no one I knew, as you could imagine my parents were thrilled! (yes that was very sarcastic--my parents were beyond worried.)  Flying across the country and the international dateline was more of a manic adventure than I would have ever imagined.

On June 4th, 2009 I showed up to the Pittsburgh International Airport with my monstrous suitcase and a backpack carry-on.  It was a fiasco as soon as I showed up!  I flew all red-eye flights, my first flight wasn't until 6:30 p.m., but the airport was crazy, as usual.  Internationally I would be flying Air New Zealand, but domestically I had no clue!  In a small panic, I was frightened I would miss my flight, my online booking did not clearly show I would be flying American Airlines.  After a moment of panic, a polite attendant helped me out.  After checking in and hanging by the gate, I was finally boarding the longest flight I had ever been on: 5 hours to the LAX.  Yes, my flight to LA was the longest flight I had ever taken, until I had to swap planes and head across the Pacific.  While on my flight to LA, a mother was trying very hardly to set her 15 year old son up with.  Wisely, I turned my iPod on and pretended to sleep.  Upon landing our captain had informed us we were running a little behind, checking the time on my phone I realized I only had 45 minutes to find my way out of one terminal, search for the next one, and hopefully find my gate.

I grabbed my backpack, and ran out of the terminal.  Being in the sleepy state I was, I paid no attention to what terminal I had left and only knew I had to be in terminal 1.  Standing on the street outside of LAX, another kind attendant saw my distressed look and asked if she could help.  After feeling slightly stupid, she kindly showed that I had just left terminal 2, and terminal 1 was only a few feet away.  I bought some food right outside my gate to save for the plane, called my parents, and within minutes I was boarding my 12 hour flight to Auckland, NZ.  As I found my seat, I found myself lucky to be sandwiched between two Aussies!  I only remember Simon from Perth, OZ because he was rather nice looking and very friendly.  Him and I had struck up a conversation for some time, until I felt the Eastern time zone catch up to my body.  Sleeping for endless hours, skipping dinner, and forgetting about my food in my backpack--I woke up feeling slightly light headed.  I rushed to the bathroom to splash water on my face, but it was too late.  As soon as I locked the bathroom door I had a momentary blackout, scary as all hell when you're flying above the Pacific Ocean.  I woke up in a panic, thinking my feet were dragging on the runway--oh yeah very trippy black out.  I splashed water on my face, sat back down and ate a granola bar, then slept until breakfast.  I scarfed down the flight meal that was distributed, and felt so much better.

Upon landing in Auckland, I found it was a new day, and also found that I totally skipped June 5, 2009.  That's correct--I never lived on June 5th, 2009--how's that for a fun fact?  Auckland's airport was very small, so I managed to work my way through it very quickly.  After an hour of waiting, I was finally boarding my flight to Australia!  This flight was only 3 hours, so very short compared to what I had gone through.  I was so excited I could not even think of sleeping.  Once I landed in Australia was where the fun began.  I walked around the Brisbane airport jet lagged and confused for a good 20 minutes until I found the exchange station so I could get some Australian cash.  Another 20 minutes later, I found the train that would take me to Robina which was about 45 minutes away.  After arriving in Robina I flagged down a taxi to take be to Bond University, where I would be staying for 2 weeks of my visit.  I was amazed by everything I saw, Australia was so beautiful, sunny, and clean.  Once I was dropped off, I attempted to tip the driver--who kindly reminded me they don't take tips in Australia.

Once at the university, I was confused as to where I had to be, but found my way shortly.  I snuggled into my dorm room, and passed out.  Only 4:00 p.m. in Australia on June 6th, but 2:00 a.m. in my hometown on June 5th.  20 hours of traveling had never been more eventful.

Celebrating Easter on Vacation

In celebration of the Easter weekend (for those of you who do celebrate), I did some research on cool places to visit during Easter.  Through my searches, I found a website featuring 7 Fun Places to Celebrate Easter--not only as a vacation, but where you will find Easter as a major celebration.  Like any other major holiday, these several Easter celebrations are as big or bigger than Christmas and Thanksgiving here in the U.S.!  Typical destinations such as Jerusalem, Vatican City, and Bethlehem are on this list, but other surprising locations are on here as well.

Taking a particular interest to the Jamaica Carnival, held in Jamaica each year during Easter weekend, I did a little more research.  The Jamaica Carnival is Jamaica's largest cultural celebration held in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.  Performers are covered head to toe in glamorous, extravagant costumes and parade the streets through dance and song.  Bands that are popular to that area perform while those dance and join the celebration.  You will experience folk customs and old traditions while celebrating Easter in Jamaica.  Little information can be found about the Jamaica Carnival, since it's annual inception was in 1990, only 21 years ago!

If you want to plan a vacation over Easter next year, check out these locations featured here:
7 Fun Places to Celebrate Easter

Not only will you experience a wonderful get away, but a new way to celebrate an old holiday.  Happy Easter, and God Bless!

The Jamaica Carnival

Soggy Summer Vacation

Seattle is known as the rainy city, when quite frankly where I live is worse than it is there.  The rain is not as terrible as it is said to be, usually a light mist, even though a lot of cloud coverage is depressing.  The winters are never fiercely cold like the Northeast, usually mid 40's-50's sometimes 60's-- I never wore my winter coat once while I was there in very early January.  And the summers are quite pleasurable with the ever-green colors and scenic, mountainous views.  This is my new pick for a quick summer trip!

Aside from the previous beauty I stated, the real reason I am heading out there is to visit my old college roommate who is from Sammamish, WA and now resides in Seattle.  After visiting there earlier this year, I fell in love with this place.  The mountains are gorgeous, especially Mt. Rainier, and there is so much adventure out there.  It's a small, quaint city capturing the city life-style while be extremely clean and just minutes from the suburbs.  You get the best of both worlds with Seattle--outdoor adventures and city living.  Now I could go on for a while about how this appeals to young and old, the naturist and tourist, but I'm writing this for the sake of "Future Friday," and what I will be doing this summer.

(To the left: myself & the old roommate, January 2011)

Seattle rests quietly on a beautiful docking area, leading out towards ever-green hugging lakes and the majestic Pacific Ocean.  If you play your cards right, you'll even be able to take your boat by Bill Gates' house!  Aside from boating, hiking, camping, and other outstanding outdoor adventures await out there.  This summer, my old roommate and I plan to take the boat out for a couple of days, head on up to islands right off of British Columbia, Canada and enjoy the sun and "post card" views.  We'll spend a day or two in the city, exploring my new favorite, Pike Place Market, watch at least one Mariners game in Safeco Field, and head up the space needle to hopefully find a clear, beautiful view of Mt. Rainier.

 (To the right: Pike Place Market, also where the original Starbucks resides!)

Seattle is a wonderful place, and for those of you who think it's nothing more than a "rainy city," you may want to give it a chance.  The climate is enjoyable and there is so much to do there.  So jump outside of your little bubble and try something new.  I highly recommend this city for any and everyone.



Mt. Rainier from the plane, Jan. 2011



Qwest field, home of the Seahawks.

Living on a 'Lonely Planet'

Looking for a website that not only books your flights and hotels, but plans your stay as well?  Look no more!  Lonely Planet is a great travel website featuring travel guides and options to book your trip all in one stop.

I found this website on accident, randomly searching for a new travel site to check out.  As I began to explore the website, I found it to be one of those sites that just draws you in.  This site gives you suggestions on where to travel, some "best kept secrets" of different countries, and travel guides to help you choose your trip.  Options to choose itineraries for specific cities, as well as tips on what time of year is best to travel in a specific country or city.  Once you have found your destination of choice, scroll over to booking flights and hotels.  Many options are available when booking, at it is also powered by Kayak.com--another popular website used for booking trips.

You can always keep up to date with Lonely Planet via Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and numerous travel forums found on their website, as well as apps available for smart phones.  Sign up for a subscription of their magazine to learn more about new cultures, top vacation sites, and other exciting tips and information.  This website is designed for the new and experienced travelers both in mind!  A perfect site to make your travel planning simple, efficient, and even affordable.

I'm glad I randomly came across this site, it is a very exciting site with plenty of information to start planning for your next trip!  Take a few minutes and check it out!


Website: www.lonelyplanet.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/lonelyplanet
Twitter:  @lonelyplanet

I'll never say no to a challenge.

One of my friends so kindly posted a link on my wall about this crazy trip that was completed in 1998.  This trip was done by Barry Stiefel, and CEO out in California, who happened to visit all 50 states in one week.  Yes, ONE WEEK.  Crazy?  Most likely, but I was intrigued and began to read all about this insane experience.  Taking one week off from work, he strategically plotted out his journey across the continental United States, as well as flights to Hawaii and to Alaska.  I won't go into detail in my blog, I'll post the link for you to check out, but it is so fascinating.

Now with my crazy brain, I am DYING to say that I have visited all 50 states, preferably at a younger age.  Being realistic, I'll never have enough time or money to spend fabulous vacations in each of the 50 states, and quite frankly there are states that I really just want to pass through and say I've been there.  As my friend posted on my wall, he expressed if I was able to do such a task?  Well this is seen as a challenge to me, especially after reading this website.  After little consideration--I decided I will do this.  Of course I'll have to thoughtfully plan out the trip as well as save up the money to do so, but wouldn't this just be a wild experience? 

This isn't for someone who wants to relax and enjoy luxury spas--no, this is for someone crazy and adventurous like me.  Follow the link below and read all about the planning, motivation, trip log, and summary of this crazy experience.

50 States in One Week