There are few things that define London quite like the city’s iconic photo-worthy spots, like Big Ben, the London Eye, and, of course, the phone booth.
Escape of the Week: The beauty of Utah’s Red Mountain Resort
Las Vegas may be where everyone else goes to have a vacation, but, as a resident, every now and then it is important to get out of town. Turn off the cell phone. Keep the laptop closed and just disconnect.
A few weeks ago, thanks to Red Mountain Resort, that is exactly what I did.
Located a quick two-hour drive up the I-15, and just past St. George in gorgeous Utah, Red Mountain Resort was my escape. A place where, for two days, I had my phone absolutely turned off. I didn’t even unpack my laptop. And, I got in touch with me.
What happened during my time there? What did I think of the resort? Well, we’ll get to that. But, I will say this, the time I spent at Red Mountain Resort was exactly what I needed. After I returned, I quit my job!
I love the beauty of the American Southwest. The desert, the mountains, the bright blue sky that helps make the magnificent colors even more dramatic … it regularly takes my breath away.
At Red Mountain Resort, the colors … the sheer gorgeous … is no exception.
Aside from my room, which was a whopping 1,100 square-feet of villa luxury, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors opening onto a patio, there are plenty of places to get in touch with nature.
My favorite spot to wander quickly became Inspiration Trail, an easy gravel path winding through soft hills filled with pale yellow desert brush, jet black ancient volcanic rocks and a backdrop of red mountains.
There is even a labyrinth to walk through, giving a person time to mediate on their life and what they would like to leave behind.
The resort has taken the right steps to keep the focus on the outdoors, blending in the buildings with nature. The colors of each structure echo that of the surrounding mountains, helping to keep the focus on the surroundings, rather than the property.
What did I think about my time at Red Mountain Resort? The review, along with a re-cap of my experience, is coming up soon.
Editor’s Note: I was a guest of the resort, however all opinions are my own. If you have questions regarding this, please read my disclosure policy.
Backpacker Recipe: Corned Beef Quesadillas for St. Patty’s Day
Editor’s Note: This guest post comes from Executive Chef Jose M. Navarro from the Las Vegas outlet of the popular Beso Steakhouse. He’s agreed to lend his culinary expertise to d travels ’round and provide backpacker recipes you can make without breaking the bank or getting too elaborate. We all know how great some hostel kitchens can be!
I had been cooking for about five years the first time that I stepped into a cafe kitchen. And it was probably a couple months before I had a run in with a Reuben sandwich. It was a fluke really, the cook– might have been me— fired one too many and ended up with an extra.
As for the Reuben sandwich … I had made many, but never before tried it. The pink meat looked and smelled a little bit off. Briny and a little sour. The sauerkraut was not much help either. But on this particular day I was hungry. I had skipped on lunch and clock-out time was still a few hours away. I took a look at the sandwich and thought “What the hell?”
It wasn’t love at first bite, but I was intrigued. I realized it was more my apprehension towards the meat, than me actually disliking it that kept me from realizing that I liked it! Eventually, I came to terms with it, and accepted it! I liked corned been, and I was now a fan of Reuben.
There’s no doubt. Preparing corned beef is an act of love. Sure, there are quick recipes out there, but good corned beef takes at least five days worth of brining, followed by three hours of slow simmering and cooking. (And, if you want my recipe for this, leave a comment and perhaps it can be included in another post.)
Fortunately, once cooked, corned beef can be used in other recipes besides rubens. I like it in quesadillas, and for those who want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little Irish ingredient, a corned beef quesedilla is a quick, easy and affordable way to do so.
Ingredients:
For four people (hey, might as well share the St. Patty’s Day love), you will need at least four Guinness beers (or beers dyed green) and the following:
8 flour tortillas
1/2 lb cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb cabbage, shredded. I like to use a blend of red and green.
6 oz onion julianed
1 oz chopped garlic
2 fl oz oil, canola or an olive oil blend
4 oz 1000 island dressing
5 oz corned beef
1 beer (whatever you’ve got that’s cheap … don’t waste the good stuff!)
Preparation:
Ideally, a large 10” skillet will do the work for four people, however– not all hostel kitchens may have this. So, feel fre to use a smaller skillet and just cook separately.
Heat the skillet over medium high heat; add the oil, garlic and onions. Once they begin to brown add the cabbage. With a spoon or a utensil, stir the cabbage around, pushing it down. When the cabbage is half-cooked, add about 1/4 cup of beer, reduce heat down to half and cover. Drink the rest of the beer while the cabbage cooks. Once the cabbage is about 3/4 of the way cooked, add the corned beef. Cover it and allow it to steam warm. In a griddle, over med heat, place the tortillas– with an ounce of dressing spread over it– and cheese. When the cheese is melted, add some of the braised cabbage, one quart of the corned beef, more cheese and another tortilla. Flip over to the other side cook for another minute or so. Cut into fourths and serve.
Is there a recipe you’d love to learn for the road? Leave a comment and let us know!
About the Author: Executive Chef Jose Navarro is no stranger to the kitchen. He began his culinary journey at the young age of 14. Now, a few (ahem) years later, Navarro is at the helms of Beso Steakhouse’s Las Vegas outlet inside City Center. He’s worked in nearly every aspect of the kitchen, perfecting his craft along the way. As executive chef at Eva Longoria’s popular outpost, Navarro develops seasonal menus based on the restaurant concept, oversees the daily kitchen operations and trains staff. Follow along and get the inside scoop on the Las Vegas culinary scene on Twitter and Facebook.
5 ways to get over being travelsick
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Heather Healey. If you are interested in providing a guest post, please contact me.
The other week, I gave readers tips to fight the homesick during long-term travel. But, what happens when you return from being gone? How do you keep that travel feeling long after you’ve landed? Here are some tips to fight the travelsick, or reverse homesickness you’ll likely feel after becomign stationary:
Attend events that are foreign to you
It’s like traveling to a foreign country without the high cost — plus it’s easier to find friends who can come with you! I went to the Festival of Colors when I returned home, a Hindu celebration in early spring to celebrate a new season. I went for the first time last year and can’t wait to go again this year. In fact, you should find one in your neck of the woods and check it out! It involves covering yourself and others in bright colors. Besides the fun, there is some delicious Indian food!
Pull out the old memorabilia and nostalgia
When you travel what kind of souvenirs do you buy? I prefer to buy souvenirs I can wear, use or display to gently remind me of my travels. The house slippers I wore in Russia, a necklace from Mexico, the purse I bought in Tel Aviv, the hat from Paris, tea from Jerusalem, and coffee and wine from Hawaii all measure prominently in the layout of my land. Sure, there is the down side that if you use it then its going to get worn out, but I prefer it that way. No need to let the knickknacks pile up, I get lots of compliments on them and I always have a reminder of where I’ve been, stories I’ve lived and friends I’ve met.
In Russia, tulips are very common. They are sold on the streets in spring, given on women’s day and used on holidays (like these from Victory Day). When tulips are in season they are almost always in my home and serve as a bright reminder of my spring in Russia.
Hang up those photos
The cheapest and simplest way to get the memories flowing is through pictures. I love pictures– I’m a sentimental shmuck and like I mentioned before ‘things’ get used, worn and broken; pictures don’t. Thanks to the digital age there are plenty more memories to be printed in case your photos get stained, ripped or tattered with age. There’s also the truth that while people love to hear your travel stories, odds are they aren’t going to sit for hours and listen. But, those photos? They’re quick conversation starters and make it fun to tell a favorite anecdote from the travel days.
Eat foreign food
This is a two-fold remedy to beat the stationary blues.
The first option is expanding your restaurant horizons. Try new dishes on the menu from places you’ve visited or places you wish to go. This can be a better alternative for you if you prefer not to cook, don’t have the access to certain spices & ingredients or if you’re in a group that will want several options.
The second option is to cook at home. I enjoy cooking at home for friends, family and myself when I am craving something specific in hopes that I can recreate it. This can also satisfy the adventure of traveling; not knowing your dish is going to turn out perfectly, experimenting with different recipes, ideas and ingredients. Cooking at home may also be a cheaper alternative and is a great way to include family and friends. Teaching them about the food, culture and sharing memories of your time traveling and what that was like.
Tell those awesome travel tales
I warn my friends, family and strangers that if they get me talking about travel it’s likely that I won’t stop until they explicitly ask me to. While I think it’s good for others to hear about traveling and to learn about the world outside their own, it may do more good for me than them. I get travel-sickness more often than I get homesick, I suppose that’s why I hope to make a life and a career of it, but that also means it’s a very large part of who I am. So in my selfish attempt to incorporate more travel in my life, I try to include more of my life in my travels. Which in turn means incorporating my friends in my travels, asking about where they’ve been, asking where I should go, what they would do if they were going here or there. Share what your passionate about.
What do you to do beat those post-travel blues and remind yourself of life not at home?
About the Author: Heather is passionate about three things: 1) traveling; 2)humanity; and 3) education. In 2012, upon earning her Integrated Studies degree in History & Political Science, she is leaving her life in Salt Lake City, Utah to live the life of an expat. With only the intention to travel, she is leaving the planning and itinerary to where the trade winds of the universe send her. Follow Heather’s journey on her blog, HeathersHarmony, onTwitter and Facebook.
Escape of the Week: Elephant Nature Park
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An hour outside of Chiang Mai is a sanctuary. A place where elephants from the elephant tourism and illegal logging industries go to live out their lives in peace. Here, there are no bullhooks. No one gets to ride on them. There are no tricks performed or paintings painted.
Here, at Elephant Nature Park, the elephants live in bliss.
Yesterday, that very bliss some of the elephants at the park are so fortunate to have, was threatened by Thailand’s Department of National Parks. Fortunately, people in this world still care, and hundreds of supporters of the park and the Asian elephant banned together to spread the word about what was going on.
No elephants were taken. (Sadly, last week, hundreds of animals were removed from the Wildlife Friends Foundation.)
Today, I want to show the world the beauty that exists at Elephant Nature Park. I want to highlight these elephants who live their days chomping on fruit, chatting with each other, engaging in relationships, taking dips in the river, and living their lives content and free from the chains of tourism.
Elephants are a lot like humans. They show emotions, have relationships … and have plenty of heart-warming photo opps like these:
Capable of eating tons of food a day, it seems as if these animals spend a lot of their time enjoying the fruits and veggies at the park. One of my favorite elephants to observe and feed during lunch was Jokia, the blind elephant.
Then, they get to enjoy the sweet rewards of their wait in the form of lots, and lots, and lots of food.
Another favorite time of day for me was when it was bathtime. Each afternoon, the park’s elephants make the walk from the fields down to the river and either get washed by volunteers or go in on their own.
But, there are so many other moments worth sharing. So, here are some of my other favorite photos (I took hundreds!).
I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed taking them. If you want to spend time with these amazing animals, there are opportunities to take day trips to the park from Chiang Mai, as well as one- and two-week volunteer stints. To learn more, visit Elephant Nature Park’s Web site.
For more information on what has gone on at the park, please read about the Thai Wildlife Raids (there are links within that take readers to other sites to help guide them on how to show their support of the park).
Show your support for ENP and WFF!
Sign this petition telling the DNP you do not support the capture of these animals from the sanctuaries. Help let Thailand know the world is watching and cares!
Save the reefs: A volunteer opportunity in Koh Tao, Thailand
Coral reefs around the world are the most beautiful eco-systems that you can imagine. From the obvious Great Barrier Reef, Australia to the little known Abul Thama, Bahrain, the colours and wildlife can captivate the first time diver. But it is important to understand the impact tourism has on these delicate areas. And, the role visitors can play in helping to save them.
Take for example the local Marine Conservation Project on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand. The small dive school and project – run by a British diver – aims to develop the understanding of responsible tourism in Thailand. By making tourists and the locals aware of the impact to the natural environment, they work to preserve the reef for future generations of responsible travellers. The welcoming team regularly dive down to the coral to check on the coral nursery (bio-rock) which is essential to ensuring the continued survival of the reef.
Coral reefs cover only 2 percent of the world’s sea beds, but support an astonishing 25 percent of the oceanic wildlife. They are also the most threatened eco-systems in the world. With the decline in coral reefs, nearly 2 million species are at risk, not to mention the millions of people that are supported by them.
As Koh Tao has become more popular, the coral reef has come under increasing pressure, and it is vital that its protection is continued.
Koh Tao itself is a stunning diving paradise, with sites within 40 minutes by boat. The sites range from a few metres below sea level to 40 metres down, where divers can witness the local wildlife, and a mixture of hard and soft corals. Alongside this is the vibrant mix of dense jungle terrain and granite outcrops, providing a beautiful surrounding for the duration of a stay.
As Koh Tao is a multi-cultural island, visitors will undoubtedly meet new and interesting individuals from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Normally teams are numbered between one to six volunteers, but even in small groups, divers work alongside a permanent team of helpful and friendly, like-minded individuals. With the continued daily support from Dev and Chad, the leaders of the team, the conservation work is scheduled once everyone is settled in properly.
Volunteering includes taking part in:
- Reef surveys (Ecological Monitoring Program)
- Biorock Coral Rehabilitation and Nursery
- Artificial Reef Construction and Maintenance
- Mid-water coral nurseries
- Giant Clam Nursery
- Sea Turtle Sanctuary and Releases
- Land and Underwater Clean-ups
Interested in volunteering?
Prices start from $924USD (£585) excluding flights, but include PADI dive training courses, with fully qualified instructors and full equipment. Approximately 70 percent of the fee goes to the conservation project, which provides employment for the Thai locals.
Volunteering abroad is rewarding and fulfilling, but it is important volunteers are fit and healthy enough to keep up with the physicality of the work, not to mention being able to cope with the high temperatures and the humidity. Taking this into consideration, the Marine Conservation Project in Koh Tao will be the most memorable experience of your life.
About the Author: Robert Hewitt is a freelance journalist and founder of Fly Far and Fast, a travel website bringing the world closer to you. Robert has written for several travel websites and online magazines, and is a proud member of Travel Bloggers Give Back. He is passionate about travel, writing and coffee. Available for freelance assignments on request. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
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Escape of the Week: Berlin Art
It’s no secret I love Berlin. This is the second post I’ve done that features Underground Berlin, and with good reason: there is just so much awesome to be shared. Even if I had a terrible couchsurfing experience, the city wrapped its way around my heart.
The art scene in Berlin fascinates me. From the graffiti to the sculptures to the colorful buildings adorned with twisted takes on pop culture, there is art everywhere.
Kunsthaus Tacheles, an old department store turned artist enclave in the Mitte neighborhood of Berlin, features both a colorful interior and exterior, along with artist studios.
Even outside of the giant building, there is art to be explored.
But, the art goes beyond Mitte and into every facet of this dynamic city. Neighborhoods all over town echo the culture of the past and present day together.
This is one of my favorites … this work is found in the area where Hitler committed suicide.
Even Knut, the infamous polar bear who captured everyone’s hearts when he was a baby, is included in the telling of stories. This piece shows how he went from adorable baby to bear. Sadly, the beloved animal passed away recently.
Artists took over an entire building in one area, painting murals of people from all over the world. I love the whimsical look of this painting.
Even the buildings tell stories …
The gorgeous art in Berlin goes beyond the paintings though and into structures, too. One of my favorites place when I travel to Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial, which actually has a chemical on it that makes it impossible for would-be graffiti artists to tag these larger than life pillars.
I also love this building, with this half-bust hanging over the entry.
And, who doesn’t love these little guys? They may not be considered art, but to this girl, they are!
Where have you been with amazing art?
I quit my job … again
It’s amazing how quickly life can change.
Two weeks ago, I was trying to balance my day job (a part-time position with full-time responsibilities) with my freelance writing.
I was stressed. I was overwhelmed. I was exhausted.
Then, I took a trip to Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah for a story I am working on …
And, my experiences there changed my entire path.
I’m not going to get into it right now because they make far better stories than quick summaries, but I will say this:
The events which transpired over those two days in the gorgeous Utah terrain, coupled with the insight I gained while there, gave me permission to do what it is I have dreamed of doing since I returned from my first long-term travel adventure in September 2010 — fulfill my destiny.
Chase after my dreams.
Yesterday, I gave my two weeks notice at my day job.
Yup, I quit my job.
As of March 2, I answer to me.
What does this mean?
I will be working for myself. Creating relationships. Chasing after my goal to become a full-time writer.
A few months ago, a writer I respect greatly, inspired me to write my book. For nearly 60 days, I would take the time to hammer out 3,000 words a day, weaving tales of my career break in 2010. I finished the first draft a few days of schedule — wrapping it up just before New Year’s Eve.
So, there’s the book which is going through edits, but will ultimately begin to get pitched to agents this year.
Then, there’s my freelance writing career.
I have a lot of gigs going on, but could have more, with more time to pursue it.
And, there is travel.
The resignation isn’t like the last time I quit and tackled my 30-life-crisis head on. This time there are no immediate long-term travel plans.
Quitting my job means a temporary hold on travel, unless it is for writing purposes, but I have my travel funds earmarked and ready … and plan to embark on the next journey (and it will be a good one) after spending Thanksgiving with my family.
For now, expect the site to stay pretty consistent with the past year — stories, Escapes (like this one to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda), other traveler’s tales — and expect it to grow even more.
And, should you know anyone who wants to take care of my cats for a few months (until my parents can take them), check out their cute little site. (Don’t let the name of the site deter you! It’s all in good fun.)
I know this choice is risky. I know it isn’t going to be easy. But, for the first time in … ever … I truly believe in myself and what I can accomplish when I give myself permission to do so.
It’s the perfect time for me to repeat my mantra: Life isn’t about happily ever after, it’s about living.
Photo Essay: Life at Elephant Nature Park
For about one week, I was a volunteer at Elephant Nature Park. During that time, I did everything from shoveling poo to being blessed by a shaman to becoming part of the heard and spending time with elephants up-close, to singing “Que Sera, Sera” as they fell asleep. There were tears of joy and tears of heartbreak.
And lots of photos.
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The Park
Situated on 30 acres about an hour north of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Elephant Nature Park is a gorgeous enclave where elephants rescued from the tourism industry and illegal logging industries and more, are able to live their remaining lives in peace and free from abuse.
The lodging is not glamorous, but I loved my room in the primitive Palace structure.
Particularly the views that include elephants in the background …
And even those that don’t.
Beyond the lodging, the other areas where volunteers spend time are vibrant, rustic and beautiful, too.
There is also the stunning tropical land inhabited by the elephants to gaze at all day long.
The Elephant Kitchen
The elephant kitchen at the park is a huge structure, packed with shelves stocked with fruits that need constant rotation. Elephants can eat upwards of 700 pounds of vegetation each day. With more than 30 elephants in the park, that’s 21,000 pounds of food being moved from the kitchen and other areas to the searching trunks each day!
There kitchen includes bunches and bunches and bunches of bananas …
Melons …
… Sugarcane and more. Volunteers fill buckets for each elephant and then help deliver them to the feeding platforms and nearby shelters for mealtimes.
For the elephants who can’t chew the fruit, volunteers roll banana balls.
Life at the Park
Chores, like shoveling, are daily tasks at Elephant Nature Park. Volunteers shovel into a trailer and then a staff member removes the waste.
But, there are also other aspects of the park that should be mentioned, like the boards which honor the mahouts.
The mahouts and others at the park also lend their talents to the gift shop, where hand-carved renditions of the park’s elephants are prominently displayed.
Aside from the elephants at the park, water buffalo, cats, dogs and more call this place “home.”
It’s also home to larger than life insects!
Want to see elephants? Stay tuned!
Escape of the Week: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Rease Kirchner. If you are a writer and interested in providing a guest post, please contact me.
Up until very recently, I was living as an expat in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Whenever people find this out about me, there first question is, Why Buenos Aires?
Allow me to (attempt to) explain.
Buenos Aires is a city full of life. This city is constantly moving, yet somehow slower and less stressful than my life was in my much smaller city back in the US. The city of Buenos Aires parties hard, doesn’t take work too terribly seriously, and relaxes like a champ.
Although Buenos Aires has a misleading name, as the air is actually quite polluted, I still think it can be really beautiful. It certainly had its days/areas that I might want to retract this statement, but most of the time, Buenos Aires was just an awesome place to walk around. It’s important to remember to look up too, otherwise you’ll miss out on some great architecture.
It would be ridiculous for me to write about the merits of Buenos Aires, Argentina without mentioning the wine. The wine is cheap, delicious and an integral part of every meal. I loved that getting a bottle to share between friends was not only economical, but something we did without hesitation.
And of course, I wouldn’t be me if I did not highlight my absolute favorite thing in the world, but especially in Argentina: ICE CREAM.
Argentina is up there with the likes of Italy, France and Spain when it comes to the quality of ice cream. Not only is the artesian ice cream absolutely incredible, it’s everywhere! There is no need to hunt down a specialty shop because you’ll stumble upon a place every few blocks. No one buys ice cream in the supermarket because it’s not even in the same league as the stuff you can get at an ice cream shop. Plus, they deliver! Kilos of artesian ice cream, right to your door! I have literally dreamt of a world like this, then I discovered the world exists, and it’s Buenos Aires.
Getting there: Buenos Aires is a major hub in South America, so there are always flights going in and out. If you are traveling through South America, you can grab a really cheap bus from any nearby city or country and if you are coming from Uruguay, there are boats running between Buenos Aires and Colonia or Montevideo several times a day.
About the Author: Rease Kirchner is a US Citizen who spent the last year and a half living the expat life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is fluent in Spanish, overly snarky and more in love with ice cream than anyone you have met or will ever meet. She likes to keep it real and keep her readers laughing. You can follow her at @Travelated, @TravelatedRease and on her site, Travelated.com.
D Travels 'Round 