Gray Days

So dreary

I do not know if it the shortened days with less sunlight, SAD, hormones or that I am just ready to leave but things just seem so gray and dull. There is no sunshine. I need daylight. All I want to do is leave. Go. Go somewhere where it is not the same old same old. I get up for work and it is the same routine. Now do no get me wrong. I like my work - I just do not like going to work. I am happier on my days off. I am even tired of seeing people. Now that is a big one because I enjoy being around people. It seems to be the same thing over and over and over. Same activities, same conversations, same city. I want change. I want to go. Then there seems to be the influx of farewell parties. Stupid Couchsurfing - people show up, become your friend and then they leave. I want a farewell party. I want to be the one to leave. God I can't wait to leave. 








These words to Vince Vaccaro's song (as I posted the video here) "Costa Rica" spin endlessly in my head:

"I wanna leave this place yeah never to be found,
I wanna leave my old life far behind
Can I lose my name be someone new
And I'll throw my trouble deep in the wild blue"

The Appeal of...Part VI

Rounding out this series brings us to South America. A land of soaring mountains, mysterious jungles, ancient civilizations, bustling cities, isolated villages and the farthest south you can go before hitting frozen Antarctica (which I intend to visit on a separate trip down the line). So much to see in this mosaic of a continent.









The Appeal of:

Ecuador: 

Fairly straightforward and simple - I was to be in two places at once. What better place than at the equator, which this country is named after. To stand (or lie down) in both the northern and southern hemispheres is cool. The other draw is the Galapagos Islands!! I hope that I can afford that incredible journey. 

Bolivia:

One of the two only landlocked countries in both North and South America, Bolivia is home to the world's largest salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni. This immense creation of nature is over 10,000 square km and, I imagine, is quite unlike anything one has seen.

Argentina:

I understand that from Uyuni, Bolivia it is fairly easy to get to Salta, Argentina. I am intrigued by Salta's Train to the Clouds, a sensational train trip that reaches almost 14,000 feet above sea level. 

Peru:

Even though Peru is not high on my list of destinations that I must encounter, I will visit this country that is very dear to a good friend's heart. That alone has made me a bit more curious. Not to mention that I have several friends who have visited and raved about Peru and it's most famous landmark: Macchu Picchu. I can not say if I will visit this legendary ancient world or not, though it is a real possibility. 

South America is a large continent with large countries. It appears to be harder to cross than other areas of the world such as SE Asia. That reasoning has led me to decide to not visit the other countries within this amazing continent, at least for now.  I will return one day to see more of it and hopefully learn and understand more. 

--------------------

This sums up this series. I hope you have enjoyed a look inside my (travel) desires and what has affected the why of my destination choices. Now to continue to save save save and bring this baby to fruition! I have a long way to go but I have tremendous support from my friends (you know who you are), family and I suspect, the blog-o-sphere. The continued support from all of you means a great deal to me. Thank you so much for your encouragement.

The Appeal of...Part V

This next expanse is unique in that it is not only a continent but a  country as well. Yep, I am going to give my insight on a place I know I already love: Australia.


Since this continent is one vast country I will list where I will wander within it. As I stated above, I already know I will love this land. I could include other countries in the "Oceania" region, however, I am not making plans to visit them. With that, let us head to Oz.





The Appeal Of:

Darwin:  

The capital city of Oz's Northern Territory, this arid city is rich in history. And it is a stone's throw from Indonesia so it makes a sensible entry point.

Broome:

Beaches!! Camels!! Pearls!! Strikes me as fun playground and backpacker haven.

Perth:

I like the west coast of Canada so I will check out the west coast of Australia. I believe Shark Bay is in the vicinity (or at least Perth is a good starting point to trek there). 

Uluru:

I am not sure I will make it near the centre of Oz or not. I hope I can as images of Uluru (Ayer's Rock) are sheer beauty to me as the world's largest monolith and revered sacred place of  the Aboriginals. 

Melbourne:  

Kinda sounds like Vancouver......

Sydney:

The main reason is to visit a few friends in the area. And to see the Sydney Opera House. That is a cool building.

I can not pinpoint what draws me to Australia oh-so-badly. I have wanted to explore (and live) there for years. There is no single BIG reason and my descriptions above are mediocre at best. Yet I know I must visit. That is the real appeal of Australia - to just follow my desire.

Five down, one more to go....finally, South America!

BEST INDIE TRAVEL SITE EVER!

Ask any number of my friends about one of my skilled traits (and one they benefit from) and they would attest to my being a planner. I take pleasure in organizing people for activities on a small scale. I plan things I like to do and help others when they ask. I also, to a degree, plan my days and weeks. Hiccups and turmoil do not work well with me as I am easily flustered so having things organized keeps me sane!  To be clear, I do enjoy spontaneity, however it is chaos that causes me stress so planning allows me to stay level for the most part. 

This is also true of my travel ideas and plans. And to plan one requires trusted resources. For myself I have found Bootsnall to be my "go to" website. This site may sound familiar to you as I have mentioned it in previous posts. Since I find it to be the best indie travel site EVER, I am giving it its own special post (aren't I thoughtful??)

Bootsnall is an online travel magazine, blog, community and resource centre for anyone who wants to do indie travel. The site encompasses numerous factors regarding travel. Among them are destinations, accommodations, transportation, travel planning tools (financial, home, job considerations etc), discussion forums, adventure travel, RTWchats on Twitter and a section for travelers to post profiles of themselves. They even have a flight-finder that is fun to play on.  I do use other sites and mediums but I find Bootsnall to be so great because it is all there in one site.

Well, now I just need to move on from planning to the going....I know I sound like a broken record ~sigh~. I will get there and in the meantime I will use this site to my full advantage so that I can learn to become an Indie Traveler.

Here is their Indie Travel Manifesto:

Note: I am in no way affiliated with Bootsnall and all opinions are my own.

YIKES!!!

Is this a sign of how I will react? Does this indicate my true feelings of this trip? Is this perhaps why it has taken me so long to follow through? Will I follow through? How do I move forward when my stomach is in knots? And really, why this topic?? YIKES!!!

Recently I signed up with  Bootsnall for their "Plan Your RTW Trip in 30 Days" feature. Every day an e-mail found its way to my inbox about various aspects of RTW trip planning and considerations. A great tool it is, one I would recommend. They provide downloadable spreadsheets, recommendations from RTW veterans and links to informative articles. Now it is one of these instructive articles that has me freaked out:  "The Ultimate Guide to Packing for an RTW Trip". While reading it my heart began to race, my stomach churned and my breathing became shallow. Anxiety set in. "How can I do this? What do I take? How much do I need to spend? What if my pack is too heavy? OMG!! I have to get in shape!! What if I pack all the wrong things? How am I gonna do this?" My heart is racing at an incredible rate! I think I'm on the verge of an anxiety attack!!

Why is this article, intended to help, causing me such stress? Seriously, it has made me worry. I do not know exactly why or what to make of it. What is even more baffling to me is how does an article of packing cause me to fret so? I mean it's packing. I'd think that the financial concerns would be overwhelming. Or not working for a year. Or not seeing family and friends (or my kitten). Or culture shock!! But no, I freak out over packing! PACKING!!

I know, I'm weird.

Packing List

When one travels 'round the world there are certain things that MUST be brought along -- at least this is what I have read. I have perused dozens of blogs and indie travel sites and have come across as many packing lists.  A few things appear to be standard requirements. Some make sense to me and others not so much. That is why it would be safe to assume it depends on which types of activities one intends to participate in during this time. Doing overnight treks and hiking snowpeaks would call for tents, cold weather gear and special climbing equipment. Spending days lazying on beaches, checking out museums and wandering city streets calls for swimwear, camera and good shoes. That is why, in my opinion, it is smart to see what the recommendations are and THEN tailor it to your particular needs and style of travel. No, I have not yet done this trip but to me, that is the common sense approach.

Another thing to consider is weather. So if you are up in Iceland during an frosty February then having thermal underclothes, toques and Northface or Columbia jackets is a consideration. Planning to be at your destination during summer months can avoid the toting of excess winter clothes. And remember to pack your hat and sunscreen. Regardless of winter or summer you do need to pack for....wait for it....RAIN!! Yes rain, something that I am all too familiar with (but don't really mind). BC is often know as the "wet coast" as opposed to the "west coast". Although some places do not get as much rain as BC, other places get more. Tropical climates have rainy seasons (often that is their winter). Spring in temperate climates may experience showers. Short of being in a dessert, expect rain at some point. So a rain cover for your backpack and one for yourself is a good idea.

So, what will I pack you ask? I do have a list. It is typed up in point form and as I acquire items I mark them "off" with the red strikethrough feature. I have posted it below. Now, keep in mind, that this is my list now, before I have even purchased an airline ticket or saved enough money to fufill my life's dream. As the time comes close it may change. Even as I travel it will change. I don't doubt that I will discover what I need more of and what I can toss/donate/swap. Of course, it is reassuring that in our modern world I can most likely buy anything that I do need while on the road.

When you see my list, it is very specific and quite long. I am wondering how I can manage it all into my 60L Asolo women's backpack. It has plenty of pockets and compartments but I still am having a hard time believing I will be able to fit my life into that bag!! My whole life for a year!! Mindboggling! That is why I am convinced that packing well and as lightly as possible needs the utmost of attention.

Here are the few things that I have deemed essential and that I must not leave without*:

• Valid passport and any Visa requirements and accompanying (ugly) photos
• Documents (travel tickets, insurance, etc)
• Backpack
• First-Aid kit including prescriptions and copies of prescriptions
• Rain cover for self and pack
• non-breakable water bottle
• toothbrush and toothpaste (I CANNOT travel without these)
• Immunizations and records (if required)
• Silk sleeping bag liner - even if I don't bring a sleeping bag this will be good in a pinch, adds a bit of luxury and bugs can't get through the silk
• my iPod and charger. Even if it's just my little iPod Shuffle....I need that iPod!!!

*If that changes I will update it

THE PACKING LIST:
 (Items in red I now have)

• Backpack w/ day pack (I have a women's Asolo Travel Pack that my awesome sister gave me for christmas!!!) 
• Compression sack
• 15L sack
• 12L sack
• Documents
• passport (with extra pages cause I'm traveling to plenty of places)
• Visa's, if required (*some you must apply for before leaving, others you can get at border)
• Certificate of Immunizations
• Extra passport pictures (for Visa applicatons)
• ATM card and credit card - check with banks re: foreign usage fees
• Hostel Membership Card
• Hostelling International
• Travel Insurance (I hope I never have to use these)
• Out of country medical and trip cancellation/interuption
• check for backpacker specific insurance
• check for evacuation insurance (for medical reasons)
• List of (emergency) contact
• Canadian Embassies
• Family and friends
• Addresses and phone numbers of friends in different countries
• Travel Agent contact
• Flight Itineraries (if pre-booked)
• copies for family member contact at home
• First Aid Kit
• First Aid pouch (soft sided w/ compartments)
• Tensor
• Gauze roll
• Sterile gauze pads
• Band-Aids and triangular banadge
• Rubbing alchohol or hydrogen peroxide (small bottle)
• Polysporin
• pair of vinyl or latex gloves
• adhesive tap
• cotton pads and Q-tips
• small folding scissors
• sling
• tweezers
• water purification tablets - update: my sister gave me a handy gadget for purifying water, just like the one she uses camping)
• oral re-hydration salts
• bug repellent w/ DEET
• Aspirin
• Malaria pills
• Allergy pills
• Solarcaine (for sunburns)
• Toiletries (have some with me but can buy more as needed)
• Contact lenses and solution
• include a travel size for carry-on flights
• eye glasses and hard-sided case
• copy of eye glass prescription
• eye glass cleaner (good for camera lens too)
• Toothpaste, toothbrush and floss
• deodorant
• Nail clippers w/ file
• Disposable razor(s)
• soap & travel soap dish
• shampoo and conditioner (mid-size bottles)
• moisturizer (same for face and body)
• sunscreen
• hair elastics, clips, brush/comb
• feminine products or invest in a Diva Cup
• Mininal makeup (for those days I want to feel pretty)
• pressed powder
• chapstick and a lipgloss
• tinted moisturizer
• small mascara
• neutral eyeshadow
• Ultra absorbent towel
• full size
• hand towel
• Clothing (to buy closer to departure date)
• Undies
• 2 travel undies (quick drying, wicks away moisture, odor repelling)
• 2 regular undies
• Socks x 4
• at least 1 pair Merino wool socks
• Bra and sports bra
• Shorts x 2
• T-shirts x 3
• 1 by Icebreaker - keeps cool and warm
• Tank tops x 2
• Pants x 3
• 1 pair of yoga pants/leggings
• Sweater/sweatshirt (Merino wool)
• PJ's
• Light jacket - water resistant
• swimsuit
• Hiking boots or running shoes (not sure yet)
• flip flops or Keen's sandals for use in hostel showers and beach
• Pashmina (in case I'm in a country where head/shoulders need to be covered)
• Sunglasses
• Hat with brim or one of those multiuse bandana things (can't remember the name)
• Electronics
• iPod or iPod shuffle and charger
• camera, charger and memory cards (lots)
• Voltage converter and adaptor
• Tablet and USB stick - not sure on these yet
• Cell phone (unlocked and buy SIM cards as needed)
• Rain/Cold Weather Gear
• Rain cover for backpack    (my pack came with one!)
• Long underwear (Merino wool)
• Rain cover for me
• winter gloves, hat
• Miscelleaneous
• Mosquito netting
• sleep sheets in silk (keeps out bed bugs)
• Canada patch(es) for backpack
• Utility knife
• Deck of cards
• Some duct tape
• Carabineers
• Luggage lock
• Small notepad/journal and pen
• Small sewing kit
• Small flashlight and batteries
• Ziploc bags - various sizes
• Some twine and small bungee cords
• Water bottle
• Backpack lock - for the entire backpack
• Superglue

So that is my list. What's that saying? Ah yes: "Pack twice as much money and half the clothes." I just may need to do that. How I will fit all that in my pack seems daunting. And this will be a lesson in living with less. Exciting though! I will continue to buy my supplies and if anyone is so inclined to point me in the direction fo great sales for these remaining items I would appreciate it. As well I'm open to donations too! LOL....no seriously. Just kiddin'. But really....

Hawaii on the cheap

Ah, Hawaii - a beautiful American archipelago in the South Pacific. Blue splashing waters, lush green mountains, intoxicating fragrant flora, and a money-sucking, wallet draining headache. WHAT??!?! Uh Eeva - you describe paradise and then ruin it by introducing the reality of the cost of paradise?! What up with that?


Well it's true - Hawaii can be an expensive place to visit. The hotels don't all offer all inclusive options. There are tour groups around that will charge you for all sorts of things (some worth it, some not). And since much of the food has to be shipped, often refrigerated, via container ships the food is not always cheap and ice cream NEVER is. Then there is the designer shops all along the main street by Waikiki Beach (Coach, Ed Hardy, Guess, Prada, etc). Yep, you can spend a crap load of money in Hawaii...or not.


This is what I did to save money on activities. Granted I didn't do a lot - I did spend time just lazing around, which suited me fine. Though, the few things I did I did not spend too much money.


1. USE THE BUS! Oahu has a good transit system. It may take a bit longer at times to get from one place to the other but you're holidays so what's the rush?! Besides, you'll probably enjoy the air conditioned ride. The cost is $2.50 (exact change) per ride and you're given a transfer that is good for 2 hours. That being said, I did notice that many of my transfers were actually good for up to 4 hours. That saved me some bus fare. You can also purchase at 4 day unlimited visitor pass for $25. Any ABC store sells them. And the bus driver's know where everything is - a great resource.

USS Arizona Memorial

2. FREE ENTRANCES - USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL at PEARL HARBOUR. By law the entrance to the Arizona Memorial is free. There is 75 minute guided tour (a film & boat trip to the Memorial). Tours are first come first serve from 8am - 3pm and be prepared to wait. Tickets are handed out at the information desk. I waited 45 min which was a good amount of time. I went to the snack shop and bought an egg salad sandwich which I ate while looking out at Pearl Harbor. I then looked around at the commemorative plaques that listed the names of all the soldiers and civilians lost during the bombing. After, I proceeded to one of the free interpretive exhibits to learn more about the Pacific aspect of WWII.  It was then time to proceed to the theatre for tour. The tour was very somber and just confirmed in my mind that nobody wins when there is war.

Memorial to the fallen

If you want to see the other memorials there is a fee involved. As well, you are not allowed to bring bags or purses to the park - either leave them in your car or at the baggage storage area for $3. Cameras and water bottles are permitted. 

Inside Ali' Iolani Hale Building

ALI' IOLANI HALE BUILDING & KING KAMEHAMEHA V JUDICIARY HISTORY CENTER: This is a beautiful building that was redesigned from a palace to the legislature and Supreme Court by King Kamehameha V after he had the 'Iolani Palace built (across the street). It is a beautiful building that I fell in love with. Entrance is free and it also houses The Judiciary History Center (which is also free and you can arrange for a tour or see it on your own, as I did). I did learn about original Hawaii law and the changes that came about as settlers came to the island and eventually becoming a part of the USA. The  building is open from 9am - 4pm.  I came across this building as I stopped to take picture of the statue of King Kamehameha that sits in front of it.

Free Hula Show

WATCH A HULA SHOW:  As I walked along the "main strip" in Waikiki at night I came across a  Hula Show. There were men singing while playing the ukulele accompanied by women hula dancing. This was set on the grassy area in front of Waikiki Beach. The lights of the hotels and shops illuminated them and the crowd was mesmerized. 

ENJOY THE BEACH (from morning 'til night): This one is a no-brainer. Waikiki Beach is looonnnggg. So regardless of where you hotel is, if you're staying in Waikiki there is beach for you to enjoy. A morning stroll while listening to the waves crash; making a sandcastle; soaking up the sun or taking in some bright, beautiful sunsets, the beach has much to offer. All the beaches in Oahu are public so you can go wherever you want. If you have your surfboard then you're set for catching some waves (though in the winter months the waves are better on the north shore of Oahu). The beaches also have areas where you can rent surfboards, go on outrigger boats and other water activities. I don't know what the fees are as I didn't do any of that so you will want to factor that into your budget if that's on your list of fun stuff to do.

view from Diamond Head

3. CHEAP STUFF - HIKE UP DIAMOND HEAD: Diamond Head State Monument is a hike that will leave you breathless, mainly for the stunning views. The cost is $1 per person (walking in) or $5 per car. The park is open 6am - 6pm with the last allowed trek up to the top at 4:30pm. As it can get very hot during this trek bring a bottle of water and a hat. Be generous with your sunscreen as well. The trail itself is mostly switchbacks that are worn and uneven in some places but not difficult if you're of reasonable health. I did not find it difficult at all. There are some stairs and they were a bit tiring but not to difficult. I just rested when I was tired. Allow yourself 1.5 - 2 hours for the whole hike (to the top, viewing time and coming back). Be advised that if you are taking transit (as I did) you will walk up a hill and through a tunnel to get to the park entrance and then start the hike. The park does have washrooms and some areas to buy some snack foods (shave ice in my case).

Amazing fresh fruit

VISIT LOCAL FRUIT STANDS:  Through Couch Surfing I met a fellow "surfer" who invited me along a round island tour with her and some new friends. It was a quick stop at many places, however, one of the best was at a fruit stand that served some of the freshest and yummiest fruit I've ever had - papaya, pineapple, coconut and apple bananas - and for a reasonable price.

HAPPY HOUR AT RESTAURANTS: It would seem that Waikiki is a perfect place for Happy Hour at many a restaurant and bar. And why not - you're on vacation. Quite a few restaurants and bars/pubs offered a Happy Hour that included food and drinks. Of course, many were on a limited menu  and at odd times (e.g. 2pm - 5pm and you must sit at the bar). Nothing that didn't work for me. Some would have them later 4pm - 6pm and then again from 10pm - 11pm. Every place was different but a great way to enjoy some food and maybe a beer or two at a discount. Don't forget to tip.


Now this, by any means, is NOT an extensive list. I had a fairly mellow holiday with more lounging than running about. But I still was able to save some money. Use the Internet to find out some great deals, ask the locals and even take advantage of coupon sites like Groupon.I have also heard that car rentals are reasonably priced. You can find ways to make your dollar stretch even when you're vacationing in a more expensive destination.


Happy Travels!!

The Printed Word for Inspiration

Although I like to see shows and pictures of far off places it is usually the stories behind the pictures that I enjoy even more. I often read travel literature and the occasional how-to travel guide with great pleasure. Now there are a plethora of books out there that cover pretty much every type of "travel" you can think of. And you can probably find it at Amazon or Chapters with relative ease. It's all out there for you to indulge in.

In regards to travel literature, my personal favourite "sub-genre" is women travelling, particularly, women travelling solo. I find it reassuring and motivating that there are hundreds of other women who, like myself, long to see the world on their own. There is something empowering to be able to do it by yourself. And really, from what I've read, you rarely end up alone.

Below I have listed a few of my favourite books - either travel literature or how-to guides. I hope some of you find them as interesting as I have.




My all time favourite travel book (to date) is The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett and Amanda Pressner. In 2006 these three 20-somethings quit their jobs and travelled together around the world for a year. Although the book is not about solo travel their story is very an interesting one. The writers not only included what they saw and where they went, they opened up their hearts to show how they felt and grew as women. I highly recommend it. They also have a travel website filled with plenty of information. Check it out at Lost Girls World.

Seal Press put out Go Your Own Way: Women Travel the World Solo (Editors: Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick, Christina Henry de Tessan), a compilation of 23 short stories from around the globe. Some are funny, some heartfelt and yet others filled with adventure. This was actually the first book that I read about women travelling solo. Here is a link to an interview with the editor Ingrid Emerick on the website Expat Women.

Thinking about going around the world (a.k.a RTW trip)? If you're like me and have this as a lifelong goal then get yourself a copy of Rough Guides First Time Around The World (3rd edtion, 2010) by Doug Lansky. This book has information to cover pretty much anything to do with extended travel. Even if you are not planning on circumnavigating the globe but want to travel to certain areas of the globe, this book is a great option. Actually any Rough Guides travel book is helpful in my opinion. Take a visit to the Rough Guides website for updated info or to download their iPhone app. Just a note - I'm about halfway through this one and I have learned plenty!



Well those three are my top picks but there are a few others that are also worth mentioning:

Adventures of a Continental Drifter by Elliott Hester - This book was certainly enjoyable. Tales of Elliott's adventures in 2002 when he quit his job & started travelling from place to place. He also has a syndicated travel column and another book called Plane Insanity (he was a former flight attendant).

Practical Nomad- How to Travel Around the World by Edward Hasbrouck (4th edtion, 2007) - Although I haven't completely finished this book it is filled with good information. A bit more detailed than the Rough Guides' book but also a bit harder to get into.  I will get through it though.

I know I've posted quite a few books but I do want to make mention of two other books - mainly because they have gotten away from - literally. Both of these books I have, unfortunately, left on the bus and nobody has turned them in. People, please if you find a book on public transit HAND IT IN TO THE DRIVER!! They send it the Lost and Found so they can be reunited with their absent-minded owners. Thanks :)
I do intend to re-purchase these books and finish them. Not because I found them to be superbly written but because the premise was interesting and I wanted to hear the end of their tales.

On the Couch by Fleur Britten - This UK journalist decided to travel across Asia and stay only in the homes of strangers by using the CouchSurfing online network. Since I am a member of CouchSurfing I wanted to read about her tales. Although I found her writing style to be rather bland I will eventually finish this book to hear the stories and what her final thoughts are about this alternative form of accommodation.

Grounded: A Down To Earth Journey Around The World by Seth Stevenson - My sister gave me this book for christmas and I started reading it this month. Seth and his girlfriend embark on an RTW trip without taking a single airplane flight. They use train, bus, and boat and see the world from a closer vantage point. I was bummed I lost the book because I barely even got into it.

Well those are my extensive reads for the time being. If you get a chance to read any of them I do hope you find them as intersting as I have.