Taking the Big Plunge......

Traveling abroad, whether alone or with a buddy, opens up the opportunity for you to do other activities you might otherwise to too much of a chicken shit to attempt. Many places specialize in different extreme hobbies like cliff diving, bungee jumping, deep sea diving, rock climbing, you name it. Hell, if you're already brave enough to jet set across the world, you already have the balls to try something completely out of your comfort zone. And what better way to overcome a fear of heights or falling than to hang glide off the cliff side coast of Lima, Peru? The beauty of discovering how brave you actually are is that it opens up a world of crazy and exciting adventures you normally wouldn't think twice about attempting. This was the case for yours truly in Greece. After my teaching stint my fellow English instructors and I decided to get a little crazy and bungee jump in the Corinth Canal. I'm pretty convinced we made this irrational decision after a few shots of Ouzo, and by few I mean 12. With a solid buzz a group of about 15 psycho ESL teachers schlepped down to the extreme sports office right on the canal and irresponsibly signed away our lives to jump off of a perfectly solid and stable platform into the abyss. I'll admit it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. I can't lie. I probably shat myself just a little bit on the way down, but it was totally worth it. The anticipation of waiting to potentially plummet to your death is like waiting for, say, the red light to turn green when you're racing home because your bladder is about to explode. You know the experience is going to feel amazing and be totally worth the wait, but it doesn't prevent you from feeling like you're going to bust at the seams, or the bladder :) I remember standing at the edge of the platform looking out on the canal. I couldn't see any part of the rigging behind me so it felt like I was floating in mid air. Then you leap out in a Pocahontas style swan dive and for a split second you're suspended in air thinking to yourself "What the f%ck was I thinking!" In the video you can actually hear me spouting off the most vulgar and profane lingo I could muster. I would have made sailors blush. And it was TOTALLY worth it. Doing the things that scare you the most gives you the confidence to set bigger, better, and more challenging goals.  You realize there is nothing you can't do. Or at least try to do. Whatever scares you the most can become your biggest motivator. Figure out what makes you sweat, take a deep breath, and dive right in. I can promise you'll be glad you did.

Cheers,
Danni


                                         Busting at the seams before taking the big plunge

                                                   Oh ShiT!!

                                                       Hang gliding in Peru. Wowza!!

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Go Greece Lightning.....

If you're thinking of visiting any country in the Mediterranean, and you only get to see one, I highly suggest Greece. Not only is it rich in everything from history, architecture, hot men, amazing food, and beautiful islands, the country is also super broke. Why is this good for travelers, you ask? When a country is in the financial shithole, the tourist industry does what it can to encourage foreigners to come visit (and spend their hard earned doe). This means the cost of traveling decreases to promote an increase in tourism. Everything from hotels, restaurants, car rentals, airfare, souvenirs, and guided tours are discounted, making exploring the eastern Mediterranean much more accessible to the average (or completely broke) adventurer. I spent 6 weeks in Greece, soaking up the sun on the beaches of Vrahati,  traversing the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the Acropolis, and, most notably, getting engaged in Santorini. I even went to a massive Gay Pride party in Mykonos that would put San Fransisco to shame. Of course I didn't know all of the gorgeous men on the island were just as attracted to each other as I was, but I learned the hard way:) Any who, Greece was an amazing experience, one that I would encourage others to do. If planning a trip to Greece, or a country whose financial situation is similarly unstable, keep in mind these few things: the political and economic climates are a sensitive subject for the locals. So just because you as a traveler are reaping the benefits of the souring economy, keep in mind these people depend on the money you spend to put for on their table and a roof over their head. Don't take their hospitality for granted, and definitely don't go spouting off your opinion of how the country found itself in the situation it's in. Keep those comments to yourself. I don't know if you've ever seen a pissed off Greek woman, but it's not a pretty sight. Also, if you find yourself stuck in a hotel room due to unfavorable weather, I HIGHLY suggest against playing drunken card games with friends and family members. You might find yourself lost and drunk on the beach hoping the waves would just take you away. Not a pleasant way to wake up from your drunken stupor the next morning.

Cheers,
Danni

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Before You Kick the Bucket....

So recently I've thinking and rethinking about all of the things I'd like to see, do, eat, and experience before I kick the bucket. Now I know the thought of meeting your maker, whoever that might be, is a scary one for most people. And why shouldn't it be? I'm pretty convinced the world is way cooler with me in it, and I hate the idea of one day depriving humanity of my awesomeness;) Nevertheless, we will all be forced to walk towards the light someday. Will you be content with what you experienced throughout your life? Or will there be things you will regret having never seen or done? Personally, I don't want to miss out on all of the amazing things this beautiful, chaotic planet has to teach me, so I'm am creating a bucket list of everything I want to accomplish before I croak. In doing so I hope to encourage other folks to do the same. Hell, if we only get one shot at this whole life thing, I want to live it to its fullest, including the good, the bad, and the horridly painful parts. So here it goes:

1. See 100 countries (24 down, 76 to go)
2. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
3. Write a book
4. Learn Arabic
5. Float up the Amazon and meet the indigenous people of Brazil
6. Bike and camp along the Great Wall of China
7. Take a train from China across Russia
8. Party at Carnival in Rio
9. Learn to play the Guitar and the piano
10. Get my Ph.D in History
11. Volunteer with the Peace Corps
12. Start my own non-profit
13. Skydive (done)
14. Serve in the military
15. Start a family
16. Hike to Base Camp
17. Shave my head
18. See all 7 continents
19. Write a love song
20. Learn to surf in Australia
21. Adopt a child
22. Find (and keep) my one great love, which is easier said than done
23. Backpack Europe (done)
24. Celebrate New Years Eve in NYC
25. Raft down the Colorado River
26. Live in a foreign country
27. Participate in a peaceful protest
28. Finish an Iron Man
29. Run marathon (done)
30. Change someones life for the better

I'm sure the list will change multiple time over the years, but we all have to start somewhere. Everyones list will be completely different, as they should be, but imagine how rewarding it will be when you can cross off each accomplishment on your own list as you do them. I know it will be virtually impossible to experience everything on the list, especially since it is a continuous work in progress. But if creating a list motivates you to do the things you've always wanted to do, isn't it worth writing? You're never too old to start living, and what better time than now to just go for it? Sometimes everyday life can make it seem impossible to focus on anything other than bills, school, work, PTA meetings, divorce, or whatever. But making time to do something out of the ordinary, something that is just for you, can help make all of the mundane daily ritual B.S. seem more manageable. The list is definitely a commitment worth making, and I refuse to look back and regret not doing the things that will undoubtedly help shape the woman I am meant to be.

Cheers,
Danni

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The French Evolution...

Hahaha! My first amateur attempt at a Vlog... I think I may be too old for this, but hell, it's worth a shot.

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Hostels, Minus the Blood and Gore...

For those of you who have never stayed in a hostel but have seen the horror movies, fear not. I am here to alleviate your misguided, poorly directed, Hollywood induced misconceptions. Although some hostels may LOOK a little shady, and trust me, some are hell holes, most are comfortable, safe, and reasonably well maintained. Torturing travelers is usually not the end goal for the proprietors of hostels. If you are the kind of traveler who prefers 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, room service, and impeccably high 5 star standards, hosteling is going to be a major adjustment. Not that it'll be impossible and you won't enjoy it, you'll just have to tone down your expectations a wee bit. Hostels provide travelers with an inexpensive alternative for finding a place to crash and store your crap. But you get what you pay for. There's nothing luxurious about them, but they have everything you need to live on a small budget, including a communal kitchen, clean sheets, discounted bus and train tickets, airport shuttle services, and other extras. Some even have their own bars that sell super cheap beer. And let's be real. We all love cheap beer.
The types of hostels vary greatly, so do some research before you leave. Even though most of the time your choice of a place to sleep for the night will be made last minute, knowing what kind of environment you're looking for will help determine where you get recommendations. Hosteling International is a convenient way to find lodging, but it requires a membership that runs about $50 for the year. Their hostels are super clean, but they are usually a little farther outside of the cool stuff and they can be a little too... sterile..... so to speak. And by sterile, I mean kind of boring. There is very little character to them. They almost feel like a monetary, minus the nuns and other religious paraphernalia. If you're looking for a place with a little more pizazz, check out the listing for the years top European hostels at http://www.famoushostels.com/., and the top rated hostels world wide at http://www.hostelworld.com/hoscars-2012 These hostels are rated by travelers, for travelers. Most of them are privately owned and operated, and many of the employees are current backpackers who need to make some extra cash. You are bound to meet a ton of awesome people from all over the world at places like these, and if you're ever in a financial bind while galavanting the globe, working at a hostel for a few weeks is an easy way to restore your wallet to its former glory, however bleak that glory may be.

When in Amsterdam, do as the Amsterdamians do.

I don't know how many of you out there partake in the pleasures of some Mary Jane (being from California I know plenty of folks who do), but even if ganja isn't your bag, it's something you should consider if you're traveling to Amsterdam. As the old adage goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." I'm sure most of you are smarter than our good friend Ron Burgundy and are able to grasp this concept. However, if you are planning on patronizing some "coffee shops" in Amsterdam, there are some important things you should know first. For starters, while it is legal to smoke pot in coffee shops, it is NOT legal to do so in public places. You cannot take your swag to go. So make sure you only purchase what you are able to finish in one sitting. Proprietors of coffee shops take their trade very seriously and are incredibly knowledgeable about the goods they sell. You won't find any skunk weed in these places, and in my humble opinion that is a good thing. When you walk into a coffee shop, like the Jolly Joker or Utopia, the "menu" will most likely be a locked case with the shops selection of pot on one side and hash on the other. Each will have a name and a sample for you to look at. The pot-rista, so to speak, can give you full descriptions of everything from the flavor, the effects, where it came from, its stickiness, everything. The prices will range depending on the quality, as with any product. If you're not usually a pot smoker, as I am not, tell the person behind the counter that ahead of time. They can make sure you still get a quality product that won't send you over the edge too much. Once you've made your selection he will weigh it out right in front of you, or you can do what I did and have him roll it in a joint. I suck at it. Whatever your method, once you've paid your dues and can plop your ass in a seat, light up and enjoy. If you're traveling alone, make sure you are semi aware of your surroundings. You don't want some doped up creeper eyeballing you.

Another highly important word from the wise. It is very illegal to purchase your dope from someone on the street. If caught you'll be thrown into jail faster than busty prostitute (wait, that's legal in Amsterdam too.... You know what I mean). There's no need to buy it on the street when you can get it legally in a shop. You can even buy mushrooms in Smart shops. Lesson? Don't buy it on the street.

Now for my random Amsterdam pot smoking story. I was staying at some co-ed dorm hostel and met a couple of lads from Mexico. We were chatting it up and decided to go get a beer and check out the elusive coffee shops. I, being the marijuana novice that I am, had no clue what the pot-tender was talking about, so I just picked a purple-hued mj and had him roll it for me. I also order a piece of cake, but only because I was a fatty with a sweet tooth. It didn't even cross my mind the cake had pot in it. OOOooooooppppppssss. Needless to say I was slightly incapacitated. Honestly, I could not tell you what the 2 Mexican boys even looked like. I managed to make it back to my hostel, alone, and safely into my room. I was the only female in a 20 person co-ed room. It must have been my lucky day! I vaguely remember passing out on my bed, no blanket, pillow, sheets, nothing. I'm pretty sure my shoes were still on too, aaaaannnnnnnddddd it was only 7:30 p.m. When I woke up the next morning my shoes were off, a pillow had been placed under my head, and someone had sacrificed their blanket for the unconscious damsel in distress. I have know idea which gentleman made sure I was warm and comfortable, but I hope Karma has had his back for it.

Cheers,
Danni

Oddly enough, this is kinda what everything actually looks like after a visit to a coffee shop. Blurred and hazy;)

The Revenge of Montezuma...

And by revenge, I mean hard core masochistic revenge. Cortés most certainly did a number on Montezuma judging by the fury with which Mr. Monty unmercifully wreaks havoc on weary travelers. For those of you who have never traveled to some lesser developed countries, or for those of you who have been lucky enough to evade said revenge, I can assure you based on personal experience it is NOT something you ever want to experience. Obviously the revenge I am referring to is a stomach illness generally caused by ingesting poor quality local water in areas of the world like Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Since there is truly no way to discuss this issue with any sense of propriety, I'm going to be as blunt and straight forward as you all can handle. Montezuma's revenge is the shits! Literally. And I don't mean the good kind of B.M. that makes you feel energized and ready to tackle the world. I mean an Odwalla Superfood-like substance coming from a place where the sun doesn't shine. Typically this specific case of the "runs" is brought on by the ingestion of certain types of bacterial agents, most commonly the three variations of E. coli. Now I know what you're thinking. 'Why on earth is she talking about poop?' Answer? The reality is Montezuma's Revenge, also known as travelers diarrhea, affects almost 50% of all travelers, and it can put a huge damper on your Mexican Riviera beach vacation plans (no one wants to be in a bikini in the ocean when you can't control what's coming out of.... well, you know where). Most cases cause discomfort, dehydration, and nausea, which can all be remedied by going to the nearest pharmacy and purchasing some over-the-counter antibiotics. Pharmacies are generally really accessible in other countries. However, if left untreated serious problems can occur. My embarrassing, yet completely true story about M. R. goes something like this. While I was backpacking through Peru after my engagement was called off (a blessing in disguise. Love ya Bobby;) I accidentally ingested some tap water. I'm not sure how or when, since I only drank bottled water. I even used it to brush my teeth. Needless to say my stomach and lower abdomen were in a frenzy. In fact, there has been only one time in my life where I have pookipseed in my pants (see the first Sex and the City movie), and it was in Peru. I had been feeling shitty for a few days, pun intended, an while hanging out in the hostel I was staying in in Arequipa, I laughed at a fellow travelers joke. I noticed something unpleasant had escaped from my bum, but I assumed it was just a good ol' fart. I was much mistaken. Farts don't linger all warm like that. I was HORRIFIED!!!! Once I noticed what had happened, the look on my face completely gave me away. Everyone busted up laughing, so I did what anyone as ridiculous as I am would do. I made a joke, laughed along with everyone, and took the longest shower of my life. I also threw out that particular pair of chonies. The glory of it all? Three other people I had met and been traveling with shat their pants at some point the very next day. That's what they get for laughing at yours truly!

If explosive diarrhea is something you'd like to avoid the next time you find yourself in a less developed country, follow these tips: Drink only bottled water; don't use the tap water to brush your teeth; while out at a restaurant ask if the ice is made with filtered water and if not, request no ice; do NOT order anything with raw vegetables that have been washed in the water (I am almost positive this was my demise); don't allow any water to enter your mouth while showering; and don't share drinks with someone who has been dumb enough to actually do any of the aforementioned no-no's. If you do get sick, immediately start drinking anything with electrolytes. Gatorade, Powerade, Pedialite, or anything of the like. Run (with your booty cheeks puckered) to the nearest pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist. They are no strangers to travelers having this problem and they are more than happy to help. Also, always make sure you have a roll of T.P. or cleansing wipes in your backpack. You'll be thankful you have them, trust me.

Since poop is a favorite topic of conversation for some of my best friends and me, this post is proudly dedicated to my beautiful friend Steph. I know how you roll when it comes to shiznit;)

Cheers,
Danni

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We Will Never Forget....

In light of what September 11th represents to Americans, and the world as a whole, todays post is dedicated to those who lost their lives on that sad and eventful day, and those who serve to protect this country, her people, and their freedom.

Instead of doing my normal travel mumbo jumbo, I'm going to reflect upon that morning. Where I was, what I was doing. It's emblazoned in my memory, as I'm sure it is in most peoples memories. It started like every other sleepy morning. I had just started my senior year of high school. The T.V. was on, usually really loud to keep me from dozing off again. The first plane hit while I was getting ready but virtually no information was available at that point, so I didn't realize the enormity of the situation. By the time I walked to my bus stop, everyone was talking about the Twin Towers, a term I can honestly say I'd never heard before. I had no idea what the World Trade Center was but from that day on I never forgot. The second plane hit while the bus was en route to the school, so by the time I arrived the faculty and students who were already there were in a panic. Although we were all required to stay for the whole school day, class instruction was put on hold while we watched in horror as every news station replayed the images of the second plane crashing into the tower. Everyone remembers the sight of broken glass, the explosion, people frantically running down the street with the smoke, dust, and debris all around them. Over and over those images were played. Most of us were in too much shock to fully comprehend what had actually happened, nor did we have any idea how much this country was forever changed in that moment. As we look back over the last 11 years, it's hard to imagine how different our lives would be if September 11, 2001 had just be like any other day. Friends and family who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan may have been able to spend more time with the people they love. The economy wouldn't have brought the middle class to its knees. The political climate is at a great divide. But not every outcome was negative in nature. We are more proud as a nation. We respect our troops like never before. The younger generation has the desire to be more active as participants in the democratic process. We are making our voices heard. Perhaps without the tragedy of 9/11, generations X and Y might not have the passion and influence they have now. As we continue to move forward, rebuild, and remember all that has been lost, let us also be thankful for the strength and unyielding determination the events of that day have given us.

With Pride, Love, and Understanding,
Danni

Attack of the Aussie!....

Thus far I've rambled about both love and sex. But what do you do when someone you're not interested in falls in love with YOU while you're traveling? Unfortunately I have experienced just that. Once. In Belgium...... It must have been all of the beer, chocolate, and waffles. Whilst on a train from Amsterdam to Brugge (yes, I said whilst), I met these 2 attractive Aussies who were poor, lonely backpackers too. We all had an instant bond. They were a ton of fun to be around, duh, and they loved beer, so we became instant buddies.... or so I thought. When we arrived in Brugge they invited me to crash with them at the hostel they were staying at, which is totally Kosher since most backpackers are good natured people who like helping their fellow globe trotters out. The hostel was awesome, called the Bauhaus (look it up if you're going to Brugge. It's voted one of Europe's top 10 hostels). We spent the day exploring the Gothic style canal town out, and the night drinking damn good beer. By midnight we were all a wee bit inebriated. The tall one with the mullet started giving me the puppy dog eyes, which is an immediate sign of danger. Now I'm not usually one to beat around the bush, so I called him out on it. He then proceeded to pour his heart out, saying he had fallen in love and wanted me to move to London with him. Apparently I was the kind of girl he'd hoped to find while on his journey of self discovery (silly man). I wasn't attracted to him or interested to say the least. First, he had a mullet. I don;t care what country you call home. Mullets are NEVER stylish or sexy. Only sport one if you want to repel woman. Second, we had literally known each other for 12 hours. I definitely don't want someone who is that desperate. We can all really, really, really want to fine The One, but begging like a dog for a bone is not the way to do it. Needless to say I was horrified. He had a mullet!! I let him down gently (or as gently as I am capable of), grabbed my shit, and got the hell out of there. Last thing I needed was someone I had absolutely no interest in stuck to my hip. Of course with my luck, 2 days later they were on the same train to Brussels I was on. Talk about embarrassing. Welp, I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. Can't bag the person you want, and you can't shake the one you don't.

Cheers,
Danni

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To Sex or not to Sex......

So let's be real for a minute. When traveling (whether alone or accompanied) there's always the possibility for overseas, foreign, hot hook up's. And hell yeah! Why should a little sexual promiscuity be limited to Vegas? If exploring the realm of sexual openness is something that has crossed your mind, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, safety. I know that sounds boring and cliché, but it's definitely important. And I'm not just referring to our good ol' latex wingman. The type of people you meet will vary greatly on where you meet them. The only overseas hookup I was frisky enough to have was actually with an fellow Yankee in Peru. We met at our hostel in Lima, Peru, and we ended traveling around together for the rest of our trips. Knowing that other people were traveling with us and that they knew where we met meant that is something God awful happened, someone would know who I was with. Whether you meet people in hostels, bars, on a train, in jail, or wherever, you always want to be aware of your surroundings. And keep in mind, if a super hot French guy woos you with that accent and charm, you are probably not the first, nor will you be the last, girl they pick up on. But don't fret! There's is nothing wrong with having a good foreign romp!! When in Rome! Just make sure you always have a stock of those latex wingmen I mentioned earlier, and if you're not against it, a couple of Plan B pills (for you lady travelers). Also, before you engage in, you know, the whole engaging thing, make sure you have determined whether you're looking for just a hookup or something more. If the latter of those options is the case, invest a little more time in exploring your options before doing the horizontal tango. The last thing you want is to go on an expedition of self-discovery after a painful breakup just to end up getting hurt again. Screw that shit (pardon my German). Remember. You're way to awesome to feel anything less than awesome about yourself.
If hooking up is totally not your bag baby, then own it and stay true to your convictions. That is more admirable and respectful than doing something that would diminish your personal integrity. Either way. Get it giiiiirl.

Cheers,
Danni

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Give a traveler an extra penny....

So it occurred to me yesterday while booking last minute flights to Boston and Philly that most people, experienced travelers and newbies alike, probably have no effing idea how to search for really good deals on airfare. Hell, why spend $1000 to get somewhere when you could switch up your search and save a few hundred bucks? That's more doe for food and wine (always priorities of mine). And since most of my skipping town adventures have literally been same day spontaneity, I have become somewhat of a badass at finding super last minute flights out of the country that don't require my first born son as part of the payment. Por ejemplo, when I left for Guatemala it was because I'd had a bad day. That morning was like any other morning. I went for a run, hung out with some friends, and dreaded my bar shift that coming night. Unfortunately my day rapidly went downhill, and instead of going out and drinking my face off, I decided to leave the country for a minute. When leaving super spontaneously, I don't usually have a particular country in mind. My goal is to find the cheapest ticket that in leaving ASAP. When using this approach, there are a ton of factors to keep in mind if you're looking for a good deal. Season, airport locations, hemisphere, and currency value of a country will play a drastic role in the cost of your ticket. When I sat down at my trusty old school MacBook, I decided to look up countries where peak travel season was over but where the weather wouldn't be too shitty. Indonesia, Morocco, and Guatemala all fit the profile (and they are all places on my bucket list). I spent about 2 hours comparing sites, trying different airports, looking at one way fares, researching local airlines for hopper flights, and combinations of the like. People usually forget there are smaller local airlines within countries or continents that can get you to where you need to go for much cheaper. By looking at these airlines, I was able to get to Guatemala and back, completely last minute (and I mean LAST minute. I bought a ticket for a flight that left SFO 3 hours later. I almost missed it!) for around $400 total. I took an AeroMexico flight to Mexico City, and transferred to a Central and South American airline called Lan to get to Guatemala City. If I had stayed on AeroMexico the flight would've been closer to $800. Fu%k that. You can find these types of smaller airlines all over the world, Easy Jet and Ryan Air in Europe. Always expand your flight search to include multiple airports, as some places are just cheaper to fly into. Gatwick is cheaper than Heathrow. Frankfurt is cheaper than Paris or Berlin, San Fransisco is cheaper than Sacramento, so on and so forth. Do your research. Trust me, it's well worth it. Wouldn't YOU rather spend more money on food and booze than an overpriced flight? Yeah, I thought so:)

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Cheers,
Danni

KY Anyone?...

Now I realize not everyone wants to travel overseas, and that many people are traveling from other countries to the good ol' U.S. of A. If that's the case, then I have to tell you a hidden gem of a state to visit is...... wait for it...... KENTUCKY!!! Yes, I'm slightly biased since I live in the big KY now, but the bluegrass state really does have a ton of good shiznit to offer. Bourbon, of course, is reason enough to come visit. Something like 98% of all bourbon comes from Kentucky (and any whiskey is good whiskey). There are over 200 different bourbon makers, so you'll never be in want of some good brown booze. Exploring the Bourbon Trail is the kind of fun you can only find in Kentucky. Just make sure you have a DD. Most of the distilleries are out in the country and bourbon and winding countries roads are not very fond of each other.

Bourbon isn't all Kentucky has exclusive bragging rights to. The Kentucky Derby is an event unlike anything you've ever been lucky enough to experience. The 2 week long Derby Festival in Louisville brings over a million outtatowners to the home of the UofL Cards. Horse racing novices and wealthy high rollers alike descend on Kentucky like heartbroken chicks on red wine and chocolate. Although the official derby only lasts for one day, the never ending party leading up to it is like the Mardi Gras of the northern south. I say it should be on everyones bucket list to rage in Louisville for the derby at least once in their life.


If booze and partying like southern rockstars isn't your bag, you can always head a little south to see Nashville.... But those stories will have to wait for another blog post:)

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Cheers!
Danni

Cinque Terre? Hell yeah!...

So one of the greatest parts about traveling with no plan is the ability to up and leave one awesome place for another at the drop of a dime. And more often than not travelers learn of a badass spot to check out from other badass travelers. This is how I discovered the Cinque Terre in the Italian Riviera. Five small Mediterranean coastal towns overlooking the crystal clear blue sea. If you take the train to the farthest northern town of Monterosso you can hike through the vineyards and olive groves down the coast from town to town (even though I was 20 pounds heavier by that time, I savaged up and did the whole 8 hour hike). Each town, with the multi-colored plastered buildings and pizzerias, had something new and exciting to offer. From amazing local wine, gelaterias, incredible views (very romantic for those of you unfortunate souls with significant others:), and of course pasta and seafood, this hidden gem is a must if you're schlepping through Italy. Known best for locally produced olive oil and wine, the villages of the Cinque Terre are built up the cliff side and have maintained their olive groves in stone for close to 1000 years. HOW they have accomplished this blows my mind. I can't even get a Chia Pet to survive, let alone grown some grape vines in rock (although that would be awesome! I'd make my own terrible wine and save myself A LOT of money).

It is expensive to stay in one of the towns, especially during peak season, but there are plenty of small towns surrounding the area to stay in while you enjoy the good stuff. I stayed at this awesome hostel in Marina di Massa, about 45 minutes away from the Cinque Terre. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay, check out the Ostello Apuano. Old Italian villa right on the water. It's fuc&ing awesome. I guess it used to belong to a really wealthy Jewish family pre WWII, but it was confiscated by the Italian government. The history of the hostel is interesting enough to want to stay there, so make it happen.

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Cheers!

Danni

So many clothes, so little space...

Being a chic and traveling out of just a backpack poses one major problem: what the hell to pack. Now,  if you ladies are anything like yours truly, you tend to pack everything we own, and then some, when going on vacation. And rightfully so!! You never know what random event might pop up where you'll need a vintage ball gown and 12 pairs of shoes. Unfortunately when you're hopping around carrying everything you own on your back, you are forced to make some sacrifices when packing your junk (sorry girls). That being said, here's my recommended packing list:

2 pairs of jeans
2 pairs of shorts
5 pair of chonies/poichees/undies/or whatever you call your underwear
Socks (if you're traveling over the winter months, bring a pair of warm wool socks)
5 shirts total; a combination of long sleeve, t-shirt, tanks, thermals, unitards, or the like
A warm sweatshirt or fleece
A swim suit (God forbid you end up in the Italian Riviera with nothing to frolic in)
A good pair of walking/ hiking shoes. Make sure they're really comfortable, and preferably waterproof.
A good pair of sandals/flip flops/hiking sandals
A travel towel. Try R.E.I. They have towels that you can ring out dry and folds into a tiny ball so it doesn't take up too much space.
The essential toiletries. Travel sized when possible. Remember you can always restock as you go.
For the ladies, if you want to bring makeup (we still want to look pretty) make sure you limit it to the bare minimum. I brought a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen to limit how much I was bring. Killing 3 birds with one stone is a massive accomplishment. Mascara, chap stick, and 1 lip stain, preferably one you can double as some cheek color stuff. Screw eyeshadow. Au natural is the way to go.

If you are a wee bit uncomfortable with packing the bare bones, you can always use space saver bags that you can roll the air out of. Totally a life saver, especially if you end up impulsively buying clothes as you go (not that I've done it. I'm just saying:)

If you've traveled and have any suggestions on what to pack, feel free to comment. Any helpful advice is graciously welcomed.

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Cheers!

Danni

Oh, how I love bread...

So I'm going to be honest. During my first extended backpacking trip, I gained a little chunk of weight. And by little chunk, I mean 24 pounds. I know what you're thinking: "Aren't you walking everywhere and being active and whatnot? What were you stuffing your face with?!" Bread. A whole lot of bread. And Nutella (gods gift to mankind, in my humble opinion). When you're on a budget it is easy to eat what is cheap and readily available. Not too mention absolutely delicious. Bread, cheese, pastry, beer, wine, more bread, café. It's all delicious and cheap. But don't be fooled!! No amount of walking, hiking, and running after missed trains will prepare your body for such a huge transition from your normal diet. Especially if you're not actually eating enough. Trust me when I say I was horrified by the looks on my best friends faces when they picked my up from the San Francisco airport after my trip. They thought I was going to be behind the chubby Euro'd out chic who was walking towards them. If you really want to avoid gaining weight (a problem that really only occurred in Europe), make sure you're balancing out your diet. I wasn't eating enough protein, so my body latched onto every last carb I ate like a nursing baby to a tit. Grossly enough, my hair was falling out in chunks. Look for hostels that offer breakfast or at least have a kitchen, and consume something easy to make like eggs, pasta with some sort of meat, sandwiched with cheap sliced deli meat, ect. It is easy to get sucked into eating, bread, cheese, and salami everywhere you go, but that combination doesn't provide jack sheezy for nutrition. Try and even out the deliciously fatty stuff with with things that are easy to carry with you, like protein bars. And budget your trip so you can treat yourself a couple times a week to an actual meal. There are always really great hole in the wall restaurants that have an amazing menu with complete meals for every budget. But hey! Gaining a few pounds is totally worth it. It is all just part of the experience and trust me, you'll shed the pounds in a matter of a couple weeks once you get home.

Cheers!
Danni

                                  Skinny faced Danni in Paris at the beginning of my first trip

                                              Fat faced Danni in Spain at the end. Whoa!!

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