Exploring cidade Maravilhosa

After reading through several books on Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general I had a pretty good idea about the places I wanted to see during the stay in the cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). On the way to the airport, Carsten & I stopped at Cookout to meet a friend that had visited Rio several times in the past year and had several tips and books for us to use on the trip. The book titled "How to be a Carioca" (a Rio native) was the most entertaining, and will definitely help you fit into the crowd if you visit Rio.

We headed straight to where summer happens in Rio.... Ipanema! The neighborhood with a tradition of freedom and innovation. We began walking from the side of the beach nearest to Leblon. Along the way we watched all of the locals playing sand sports (most popular was Fruitvale (no hands volleyball). We stopped at a coconut stand, gave the vendor 3R$, he pulled out his machete, chopped the coconut 3 times, popped the top off, stuck a straw inside and tada! in no time we were enjoying our Água de Côco (chilled coconut water) straight from the coconut!! We walked all the way to the other side of the beach ending up at Parque Garota de Ipanema where we watched some fisherman reeling in a fresh catch.

After resting for a bit we headed to Viscondede Piraja, a happening street in Ipanema that has tons of trendy boutiques and juice bars on every corner. We sat down at a tiny street cafe to have lunch and plan out the rest of the day. Before we knew it the sun had set and the nightlife crowd had appeared.  Walking through downtown Leblon and Gavea, we came across Jobi a real hot spot for the younger crowd. You go in, order your drink and then hang out on the sidewalk with your friends. We stopped at several tapas bars, and ended up at a tiny pizzeria to enjoy a cheesy 2:00am snack. An enjoyable day to say the least.

Failure is the mother of all success

My fortune cookie today said "Failure is the mother of all success" ....Somehow in the process of making our way to Fribourg, Switzerland from Basel we took a little detour when the lady at the train station misunderstood me and we ended up in Freiburg, Germany....

We walked around for four hours attempting to go to the locations that our cousin spoke of (examples: the river we would be able to swim in ended up being a creek we could sit and splash in, the music festival that was taking place ended up being a guy on the street corner playing his guitar and the Amazing artwork was nowhere to be found) We called our friend we were supposed to be meeting when we arrived at the McDonalds... the other end of the phone grew silent as we explained the landmarks around us...by the time we were finished she said "Are you in Germany?" .... that would explain why nothing was what it was supposed to be and why we kept seeing the German flag everywhere. We had to backtrack 3 hours and then head 4 hours in the correct direction.

We made it just in time to hear the last couple of bands playing at the music festival we were originally supposed to be at. We hung out with our cousin and his wife and I danced on stage with a guy dressed like Mario for his bachelor party. All in all it was a good day. Bad news was we wasted most of our day, Good news was we got to explore a new city in an unexpected country and finally arrived in Switzerland 7 hours later.

We hung out with our family for the next two days. Visiting castles, the Pre Alps, the town of Gruyères. Swimming in the Zürich and hanging out with the locals.It went by fast and sadly it was time to head back to the States. We took a 2:00am train to the Zürich Airport. When we arrived we had about 8 hours before our plan was scheduled to depart, so we did what we do best...Entertain ourselves :D   
We hijacked a luggage cart and toured the airport, talking to all of the random people that we saw along the way. We got bored after a while and ended up Camping out for the night in a set of chairs in a corner near our gate. We built a little fortress of chairs, cart and tables and passed out for the night.

Running with the Bulls ~ Encierro

San Fermin is accompanied by dancers and street entertainers.The week-long celebration involves many other traditional and folkloric events. It is known locally as Sanfermines and is held in honor of Saint Fermin, the co-patron of Navarre. Its events were central to the plot of The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway, which brought it to the general attention to the World. It has become the most internationally renowned fiesta in Spain.

Our morning began at 5:30am.... Rushing down to the streets after a long night was tough, but we made it and our adrenaline quickly woke us. Anxiously waiting for the run to begin, the rocket was lit, the bulls released from their pin, and the crowd began running, screaming, pushing their way towards the bull fighting arena.

We jogged for the first minute thinking "Oh it'll be a while before the bulls are near" .... Within 70 seconds we were running within arms reach right next to the enormous beasts! The ground shook as they went by. It was madness!

Not only did you have to watch out for the bulls, you had to watch out for the fear crazed people beside you, and if one person went down, 5 - 10 people toppled on top of them.

We hurdled a few piles of people and ran like we've never run before. Making our way into the Arena we ran all the way to the back wall, checked for any injuries, hugged, celebrated and took a few pictures before the next round of bulls came out.

A minute later a young bull was released into the crowd, running full speed taking out anyone that was in it's path. When the bull grew tired, they took it out of the arena and released a new bull full of energy. The people on the arena floor that were really seeking an adrenaline rush would run up, touch the bull and run away. For those that weren't quick enough, They went down like a rag doll. They went limp and their eyes rolled back as they fell to the ground.When visiting a foreign country, make sure you research how not to offend the locals ~ Luckily I do my research and know better, but unfortunately we witnessed someone that had not done their research. One guy that was feeling extra macho thought it we be cool to grab both horns of the bull and roll over it's back. As soon as his feet hit the ground and he began to rejoice at least 10 locals beat the sh*t out of him, drug him to the side and beat him some more. Moral of the story ~ Don't touch the

horns, they are sacred. 7 bulls were released total. It was so surreal listening to the cheers, ooh's and ahh's, seeing everyone's adrenaline pumping. Definitely an experience of a lifetime.

Tents, Trains, Friends & Fireworks

As the sun peeked through the tent window, Andrew and I quickly began getting ready for the long day ahead. We packed up the tent, jumped the graffiti cover wall and booked it to the train station hoping we'd be able to make the 9:00am train to Pamplona. Unfortunately it was full and we could only purchase tickets for the 1:00pm train.

Today, July 6 was opening day! The beginning of The festival of San Fermín (or Sanfermines) festival, a deeply rooted celebration held annually in the city of Pamplona, Spain. Thousands of people accompany a replica of the statue of Saint Fermin along the streets in the old part of city. The celebration begins at noon, when the opening of the fiesta is marked by setting off the pyrotechnic chupinazo and carries on to midnight 14 July, with the singing of the Pobre de Mí.

As much as we wanted to be present for the opening ceremony, it just wasn't going to happen....So we made due with what we had. We stopped in a small internet shop and sent e-mail to the family updating them on our whereabouts, got a few popsicles and hit the streets to continue exploring Barcelona.

We made our way back at the Train station around noon. I ran to the restroom while Andrew stood with our bags in the smoking area. When I came back outside Andrew was talking to a kiwi named Simon who was going in the same direction as us and was trying to get us to return our tickets and rent a car to drive 5 hours.

As much as I love a nice drive with friends, I really wanted to get to Pamplona. We spoke with a few car rental places and they were all out of our price range, so we improvised and snuck him onto the train. We made a pretty good team. After breaching the first security check point we now had to figure out how to pass through the next 2 check point with guards on either side....Simon went outside to the locked glass doors in the lobby area. After Andrew and I made it through I slipped my train ticket under the door. Simon made it through, now for the final security check.... as we got closer we noticed the lady at the desk checking all of the tickets and speaking to each person as they walked through....keeping my composure I handed her our tickets while Andrew stayed to my right Simon continued walking. The lady voice got louder as she tried to getSimon's attention, she looked back at me and I just shrugged my shoulders, she kept speaking to us in spanish asking if he was with me and I just replied inglés, inglés! Luckily the guard that was on our right was assisting someone else so Andrew and I kept walking while she continued talking gibberish, we went down the escalator and onto the train. Found Simon, took his backpack and told him to wait in the bathroom. 30 minutes later after the coast was clear we slipped him a note under the door.....it was smooth sailing from there. Four and a half hours later we arrived at our long awaited destination!

A couple on the bus from the train station overheard us discussing plans for the rest of the day and asked if they could come along. Our motto is the more the merrier!! The 5 of us put our bags in a locker area underneath the bus station and hit the streets of Pamplona listening to all of the live music, looking at all of the booths set up on the sidewalk buying last minute pieces for the traditional outfit to run with the bulls (bandanas, sashes, etc.) dancing with everyone in the street, eating great food and ended the evening with an amazing firework show.

España

Hola! For those who don't know me, I like to travel.... I'm a little addicted, and for this adventure I decided to bring my little brother Andrew along for the ride. I figured he's probably the only one crazy enough to tough this one out.

Running with the Bulls (Encierro) has been on my bucket list for quite a while now....I was tired of watching time pass by and figured I better put my legs to good use while I'm still young. I'm excited for the trip, bonding time with Andrew, exploring new cites/countries and meeting new smiling faces.

Flying out on Independence Day was a bit of a bummer. Fireworks remind me that I'm about to be another year older, but it really doesn't matter because we are on our way to España!!
We arrived in Spain the morning of my birthday. Plane ride was good, food...pretty sure they robbed an elementary school cafeteria, bags arrived as scheduled, exchanged our US dollars to Euros, changed in the airport bathroom and then caught a bus into Barcelona. Arriving in Placa de Catalunya, we were ready to Explore!

After walking around admiring all of the detailed architecture, we took a break in front of Gaudi's unfinished Cathedral. We sat down beside a small tree on the corner of a busy intersection. I had failed to explain to Andrew how thieves work in Europe. They're professionals and they're fast! While I was checking out our map of the city I looked up to find my brother about 15 feet away chatting with a guy that needed "help." He had supposedly dropped something into the drain and needed assistance getting it out.

So while I am explaining to Andrew that he didn't really need help and either wants money or wants to rob us....I hear a voice on my right saying "Tu bulsa! Tu Bulsa!" I looked over to see a taxi driver pointing at the spot in between my feet where my purse used to be. Then he pointed across the intersection to the subway. Without thinking (don't ever do this. It isn't smart to leave

your travel partner) I ran across the intersection dodging cars, ran down the stairs to the subway, jumped the gate, ran down the right side of the 1st train looking like a crazed lady, didn't see anyone with my purse,went back to the main level and back down to the left side of the 2nd train, no luck....sweating and out of breathe, I ran to the security on the main level asking them for help, but they said that there is nothing that they could do.I walked over to Andrew who had come down into the subway and apologized for leaving him. We did a quick check through of our bags to make sure we still had the important things (Money, passports & Camera) I told him we still had each other and the necessities, so it was still a good day.

We hopped on the metro and headed to Barceloneta beach to relax after our eventful hour. The beach was crowded and full of life. Just what we were looking for. Half a mile down the shore line we saw people jumping off of a rock wall. Since we both like to keep our bodies in constant motion we headed straight for the wall.

After jumping off a few times, my leg felt like it was on fire. I looked down to find sea urchin barbs sticking out of it. We packed up and started heading to the lifeguard station. The lifeguard didn't speak much english, but he cleaned me up and had me back on my feet in no time.

We headed back towards the Estacio-Sants main train station where we had originally planned to ride on to Pamplona. I stopped at a tiny internet shop to write my friend in Madrid to let him know about the events in Barcelona and depending on how the rest of the trip goes we may be delayed getting to him. I logged onto my e-mail account and low and behold was an uplifting unexpected message from my friend that read "don't leave Barcelona tonight. The police found my business card in you purse and called me to see if you can pick up your purse" I jumped for joy! Even though deep down I knew that anything of value was no longer inside of my purse, the simple fact that I was able to get it back was amazing. So we headed to the nearest police station. What we didn't realize is there are two types of police that work in Barcelona....one is the Mossos d'Esquadra (civilian, non military) police force and the other are Policía Nacional. Their function relates particularly to issues that affect Spain as a country, and Spain's relations with the rest of the world.

Needless to say several hours and 6 police stations later we finally arrived at the correct station that had my purse. They told me a family picked up my purse from an alley where they had seen the robber throw my purse...as expected there were only a few items left inside. By the time we arrived at the train station our train was long gone and there weren't any more running until the next morning.

Lucky for us we packed a tent!! We walked half a mile until we stumbled across an abandoned lot in the middle of the city. Keeping an eye out for a clear moment that people weren't passing by, we climbed the 10 ft. wall and set up camp for the night. Listening to sirens screaming, dogs howling and people chatting as they passed by, I closed my eyes thankful that this eventful birthday was over and a new day was coming....

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.

In life, the World can present a bountiful kaleidoscope of opportunities to enhance and direct an individual’s decision in determining their potential “path.” If, upon realization and circumstance, an opportunity arises that could fuel not only the passion of one’s own desires and personal achievement, but a chance to enrich the lives of others through community connection and fulfillment, then the opportunity must be seized and nurtured. I’ve decided to start making the best of every opportunity that comes my way….maybe I’ll gain a little direction, guidance and check off a few items on the bucket list along the way.

Throughout my life, I have faced many challenges and encountered numerous opportunities and people who have been instrumental in shaping my life. I have worked hard for everything that I have and all of these experiences keep me light hearted and eager to learn about the world around me.

I always keep my camera on hand, capturing the pain and beauty of everyday life, preserving moments in time to share my experiences with others and send a message that financial hardships should not affect your education or hold you back from achieving your dreams. I want to give others the courage to make something of themselves. Dreams do not have an expiration date. I intend to freeze not only the brilliant and shining moments that inspire and encourage the great qualities of community living and involvement, but also capture the real life trials and tribulations that inevitably will be faced by the community in the form of hardship and tragedy, where compassion and faith of heroic individuals can band together to overcome all adversity for the sake of the common good. Through my photography, I hope to create a real life forum depicting a sense of connection and belonging to the World where everyday existence is a source of ownership, pride, and enduring relationships.

By fusing my natural abilities and knowledge I pick up along the way I hope that one day I will become a beacon of hope and enlightenment for not only myself but for the people around me.

Why ask Why? Just be ......

The question I get most often is: "Why would you even think of traveling alone?" .... It's an interesting question and one that I hadn't actually thought about until someone expected an answer out of me. Honestly, it usually doesn't occur to me to ask anyone to go with me because 99% of the time that I have asked someone to go, there is always a reason for not being able to go whether it be time, money, they don't feel the destination is a safe place to visit, etc. I just know that I want to travel even if it is to destinations that I do not speak the language, or I don't have a lot of money….. I can't sit around waiting on everyone else. I need to do what I can while I can.

I enjoy the freedom of traveling alone, without a plan….I can do what I want and experience new people, new places, new foods, new cultures. Sometimes people come with me, sometimes they don't. Both can be good. Sometimes it can be boring, sometimes there are too many options. There are rare moments that you meet someone who is on the same page as you and you feel like you've lived a lifetime together. Sometimes, you find a soul mate and it doesn't matter if you never see them again, the experiences that you shared together are unforgettable. I've found myself in wonderful and unexpected company.

Then there are those moments alone….. Skipping stones into the Mediterranean Sea on the coast of Italy listening to the waves crash, or being stung by an unknown insect in the jungle and wondering if I was allergic and thinking to myself "if I die out here no one would ever know what had happened to me because I never told the hostel that I was setting off hiking today." Or getting into town and realizing all I want is to sit down with a cold popsicle to cool down and write in my journal! Laughing to myself as I reminisced, ignoring everyone else around me. Sleeping on the sidewalk thinking "I should've packed a small tent", walking barefoot in the rain staring at open tombs with animals scavenging around them, thinking "I'm probably sloshing around in the ashes of dead people right now... I wonder if I could catch some kind of disease from this."

One of the things I appreciate about traveling is the immediacy in which decisions and consequences play out. Also, the fact that these happen among strangers who don't have any responsibility towards each other. What if I follow a stranger to the top of the viewpoint in Koh Phang Na, Thailand? Or hop on the back of someone's motorcycle just to feel the wind blow through my hair, or twirl fire on the beach because it makes me feel free. What if I leave this town just because I don't like the feel of it after having been here for 5 minutes? What if I create a completely new identity? No expectations, no apologies, no shame.

So why do I travel alone? Because it makes me feel alive and vulnerable all at the same time. Because the experiences become my own and it's up to me if anyone ever finds out about them. Because strangers can (for the most part) be wonderful to each other. And maybe most of all, because it's a chance just to be. To live, love and die in a condensed version then come home and wonder why I even bother coming back "home" when all I really want to do is start on my next adventure…..

Hey mambo! mambo Italiano! Venezia

It was love at first sight! There is no place on earth quite like Venice, Italy. I was in awe with this unique city that rises from the water and its hypnotic charm. It took a tremendous feat of engineering to create such a city… unfortunately given time nature will someday reclaim this "living museum" of gondolas, bridges, ornate churches and palaces. This city proudly stands as a memorial to the Venetian's victories over people and the sea - but the sea is fighting back and Venice is sinking. So go and visit while you can!

Venice was built on 120 small islands which are now linked by over 400 bridges. It doesn't have the typical city noises or smells. Its roads are canals and its land is for pedestrians. Everywhere the sound of the water imposes a soft slow rhythm to tempt the tourist to linger and ponder on the contrived beauty surrounding you. The water, however, is the only natural feature of Venice. There are no parks, gardens and few flowers or trees. There are two modes of transportation in Venice - walking and floating. The city is relatively small, so traveling by foot is not a problem. However, it’s easy to get lost. If and when this happens to you, just keep walking and enjoy the experience… you’ll get to see more of what real life is like in Venice that way!

The first sight that greets you as you emerge from the train station is an amazing contrast to typical station surroundings. Outside the station is the Grand Canal and directly opposite is one of the many picturesque churches. This view sets the mood of the day and the ride on the waterbuses can be quite relaxing (minus the locals that don't wear deodorant.) The cheapest and easiest method of transport in Venice is the waterbus; and on a trip around the Grand Canal you see expensive boats sitting alongside traditional gondolas, countless palaces, some immaculate and some crumbling, dating from the 12th to 18th centuries all with their elaborate doors opening directly onto the Canal.

After seeing so many of these interesting gondolas I had to ride in one. Weaving in and out of the canals I took pictures upon pictures. The gondolier was what I had always pictured in his striped shirt and straw hat. He didn’t talk much but he let me wear his hat for most of the ride as he took me into St Mark's, the 'center' of Venice. St Mark's Basilica is the main attraction of the piazza, which somewhat reminds you of an overly decorated cake, it is the supposed resting-place of the remains of St Mark, the gospel writer. This magnificent basilica almost defies description. It has a very oriental appearance yet at the same time seems to be perfectly at home. Five great domes dominate but a myriad of other features cry for your attention. Inside the beautiful mosaic floor undulates, assuming the shape of the gentle waves which have lapped underneath it for centuries. If a church service is going on you cannot visit inside but you can still visit the upper levels. It may be studded with precious jewels and decorated with strings of pearls but it is not that alone which makes it special. There are many other delights in the Basilica. 

Before I knew it the sun has set and it was getting late. I finally checked into hotel Dolimiti, a cozy little spot that sits in an alleyway near the train station. It was very compact but comforting. Allà Lancé is a pizzeria nearby and apparently the only restaurant in this part of town that stays open until midnight. I walked in as they were closing up and asked for a slice of the Margherita (cheese) Pizza….if you are used to eating something for a large portion of your life and that is what you are expecting to bite into and it is not what you expect, it can be a bit of a shocker….there was no sauce, it was cheese on bread so I looked like an idiot when I went back and asked for some sauce and tomatoes on the side. Be sure to read the fine print or ask someone at the restaurant what it is before you order it.


I rose early the next morning and wandered the back streets of Venice to watch the city awake. The silence was occasionally broken by church bells as I discover hidden gems off the beaten track. It was Pure Magic! No trip to Venice is truly complete without a visit to the tiny and beautiful lagoon islands. Venice sits on a kind of archipelago, made up of many small islets, jutting into what's known as the Venetian lagoon. The city of Venice is the largest settlement, but there are nearby islands, such as Murano, Burano, San Michele and Torcello, which are well worth experiencing.


For centuries, Murano has been the home of the world's best in stunning glassware. I watched in wonderment as a father and son duo that live on the island displayed their glass making talents. The father took a blob of glass and in less than 2 minutes turned it into a horse that was standing on it's hind legs. It was amazing! Burano is famous for its colorfully painted houses. They also have several delicious gelatos that I savored, not really specific to the island, but good to have while walking around. San Michele is the final resting place of many famous names, and Torcello offers a once-in-a-lifetime look into the city's past. Each island can be reached by waterbus, or vaporetto, and is just a short ride from Venice.
As the day came to an end I headed back to the hotel, packed up my bag, wished farewell to Venezia and headed to the train station to ride the sleeper train to Paris.

The Land of Smiles :)

For those of you whom I don’t see often, I will attempt to summarize the last few weeks of activity into one blog:

I've become mildly obsessed with Mangosteens (a super sweet fruit that I found at the floating market a few hours from Bangkok) and a ridiculously great tasting ice cream from the Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan; I snorkeled with the beautiful sea life in Koh Nangyuan, ate squid jerky, was stepped on by an elephant, fell asleep for an 11 hour “nap”, fed monkeys peanuts (who by the way do not really eat the peanuts, they cram their cheeks full like a hamster & reach their little people hands towards you for more…. so when you see the tumor looking bulges on their neck do not be afraid…they are only peanuts), was forced to use the restroom in a trash can in the market because all of the squat toilets were clogged and paperless, had $460 USD stolen out of my back pack, lost my mobile phone in a cab, got gypped by a tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok (if someone in Thailand says “same same”, run for your life!! It is not the same…it is….different) spent a considerable amount of time contemplating the meaning of life and reached the conclusion that the purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly without fear for newer and richer experiences, so I’m doing what I love and exploring the World!!

After spending the day exploring San Francisco, Yung and I flew out at midnight March 8 to begin our adventure. After the 13 hour flight to Taipei, we walked around the rainy city overrun with mopeds and umbrellas. We rode the MRT metro all throughout the city, amazed at the organization of all of the Taiwanese people following in single file line onto the train and up and down the escalators, had my face painted by the crazy makeup lady in the market, ate see-through noodles and something that looked like chicken, visited the Brass Monkey, found hundreds of brightly colored cow sculptures throughout the city, got good use out of our metro coins, “borrowed” the Happy pig mouse pad from our hotel, survived off of animal crackers & stolen apples, visited the hot springs, and we were off to Bangkok.

We visited the floating market and bartered with the locals that put a death grip on your arm thinking somehow this will make you want to purchase their goods. Yung had her blood sucked by some monster bug that left a grape sized whelp on her arm, we drank a LOT of bottled water and pineapple juice, bamboo rafted down the Kwai Noi river, rode the death railway, were bounced around like bobble heads rendering our vertebrate close to worthless and leaving bruises on the back of my legs during the elephant trekking at Saiyok Elephant Park in Kanchanaburi (it was worth every second of it) froze our butts off in the airport. We had a good time (even when were tricked into visiting a strip club "aka pussy show" thinking it was a discoteque club) but it was time to move on to Phuket.

This place is amazing, the food is different, and they love to say “look around” even though you were already looking around! Even though everyone drives like their on crack and think its ok to reverse into busy traffic and honk at everyone in the process, there is something incredible and beautiful about this place. The culture is so accepting and friendly …it’s a genuine friendly, not a “hi! I’m being nice to you because I want something from you kind of friendly”

Unfortunately we found out the Phuket is a tourist hotspot filled with 70-100 year old men that look pregnant and walk around in skin tight Speedos. We watched Thai lady boys with perfect breasts perform at the Simon Cabaret show, sea kayaked through teeny tiny caverns, visited James Bond Island, snuck into a hotel pool by the ocean and collected hermit crabs on Patong beach. Despite having eaten the sketchy street food we somehow managed to avoid Delhi belly....
Arriving in Koh Samui we stopped at a rubber tree farm, visited the Wat Suwannakuha (Sleeping Buddha) temple swarmed with monkeys at the front entrance. We visited Na Muang Waterfall where I was told I look like Natalie Portman a movie star from the new Star Wars, and the locals asked to take pictures with me. We watched a spectacular firework display on Chaweng beach outside of Ark bar. The kindness of the monks is beyond belief! If you ever visit, please leave a donation, it is not assumed, but it's very humbling to be part of their culture as you are welcomed so easily and witness their lives.

Have a great day! ... I shall write again soon....
Love,
Syd