Time to revisit...

As I've been going through some of my family's things this past month, certain items I've stumbled across have made me realize how much in common I had with my Grandmother. We were close when I was a child and I'd love to hear her own childhood stories, but as far as sharing her personal collections with me, she was generally private with those things. I was also private with that sort of thing. I wasn't hiding anything. I just didn't think she'd be interested. Perhaps she thought the same thing about sharing those things with me. What a shame. 

Among her quirky collections, I found albums of coins, stamps, and postcards, which brought a huge smile to my face. It made me think about the whole "Nature vs. Nurture" debate. I'm not an avid collector of coins or stamps but I have enough to organize in an album if I ever decided to do so. Postcards on the other hand, I've been collecting since I was a teenager. I couldn't believe I didn't know she collected them as well. Her collection wasn't very big, but it was enough to make me feel much closer to her even though she passed on almost two years ago. There was one postcard in particular that touched me in an unexpected way. It was a postcard from Twenty Mule team Canyon in Death Valley, CA. I always knew she liked nature and the outdoors. She was the one that introduced me to National Geographic magazines and Wild America on T.V. But I never knew she also liked this place. I really wish I would've known. Even with that feelling of regret, I felt happiness. Happiness that we were more alike than I thought.

Grandma's Twenty Mule Team Canyon Postcard ~ 1970s

At Twenty Mule Team Canyon ~ 2010

Even though I missed that opportunity with my grandmother, I'm really glad I took my mother to Death Valley before she passed. One of the special moments we shared out there was hiking through the Natural Bridge. We talked, collected colored rocks, and had a really great time. Moments like those weren't too common in our relationship unfortunately, but those good times are what I'll keep forever...along with the rocks we brought back. I haven't been able to visit Death Valley or any other national park this year, but I'm definitely looking forward to some cooler weather so I can take some trips this fall & winter. I can't wait to make new memories, and of course I'll keep them close to my heart with each visit.

Mom and I at the Natural Bridge Death Valley, CA 2010

Another precious find in my Grandmother's belongings were some snapshots of a trip to Sequoia National Park when I was young. I have one memory from this trip and it was when we drove through the knocked down tree. Actually, I haven't been back there since these pictures were taken and it is definitely time to revisit parks I've been to, as well as see parks I've yet to visit. Parks they wanted to visit. Life is simply too short and I don't need another reminder of that fact.

With Grandma & Mom at Sequoia National Park 1985

The Memory of a Stamp

About 6 years ago my heart broke when I lost my passport. I was moving into my second apartment in Whittier and that was the last time I remember seeing it. I searched every single box and bag without any luck. With every move after that, I kept searching. To be honest, it took me years to accept that it was lost. Eventually, I had to convince myself that I accidentally threw it away. I wasn't sad because of the money I'd have to spend to replace it. (Although I wasn't crazy about spending another $100) I was heartbroken because of the travel stamps that I lost. It's not like I had too many stamps since I had traveled to other countries via rail, but the sentimental value of the first stamp I received back in September '02, along with my full page student visa, were priceless to me.

Over the past month, I've been cleaning out many of my Grandmother's and Mother's things out of the house, which has triggered a wave of emotions. I've found several personal treasures, however, the biggest surprise came my way yesterday. I was sorting out some things to donate to Goodwill when out of nowhere, a passport literally fell onto my lap. I opened it up and there I was at age 20. I'm sure I let out an audible sound of approval at that moment. It doesn't matter that the passport isn't valid anymore. I was thrilled it turned up and in a cliche manner too...when I wasn't looking for it. 

I've visited Mexico twice with my new passport and it wasn't stamped either time, much to my disappointment. I'll find out soon enough if Turkey and Romania still stamp passports. The new passports have microchips in them so I'm not certain, but I sure hope so...

My Salvadorian-Romanian link

Two more months until I take off on my last transatlantic adventure of my 20s. When I finally decided to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, I didn’t intend for this trip to cross the Atlantic. I actually listed El Salvador as my first choice on the application. I only wrote down Romania and New Zealand as my second and third choices as a formality. I had to complete the entire application and the dates for those programs worked for me. Just in case.

Why El Salvador? It’s the motherland. Literally. My maternal bloodline is Salvadorian. That side of the family raised me, therefore I am culturally Salvadorian. By volunteering there, I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone. I would visit the homeland and give back. But that wasn’t to be the case. As it worked out, I ended up getting the call from Team Romania. The strange thing is I still feel connected to my family. Well, to my mom specifically. 

When I was a child I became obsessed with the Olympic games. I really became aware of what the Olympics were in ’88 & ’92. Observing my sudden interest, my mom shared her own memories of watching the Olympics when she was a child. It was then that I learned she adored Nadia Comaneci, the freakishly limber Romanian gymnast who was crowned the sweetheart of perfection during the ’76 Montreal games. I watched old footage and pictures with my mom and I actually knew what the Romanian flag looked like long before I knew the Salvadorian flag. I never imagined I would visit the country then...or even a year ago.

I still have no idea what to expect, but because of my mom and her childhood heroine, I already know I’ll feel more connected to that place than anywhere else...other than the motherland.

Staying Afloat

Drowning in a drop of water C.2010

Ventura, CA 

I used to love hearing my grandmother's stories of her own childhood in El Salvador.  My favorite story was how she learned how to swim. As the youngest of 6 siblings, including 3 brothers, she didn't have much of a say. In true Darwinian form, she learned how to swim by being tossed into the local river which immediately tested her survival instincts. There weren't any water wings, inner tubes or one on one time with a swim instructor. There wasn't time to think. There was only time to "do"...and she did.

Life is short and there are times when we're all confronted with that fact whether we needed the reminder or not. But it's in those times of trial when survival instincts kick in and you discover how strong you can be. Through the loss of my immediate family, I've gained strength I didn't know I was capable of. As an homage to the two women that raised me, I hope to visit El Salvador before my next birthday.  I'll make sure I can make it happen.

Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Mom c.2009

May was always extra special in my small family. Mother's day for mom and grandma along with my mom's birthday on the 11th. Recently, I've also learned that May is brain tumor awareness month. My mom passed away this past March due to fatal complications with a benign brain tumor. Help me honor her memory during the month of May by registering with my team at the San Diego Brain Tumor 5K Walk. The event takes place Saturday September 10th, 2011. Much awareness is needed for this cause. Thank you for your support whether you can walk with me or be there in spirit. Team Ana's Flowers page link : Team page

Saint Christopher

St. Christopher

Mexico City

Mobile Pic c. 2010

My family was very religious while I was growing up, however, I wasn’t born into Catholicism. I do know it’s a huge part of my cultural history on both sides of my bloodline; Mexican & Salvadorian. I also know that my maternal grandmother’s family were devoted Catholics and she was the first of her 6 siblings to convert to another protestant faith.

I wasn’t taught the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism in depth. Grandma just emphasized that Catholics are borderline idolaters and they have extra books in their Bible. As time passed and began to question my family’s religion, I came to disagree with many of the aspects of my grandmother’s religious choice of sect. Althuogh, I did like the idea of eliminating the "middle man" and focus on a personal relationship with God as opposed to the Catholic route.  

It took a long time for me to become interested in Catholicism for my own cultural curiosity. My knowledge of the people that have obtained sainthood is still terribly limited. I attended mass for the first time at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome when I was 21. I didn’t bother to see the shroud of the Virgen de Guadalupe in Mexico City until I was 28.

Just before my first trip to Mexico City, one of my friends brought up the subject of St. Christopher and explained that she wears her St. Christopher pendant whenever she goes on a big trip. I recalled the story of St. Christopher but I had to research it again to refresh my memory.

 I felt ignorant for not knowing something that is so “101” among Catholics. Setting all embarrassment aside, I really liked this story. I don’t want to get into a discussion whether there is any historical record of Christopher’s existence. I’m not an atheist, but I’m also not comfortable praying to a saint when I can just ask the boss himself. But that’s beside the point. I was quite charmed with this story and I really love the idea of a protective representative of travelers.

Having been a nervous passenger on over 40 planes, thoughts like “why didn’t anyone ever tell me” ran through my head. The important thing is that now I know. I wasn’t able to find a St. Christopher pendant during my stay in Mexico City, but I think I’ll buy one here in the States, which is home base anyway. I don’t intend to wear the pendant as a good luck charm. I do feel as if I’ve been watched over through many situations in my travels. But as I get older and the feeling of youthful invincibility fades, I can find comfort in a story about the kindness of strangers no matter where your journey takes you.

Locks of love

Making a hair donation to Locks of Love is something I’ve always wanted to do. After a two year pattern of planning, growing, and trimming, I recently decided it was time to follow through.

My hair stylist and former roommate, Dulce, has been fantastic throughout the entire process. To be completely honest, my hair was long enough to donate well over a year ago.  The minimum length for a donation is 10 inches. Selfishly, I became attached to my long hair and (setting modesty aside) I loved the compliments I received, especially after a fresh trim. Dulce would probably dread my appointments knowing she wasn’t going to make the cut just yet.  To justify my delay, we agreed she would even out the layers and trim off the dye streaks. She would trim off about 4 inches during each visit. Needless to say, my hair grows fast.

I made the "big" appointment about ten days ago, much to the delight of my stylist. My hair was measured at 28 inches. I never meant to keep it long for so much time. For lack of a better saying, it just happened. I was excited about the donation and to change my appearance but I was nervous at the same time. I didn’t have a specific hairstyle I was looking forward to. At all. The main goal was to donate a braid of "virgin" hair. I hadn't given much thought to the style I was going to end up with. Fortunately, I found a picture online that gave me a rough idea. I was told I would be given the shorter version of the style. After she cut off the 13 inch braid (which was then put in a bag for me to mail off) she kept hacking away at my hair. It was her revenge after all of the prior trims and hour long blow-dries. Another couple of inches were cut off and an additional 6 balls of hair fell to the ground as she ran the thinning shears through. It's safe to say I've never lost so much hair at one time in my life. Not only does my head feel much lighter (not to mention the headaches have stopped), but it was all for a very good cause. I mailed out my donation on Valentine's day. I should've done it much sooner and I will certainly do it again.

Before (Spring 2010)

The 13inch cut

During

After

Opening my genetic pandora's box

Last month, I decided to take a DNA test to trace my ancestral roots. It has been on my "I've always want to" list ever since I heard of the company 23andMe on a PBS special sometime ago. On "cyber Monday" the company slashed their prices from $499 to $99.  While most online shoppers were taking advantage on low prices for electronic items, I bought a DNA test. Using a saliva sample, 23andme claim to trace your ancestral roots via one's maternal line, paternal line, ancestral painting, as well as showing your genetic similarity to other groups in the world. This test also detects one's disease risk, carrier status, drug response and traits. I mailed my sample mid December with an expected wait time of 6-8 weeks.

                                                                             

The manual lists ways to produce saliva in case you can't under pressure.  The test tube already had some substance that mixed with the saliva. I mailed off my sample in the self addressed envelope that came with the kit. It included a tracking number so I could make sure it didn't end up in some pervy old man's house.

You may be wondering why I bothered to do this. To put it simply, I don't know much about my family. I know my father's family are Mexican and my mother's family are Salvadorian. Of my four grandparents, I only knew my maternal grandmother. She loved to tell me stories about her childhood memories with her family back in Sonsonate, El Salvador. She wouldn't go in depth about where her mother and father came from. I wasn't sure if she didn't want to talk about it or if she didn't know. Since her passing, I often kick myself for not prying some answers out of her. Now all that I'm left with are a handful of pictures and her birth certificate, which she never showed me while she was living. 

Before I purchased the kit, I was having second thoughts about taking this DNA test. Since I'm a female, only my mitochondrial DNA( my maternal bloodline) could be traced, which really disappointed me. I'm desperately curious about my paternal roots too, however, I would need an uncle or my father to take the test for me. I was starting to think this wouldn't be worth it afterall.  So what changed my mind? My mom told me that my great grandmother (my maternal grandmother's mother) was an orphan.  I made up my mind to take the test even if it only traces half of my past. I hoped to get some answers no matter how vague.

Seven weeks after I sent in my sample I received an email notification that my results had been processed. I logged in and the first screen that popped up was an option to skip my health results. The company understands that some of the findings might disturb some customers. Of course, I clicked and viewed them. I won't share my health results but I will say that learning what I have was absolutely worth taking this test. 

I moved onto to my ancestry results. My heart was pounding a bit and my hands were clammy. I had no idea what to expect. Would it tell me things I already knew or something unexpected?

Ancestry Painting

My racial percentages were broken down right in my face. There I am. 64%, 31%, 5%. I studied history and I'm well aware of the mixtures that occurred, but I still find it insanely fascinating. So why is it split between these three groups? As 23andMe explains, Your Ancestry Painting results should be understood to mean Asia, Africa and Europe before the era of intercontinental travel, about 500 years ago. 

The way my numbers were calculated :

Simply by adding up the lengths of the segments attributed to each population, as displayed, and dividing by the total length. The numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number, so in cases where one region contributes less than 1/2% of the total, "0%" is shown. The grayed-out regions indicate regions of the genome where 23andMe has few markers at present; these regions are not included in the percentage calculations.

The following solidified what I hoped about my great grandmother. There isn't a way to track the precise Native American blood she came from, however, 23andMe narrowed it down a bit in the global similarity section.

Global Similarity

According to 23andme, my maternal bloodline is most similar to the people of South America. This is all incredible to learn and I wish my grandmother was around to share all this with her. Rather than gaining any type of closure, I feel as if I've opened a genetic pandora's box. Now I want to learn so much more about my maternal family. Their stories, their occupations, their struggles, etc. I have no idea how I'm going to approach all of this but maybe in time I'll find some more pieces to this puzzle I'm trying to solve. One thing that's certain: there is no turning back. I can't ignore or forget everything I've learned. I tapped into this wealth of information and now I have to live with it until I can continue searching what I'm looking for.

All of the information discovered by 23andMe is incredibly fascinating and I'm very glad I did it. I definitely recommend this for those that don't know too much about their roots or if you're just curious about your racial percentages.  For any females interested in taking this test, I only recommend this test if you do not have any full blood brothers or a father. If you do have a brother/father, have them take the test as well. It will trace both sides instead of just the maternal side. I do advise to wait for sale prices. I would've been sorely disappointed had I paid $499. The results are a bit too vague for that amount of money. Finally, I also recommend this service for the vital health information that can lead a person to take steps towards disease prevention.

Let the countdown begin!

I received my Habitat for Humanity orientation packet this afternoon and now I can officially start the countdown to Romania! I'll be leaving in about 8 months. Don't worry, I won't be counting the days or weeks. To be completely honest, I never imagined I would be going there.  Even as recent as 5 months ago when I began to research short term volunteer programs.  Romania is a country I wouldn't visit on my own so when the opportunity presented itself, I decided to hop on board.

Last year was a tough one for my family and myself. As I reflected at the end of the year, I realized I still have a good life in spite of the hardships we experienced. This reignited my desire to volunteer abroad, even if it would only be for a short time. Originally, I wanted to go to Morocco and volunteer at an orphanage or a school. This is where my Peace Corps service would have been served back in '07 and the idea of going there for a short term program really excited me. However, two things happened that changed this plan.

The first issue was the program cost. Most volunteer programs are expensive since they are not funded by the government. I learned this as soon as looked into an alternative program when I wasn't able to complete certain things for my Peace Corps clearance. When I resumed my search a couple of months ago, I came across a couple of companies that have volunteer programs in Morocco, but the cost seemed very high for 1 or 2 weeks. Some were close to $3,000, without airfare. I wondered why it was so much. As I reviewed one of the brochures  I noticed something interesting. Volunteer accomodations were at a "Tourist Class Hotel". Wait, what?  I rarely stay at really nice hotels when I travel. I see hotels as storage units. It's a place I can leave my stuff during the day and sleep. Why would I upgrade my style during a volunteer program?

The second thing that led me to abandon operation Morocco was an article I came across on Lonely Planet's website; Responsible Volunteering. Honestly, it never occurred to me that I could be doing more harm than good if I volunteered with children for a short amount of time. Of course, it makes sense now, but I was so excited about the location that I simply didn't think of it. I agree with the article in saying those type of programs are better suited for long term volunteers. Since I'm unable to be a long term volunteer for the time being, I continued my search.

You can imagine how thrilled I was when I came across Habitat for Humanity's global village program. I've always wanted to volunteer with this organization and learning they have a global branch kills two birds with one stone. Aside from being a well recognized name and costing less, this is one of the most direct ways I can help in a short amount of time. I was a little disappointed to learn there isn't an extension in Morocco but that minor detail did not dissuade me from becoming involved with Habitat for Humanity. They have programs all over the world, including countries that are actually on my bucket list. However, I decided I didn't want my personal desire to visit certain places to interfere with the focus of the trip, which is to help others. To read more about the location decision, read my previous blog here. I'm thrilled to be going to Romania, even though it wasn't my first choice. Aside from helping people in a remote region, I'm participating with an organization that believes everyone should have a chance to live with a decent roof over their head. As a big fan of the film, It's a Wonderful Life, Habitat's philosophy is very close to that of George Bailey's Building & Loan. That is a philosphy I am more than happy to align myself with.

If you're interested in learning more about my trip and making a donation, please visit Vasthy's Trip to Romania. Thank you! :)

Traveler or a Tourist?

En Route to Mexico City c.2010

That’s a question many travel enthusiasts ask themselves and until recently, it wasn’t something I’d given much thought to. The more I thought about that question the more I realized  I did have a negative definition of the word “Tourist”. It was a label I didn’t want. For a long time, the image I had of a tourist was this  

 Tourists c.1970 

Duane Hanson

I’ve had my share of so called typical experiences in the states and abroad, and well, I’ve also had my share of “let’s just wing it” experiences in the states and abroad. I’ve come to accept that I’m not one or the other. I’m both, the tourist and the traveler. I don’t judge people for standing next to the leaning tower of Pisa while pretending to hold it up. ( I WILL do this one day too)  I also don’t judge the 45 year old man staying at a youth hostel as he treks his way around the globe after quitting his job. I agree with Robert Louis Steven, “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” ... whether it's literally or via an armchair.

Recently, I read an article that tackles this debate. https://getcurrency.com/blog/tourists-vs-travelers
I believe the writer summed it up perfectly. “...real travelers don’t care what they’re called.”

The World's Most Dangerous Countries

The World's Most Dangerous Countries - Slideshows - Travel + Leisure

I read an article today that lists the world's most dangerous places for travel right now. I was saddened to read that 3 countries I want to visit made it onto to the list; Lebanon, Syria, and Uzbekistan.

You may be thinking,"seriously?"
Yes, seriously.

Beirut, Lebanon and Damascus, Syria are part of my Middle Eastern dream overland trip from Istanbul to Cairo. As for Uzbekistan, that's a late addition to my bucket list. Last year, I was playing the NatGeo challenge on my phone and a picture appeared. I had to guess what country this picture was taken. I guessed Morocco and guessed wrong. The answer was Samarkand, Uzbekistan. I was so smitten by one photograph that I instantly looked up some information on this country. Shortly after, I read an article about the Silk Road and ever since then, this "stan" country made it to my own list.

Does this "dangerous" list alter any of my plans? No, because visiting the mentioned "dream" destinations isn't in my horizon any time soon. However, I couldn't help but notice this is a list compiled by "Travel+Leisure" magazine, a publication that isn't known for trekking off of the well paved road. But for the most part, I agree with the countries listed. Although I am shocked that Mexico didn't make the dangerous list.
 

Films that made me start a travel bucket list

Last week, I came across a compiled a list of movies that made you fall in love with Europe. I haven’t seen all of the movies on the list and of the ones I have seen, I can agree with three; Sound of Music, L'Auberge Espanole & Before Sunrise. For the complete list, visit this link: Movies that made me fall in love with Europe. It’s a great topic and I’ll expand on it by sharing my own worldly picks that made me start a travel bucket list.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Everywhere!

"I - I - I want a BIG one!"

The story of a man who couldn’t wait to get out and see the world but life kept getting in the way. There’s a reason this movie has remained loved by so many. I suspect the theme of life not turning out the way we expect has something to do with it. I wanted to be a member of the National Geographic Society like young George Bailey. I also swore I was going to " shake the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and I'm gonna see the world... " Even though I'm hanging onto that mentality, I don't need to wish I had never been born to appreciate my life and my circle of support. 

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – Petra, Jordan

"You were named after the DOG??"

This film was and still is my favorite of the trilogy (No, I do not count the 4^th installment as a legitimate film of the series.) “The Last Crusade” was released when I was only 7 years old and my mom thought I was too young to see this film. Recently, I had the privilege to watch this childhood favorite on the big screen at Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. Not only was it incredibly fun to watch this film while other fans cheered and laughed, but the scenery in the film was as close to the real thing that I can get for the time being. Even though Petra has already been  “discovered” and it continues to be swarmed by tourists, I can’t wait to ride through the canyons on horseback and see it for myself.

The Ten Commandments  (1959) – Egypt

" It would take more than a man to lead the slaves from bondage. It would take a god. "

My grandmother was very religious and The Ten Commandments was one of the first movies I remember seeing with her. I attended church with her every weekend until I was about 13.  Oh how she pounded the stories of the Old Testament in my little head. I wasn’t allowed to watch cartoons until I had studied my weekly lesson. As a child, she never showed me any pictures of the region aside from some bad illustrations in my lesson book. Any National Geographic magazines we had were more nature orientated.  I do remember sitting through the whole thing. Maybe I thought Moses was sacrilegiously attractive. The film is a classic of the “backdrop” old Hollywood era and I suddenly wanted to visit the pyramids, Red sea, and Mount Sinai. I wanted to see the real thing and 20+ years later, I still do.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) – Tunisia

C3PO: Is there anything I can do? 

Luke: Not unless you can alter time, speed up the harvest or teleport me off this rock. 

Like many, I was a huge fan of the original Star Wars franchise. The first film, Star Wars: A New Hope always has been my favorite of the three “good” films. A little credit will be given to a little girl crush I had on Luke Skywalker. I just enjoyed it more than the other films. Perhaps it was because a few of the places, like Tatooine, looked real. The scene where C3PO and R2D2 are stranded in the sand dunes with the John Williams score playing is one of the most memorable to me. Now, I don’t expect to see a twin sunset, but when I learned where parts of this was filmed, like Death Valley & Tunisia, I wanted to go. I visited Death Valley last year and loved it. Certain parts do make you feel like you're on another planet. As for Tunisia, I wasn’t interested in Tunisian culture. The fan in me just wanted to see where this was filmed. That mentality changed as I got older. I still want to fulfill the Star Wars fan girl in me, but I also want to learn and breathe in the tastes of Tunisia. Last month, I read a great article in Afar Magazine about a travel writer’s visit to Tunisia. The unfortunate news this past week surrounding the civil unrest of the region is saddening not only to its citizens, but to prospective traveler’s as well. Although Tunisia isn’t high on my bucket list, it is on the list. One simply never knows what could happen from one moment to the next. We’ll see if I’ll be able to cross it off my list one day.

Lawrence of Arabia ((1962) – Jordan

"Nothing is written"

I’m embarrassed to admit I just saw this film for the first time last year. It was one of those films I kept putting off simply because of its length. I finally had the chance to see and they sure don't make 'em like that anymore. Not only did I enjoy this film but I visually fell head over heels in love with it. Some of those shots are breathtaking and I can’t imagine how stunning it must be in person. Maybe I’ve romanticized the image in my head a bit. Either way, upon learning the majority of this was shot in Jordan, it only reinforced my childhood dream of visiting Petra and it sparked a new desire to see the rest of the country.

Istanbul to Kathmandu

Over the weekend I was at the Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles in search of a current guide for an opportunity that has come my way. (Details on that to come very soon). As I was browsing,  a title that caught my eye. “Istanbul to Kathmandu”. My first reaction at reading this title was “how old is this book??” I looked inside and read it that it was published in June of 2001, not too long before the world changed dramatically.

It’s a shame. Travel plans and dreams can disappear in a blink of an eye whether those disruptions are natural, political or even economical causes. Hopefully in time, certain restricted places can be visited freely again. 

I’m reminded of the American hikers that were arrested, detained in Iran and accused of espionage. I’m not known to be afraid of traveling to areas that aren’t on the cover of “Travel + Leisure” magazine, but I think one has to be careful how fearlessness is approached and be conscious of where they want to take that fearless attitude. I'm sure there are ways through this route, but I also think there is an obvious reason why the company hasn't released an updated edition. 

I do hope the two remaining men are released soon. However, I suppose the lesson in their story is that an adventurous spirit isn't immune to the dangerous instability of the world. http://freethehikers.org/ 

Beyond the city limits

Since the summer of 2009, I’ve been sharing thoughts and memories about the city of Los Angeles at walkingthroughlosangeles.blogspot.com In addition to that outlet, I have decided to create a space where I can share my non-local thoughts. Trust me, I have plenty of them.

A few things have occurred in the recent weeks that led me to this plan of action. For one, I bought a travel journal. Not an e-journal on an ipad, but a classic journal dedicated to my travels. I have other journals but none of them have any record of my trips. That's something I’ve always regretted, so I finally did something about it in time for the New Year. I bought a $5 black journal at Borders and I immediately began recollecting and writing. My goal is to be caught up before my next big trip. I’m not going to copy my journal onto this site, although I may throw in a memory here and there.

mobile pic

The next spark came from a book that a good friend of mine gave me for Christmas, “100 places every woman should go” by Elizondo Griest. I'll be the first to admit I probably wouldn't have purchased this book on my own. But I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. I devoured this book in about a week. Filled with brief two page summaries of various suggestions serve as a good stepping stone for any countries that may spark a reader's interest. This book cemented countries already on my bucket list, and I was also inspired to think about destinations in regions I hadn’t even given a second thought to. There is a chapter dedicated on visiting one’s motherland. My family didn’t put much emphasis on their cultural roots so it has taken me a Very long time for that curiosity to finally surface. 

So what finally pushed me to click the “add blog” option? I was one of the selected winners to receive “The Travel Book” from Lonely Planet. It’s a thick 400+ page book about every country in the world. The contest was to describe your dream trip. This was my answer.

 My dream trip is to follow the Orient Express route from Paris to Istanbul and then travel overland from Istanbul to Cairo, while capturing images of what I see along the way. It’s the closest I’ll realistically get to having a “Phileas Fogg” experience. After I take that trip, I’ll dream up another one…

I’m not sure if winning a $50 book on1/11/11 is a “sign” of anything, but it's a coincidence of things that don’t happen everyday. I’m definitely open to the idea that it’s a sign of a great year to come.