To the Green Mountain: Monteverde

Bungee Jumping Pan

DC to Miami to San Jose. I landed with great enthusiasm ready to find the public bus to Monteverde and visit my friend. I knew I was cutting the clock close as there was only one bus, but I passed through immigration with ease relaxing at the fact I had an hour to make it. When I walked to find a taxi I was overwhelmed...everyone grabbing for my attention and assuring me there was no way I would make the bus. So I was given the choice- a $150 cab to the mountains or a night in a hotel. I opted for the latter.

San Jose has a dirty reputation so I figured I would be safe in a hotel. But passing the security guard with a machine gun at the front door reinvigorated my fears. I walked to my room, threw down my yoga mat, and began to cry. When I gained composure to try out the city, I asked the desk attendant where the dangerous areas were to be wary. In return he handed me a map marked with 5 blocks of safe exploration. I decided to still take a short meander but after a block of feeling people see through me and copious homeless eating trash, I quickly returned. 

Waking up at 5am to give myself extra time was much needed since the taxi driver insisted on taking me to the wrong station. I let it happen, but when he was wrong I assured him I would not being paying for his misconception. Five hours later and I arrived in the heaven that is Monteverde. Walking through the CPI school gates where I had studied 3 years ago and I was flooded with memories. A solo hike in the cloud forest for a few hours put the travel transition into perspective. A rollercoaster of emotions finally coming to the feeling that I was exactly where I belonged. I even remembered a legendary tree in the forest...yes, I'm a hippie. 



A short weekend in MV with my soul sister who is now married with a 2 year old. I was so happy to get acquainted with the family and enjoy the green mountain for the peace it resonates. I bungee jumped the highest point in Latin America (go pro video to share later). Cooked delicious dinners with my amiga. Visited with former teachers. And searched for coffee from a farm I visited with my college. 

There was such a great contrast from my arrival and my weekend visiting my amiga. I was reminded of something my brother AJ once preached "Its not healthy to over enjoy your highs or to wallow in your lows". And with that. . . I am off to the farm life :D 

Tico Explorer Returning to the Land of No Artificial Ingredients

When I was a Junior in College (2010) I journeyed to Costa Rica with a group of 12 students to explore the beautiful land, absorb the enticing culture, and learn more about the sustainable practices that keep their ecosystem thriving. It was an amazing experience that touched my soul and made me think about the consumerist mindset that daily engrosses my routine. It was in that short month that I realized there was so much more to the world than the United States.

Post Costa Rica I have travelled to over 20 countries- appreciative of every culture and destination. My recent adventure was around Europe, an incredible voyage where I spent all of my savings, well worth every penny. But I’ve been craving the place where I passed the line of tourist and felt in touch with both the people and Mother Earth.

Excited for the wildlife I saw in 2010

I will be volunteering at a self-sufficient farm in the Arenal District of Costa Rica for the month of July. Rancho Margot is more than just a farm, though, it is also an eco-yoga resort and education center. Like much of this tiny country, the land was once barren wasteland destroyed by decades of cattle ranching. Now it is a 400-acre property of productive paradise surrounded by rainforest. (The resort was featured on CNN's The Next List which you can watch here)

I cannot wait for the opportunity to assist this eco-paradise in their beautification practices working as a gardening volunteer.

But I am also a bit fearful. My life is very fulfilled in Charleston. But I think it’s important to take a break sometimes and challenge yourself to explore more. Because, hey, this independent, confident exterior might just really be scared shitless. 

There's a quote by Calamity Jane, "I figure, if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one." Well. . . here's to living the legendary lifestyle!

                  

A Quick Vacation, An Epic Reunion: Boston, Massachusetts

Wharf near Boston Aquarium

I had been counting down the days until my trip to Boston, MA for weeks. Not only would I finally have time off away from the grind lifestyle of nannying and lacrosse obligations, but also I would get to reunite with the kids I studied abroad with in New Zealand.

            I landed and met Mike in baggage claim. Mike lives in Colorado and was my flatmate in NZ, I had not seen him in 2.5 years. Jeff snagged us up and drove us to his apartment in Brighton. It had been about a year and a half since I had last seen Jeff when he came to visit me in Washington, DC. We stayed up until 3AM reminiscing, laughing, and probably annoying the shit out of his roommates. I realized how much I missed having such solid guy friends, who aren’t trying to impress or hit on me-just simply pure friendship.

6 Scarfies, One Room, Love Technology

         The following afternoon we walked around downtown a bit, and then picked up Kerry and Becky, coming from London, from the airport. I call them the 2/3 twins. They are triplets, but I’ve only met these two. Becky lived with Mike and I in New Zealand, and I also spent the beginning of my European adventure with her in the south of France (see French Riviera Blog). I’d met her sister for about 10 minutes in Australia (2.5 years ago), but I felt like I’ve known her forever. We spent the day walking around downtown Boston and Harvard University. Although we said we wouldn’t be drinking to save for the following St. Patrick’s Day, we ended up in a bar playing pool and drinking some brews. I think we played the slowest two games of pool in my life, but all good conversation. Back to Jeff’s for the night, and walking back from the corner store we found ourselves with a 30 rack in our hands. So much for saving up for the next day’s mayhem. Amongst the card games we had two computers open skyping other New Zealand friends: Sabine, Lauren, and Liam. Within the laughter I took a moment to appreciate how lucky it is to have people you can jump right back into friendships with, as if no time has passed.

Lined up for the Parade

           Sunday morning came earlier than desired. I rocked the orange, green, and white face paint and we took the hour train to the Southie Parade. Lined up for the bathroom at the gas station thinking we were smarter than most fast-food pissers. On the contrary, but I was impressed by the mass Boston police force hanging out at the gas station and snatched a photo with a Peter Griffin (Family Guy reference) look a like. Surprisingly, they were very nice officers…even pulling jokes on us. Before we found a sunny spot along the parade line, I met up with a friend from college who recently moved to Boston. Although a short encounter, it was nice to introduce our friends. The parade began, and it was a long procession of police and firemen . . . I was expecting floats and such, but the funny stuff came along later. The parade was a 4- hour affair, a jumble of pictures and Irish jigs across the middle of the parade. My Scottish 2/3 twins had a laugh at my attempt at Irish step dancing. We returned to Jeff’s place after dinner, coming down from the days escapades, and decided we should rally as is the University of Otago Scarfie Responsibility Code of Conduct.

Quincy Market

 The next day we walked around North Boston (the Italian District), Freedoms Trail (Paul Revere’s path during the American Revolution), visited Faneuil Hall (marketplace and site of independence speeches), ate at Quincy Market, and walked along the harbor side. The fact that we were walking, UK and US folk, around these revolutionary sites was rather comedic. We met my second cousins Julie and Lindsey, who live in Boston and Connecticut respectively, at a Mexican place near the harbor. I hadn’t seen them in a few years and it was great to chat about our families’ lives. We continued the night to The Speakeasy, which was a really cool setup. Before heading home we snatched some beautiful photos with the city skyline lit up reflecting on the waterway. I love cities on the water, even though Boston is freezing cold. It started snowing as we headed home. Although it had snowed earlier during my stay this one was a big storm about 9 inches. But 9 inches is nothing for Boston, the city was clean in the morning and my friend was off to work. That night I slept with my friends at a hotel near Jeff’s place, as not to impose for the rest of the week with 7 people in a 3 bedroom. We stayed up late and continued the Scarfie conduct, reminiscing and watching videos and photos of past experiences.

Margaritas with Cousins

            The next morning Gatorade and crisps helped, but we were all very silent at lunch with my one cousin Lindsey. I appreciated the chance to introduce blood family with New Zealand family. We crawled back into the bed at the hotel watching Louis CK comedy until my flight time. Mike was such a gentleman and walked me to the train with the wintry mix. We joked we might be in the wrong spot and then the train passed us. . .so we sprinted in the middle of the road to make the next stop, which was about 2 blocks. I much appreciated having someone look like an idiot with me. Hugs and love sent, and goodbye.

             Luckily, my plane was not delayed and I was off to Charleston, with a connection in Baltimore. I was so tired the whole journey since we had little sleep and too good times for 4 days straight. But as we passed over Charleston from the north side coming in above the Cooper River Bridge lit up in the night sky I was very happy to be home. 

       
 My short vacation to Boston was an incredible time. Not only was it my first time checking out the city, but I got to reunite with so many people that I love. I’ve decided since this trip that on the wild chance I ever become a millionaire, or win the lottery (which are realistically the same chances), I would like to get all my friends and family together from around the world at some magnificent spot. But for now, I’ll just make the effort to always reunite with the people I care about because you only make strong connections with certain people.  

Back in the USA: The East Coast

 Looking back at my return from Europe it seems like such a long time ago, almost two months to be exact. I landed in Washington, DC and was glued to my phone the minute I landed. I went down my favorites list and dialed everyone- it was so good to hear my friends voices so clearly. Of course, I was enthralled with being synced in and connected again that I forgot my backpack on the plane. Luckily, my bag was quickly returned.

Dataw Island, Marsh View

Tessa and Caitlin, Folly Beach

       I spent two nights in DC, time with my brother and the few friends I care to stay in contact with from high school. A 9 hour drive and I had arrived in Dataw Island, South Carolina where my parents moved while I was abroad. It was great embracing my parents and sneaking my cats into my room. But only 2 hours away from Charleston, I could feel the vibes calling me. The next day I was off to my college town, the most beautiful city in the US (some say, the world). It was a sigh of relief, I finally felt at home. DC isn’t home now because my childhood home is filled with a new family, Dataw isn’t home because its completely my parents, but Charleston has been home since I was that wanna-be sorority girl Freshman stuck in the all girls dorm. Charleston has been home since I spent four years living  in five different places around the peninsula. Walking into the bars and having people shout your name from across the way, having that “go-to” bartender, that late-night spot, that yoga studio that remembers how to perfectly adjust you, and that group of lacrosse girls who have missed that “hard-ass” who was always down for a competitive keg kill.

Family Photo, 2012

Backyard View of Morgan River

     Despite my love for this city, I was still broke. Given the holiday season, I returned to Dataw Island for a beautiful Thanksgiving with my family-parents, brothers, aunt, and cousin. Finally, some boys who rough me around with no mercy.  As we sat around the table expressing what we were most thankful for, I realized I was most appreciative of how we say it like it is, all bullshit aside. Of course it’s nice to hear how wonderful you are all the time, but without brothers who call you out for no makeup, too much cleavage, those not so lovely love handles, and bad attitude. . .how else would I know what to change?

Sunset Cruise/ Jake and I 

       

 Since Charleston is the closest airport to Dataw, I decided to stay after dropping my brother off. One day turned into five days. With a free place to stay, friends all around, why not? Then I was back to Dataw Island to pick up my mother and continue our journey to Florida. We first stayed at my Aunt’s place outside of Ft. Myers. A quick two day layover and we were off to my brother’s new home- Key West. My brother made a monumental decision while I was abroad, he quit his safe job, sold his car, and packed up to Key West, the Caribbean of the United States. Having visited previously he knew it was somewhere he could be happy (read all about his transition in the Keys on his blog). Our time was well spent: sunset cruise, power boat adventure, drinking on the street, drinking in the bars, sun tanning. Another return layover in Ft. Myers, and then back to Dataw Island. Although my mother was starting to verbalize how my freeloading was upsetting her, I greatly appreciated the week journey further south where we all got to see Key West for more than a place of “bums, homosexuals, and drug addicts” (quoted a neighbor from Dataw Island).

       Another escape to Charleston and a few sublease properties to visit in hopes of moving in January. Days later I was back in Dataw Island sweeping up my father and driving north to our mountain house in Wintergreen, Virginia. My oldest brother managed to bring a Christmas tree from DC, securing it inside the car once it flew off, so we had decorations to match the season. We built this house 14 years ago and it is complete bliss in the Blue Ridge Mountains situated along a golf course (of course). My dreams came true and it was a white Christmas Eve coupled with snowboarding, AJ and I shredded some fake powder as real snow was flurrying down. Although missing Jake, we skyped him in on Christmas gift opening and it was beautiful family time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Down the mountains, and a 3 hour drive to DC for the night. Within less than 24 hours I caught up with three friends, bought my NYE dress, and crashed at my brothers. Early the next morning I was off busing it to New York City. Many of my college buddies who graduated with me were either working there or visiting so it was a great reunion. Thanks to my parents I was able to attend my first Phish concert in Madison Square Garden, which was enhanced by the sheer excitement from my groupie guy friend. It was an experience. A day visit to a friend’s workplace, CBS Studios, and introductions to impressive producers made me appreciative of the connections I have maintained in this world. Preparing for New Years Eve with lots of glitter and handmade flower crowns, we were all set to attend Yotel Hotel’s Open Bar. Within the vicinity of Times Square I was jumping out of my skin when I saw the debris from the ball drop in the distance. 

Madison Square Garden, Phish

A long journey back to South Carolina: busing it to DC, taking a quick dinner with my brother, and then driving another 9 hours south. Within two days time I packed my stuff, filled my UHAUL, and was returning to my real home- Charleston. I lucked out, with prime property in the renowned South of Broad area. Hauling my bed inside, turning around and seeing the water in the distance as I closed the door behind me. Yes, I have returned to paradise. I have a full-time job nannying two infants and an internship with the Caribbean Media Exchange and Marketplace Excellence to keep me sane. I am re-devoting myself to the power vinyasa yoga practice, a place where I can get my mind chatter to quit and let myself be lost in the motions. I am coaching the college club team, and in contact to assist a youth league as well. With a job, my friends, yoga, lacrosse, and this beautiful backdrop I am ready to give up “Nora the Explora” and remain permanent. . . . at least for 6 months ;D

Where I live . . . for now. 

The UK: Takin' the Piss with Scots and Brits

Edinburgh: Visiting an Acquaintance, Forming a Friendship    

   

The Castle 

I landed in Edinburgh, a beautiful student town that my best friend Caitlin told me I would adore. I only had one night and most of the following day there so I wanted to make the most of it. I was staying with a friend who I had met 6 years prior in Cadiz, Spain where I was taking a Spanish program for high school. Although we were in the same friends group there, she was only around for one week, and we didn't spend that much time together. But when I was in Europe we got in contact on Facebook and I jumped at the opportunity to visit her. Staying with locals is way better than staying in hostels. 
    

It was very easy to begin the friendship again. I love how with some people you can ease swiftly into relationships and deep meaningful conversation. After I dropped my bags at her place we walked to the old man's pub where she works to drink a pint. We then made our way to Arthur's Seat, a lookout point. The ground was a wee wet so I almost ate shit multiple times, but phew we finally made it to the hilltop. Twilight conversation while gazing at the stars. Then as the cold began to seep in we made our way back to her flat. A great warm sleep and the next morning I made my way into the city center. 

The Vintage Shop

       I had found a nice vegetarian lunch spot recommended on a blog, but along the way I got tempted by a massage shop. My mind was a bit uneasy with the thought of only a week or so of my euro trip left. So I splurged to clear my mind and indulged in much needed relaxation. Afterwards, I made it to the vegan cafe where I had haggis and soup. Very yummy and filling. Onward to check out the beautiful city, passing pretty cobblestone streets. I took a walk through Princes Park, snapped some shots of the castle on the hilltop, and then ventured to a Internet cafe to print my bus pass to Glasgow. 

Fried Mars Bars 

    My friend Lisa then met me to walk around some more. She showed me some quirky shops including this vintage place where I wish I had been before Halloween. Such classic items and pretty affordable. Again, wishing I had the money and room in my bag to fulfill the retail gap I've had. Before heading back to her place to grab my bags for the bus we stopped in and bought a deep fried Mars bar. This was something she said she had never tried but was a very Scottish thing. Although the few bites I had were delicious, I could feel a heart attack coming along. Hugs and thank yous and off to Glasgow.

Glasgow: A Quick New Zealand Reunion

      

Cave Campout Rave, Long Beach, New Zealand

Guy Fawkes 2010

The bus ride was fast and soon enough by nighttime I was at my friend Niamh's place. As I was riding in, fireworks were going off everywhere. No, not to my arrival, it was Guy Fawkes Day. 

Still beautiful, and I still felt special. (I love naturally, un-planned, coming into places on Holidays. . . there just by fate) And the last time I had celebrated Guy Fawkes Day was in New Zealand. This was fitting, as I was reuniting with a former Scarfie (student of Otago University) I studied with 2 years ago in New Zealand. It was such a crazy adventure altogether, memories and events are so fresh in my mind that I felt like I just left the Kiwis, but so much has happened in between now and then at the same time. Time, a concept I am trying to understand. Off to do some pub hopping and fill up on cider before we went to bed.

Fall Colors of Glasgow University 

One of the Rooms (Not my Picture)

  The next day I explored the Glasgow campus-beautiful. But it made me miss being a student, I'm a dork and I kinda crave the classroom again. (But I don't want my next step to be grad school). I go to all things free. Glasgow University holds a museum and The Macintosh House, a famous architects house, which included a free tour. I didn't know anything about the architect before I started the tour, I was just told that it was a "must-do". Well, turned out a very awkward experience. I was the only one on the tour, so I got a private viewing, with a shy man accompanied by a security woman. He would introduce me to the room, speak for a minute (sometimes less), and then be silent as I walked around. I asked questions about the patterns, but the rooms were so simple. . .there really wasn't anything more to ask about. And he wouldn't show me to a new room, he just stared blank, so I just started showing myself out. It was pretty hilarious. In one room, I asked a question with a one word response, and the security woman just laughed at the awkward silence after. 
       
A long walk in the park, a much needed cider break, and then dinner with Niamh at a burger joint. We went to this cool church turned into a multiple story bar/club.
       
      The following morning I said my goodbye to Niamh and headed to the city center before my bus departure to London. I watched crazy street performers, took shelter in a bookstore while it rained, and then went to a cool ethnic tea shop before I left.

 On my way out of the shop it started pissing outside again so I sprinted in to a hotel, sat in a chair and began reading. I looked up and two officers were in front of me. I immediately apologized saying that I wasn't staying in the hotel and I'd get up and leave. Instead, they asked my name and insisted I stop with my American accent. I was confused. They told me there was a missing girl and I matched the description exactly. I handed over all my identification to explain to them I really was American and that I definitely wasn't lost. They escorted me to the nearest police station, told me I was safe and that I needed to start telling the truth. It was a very confusing situation. At first I didn't want to go off with them, but I also didn't want to create a commotion, they kindly showed me their badges as confirmation and I obliged. After an hour of security checks, I had a handful of management and officers apologizing for the mixup. Yes, it was completely stressful, and yes it is weird I have a look-a-like, I didn't even get her name;But if I had been kidnapped, I would want an intense investigation, and that much makes it all worth it. Plus, all these crazy situations continue to help me develop how to act and communicate. 
  A long bus to London, made more entertaining with some scotch...when in Scotland, right? 

London: My Love, Like a Cinema, I Could Watch You Forever

I landed at my friends place early in the morning and took a nap until 1030. Cori is one of my lacrosse girls from college, and we are a pretty great duo. After taking me to some markets and her favorite shops she decided to skip out on class, and we did some bar hopping. That night we went to a spot in between a bar and club, good music and it used to be a horse stable, so cool venue. I think the stables cost a few hundred pounds a night, but we got away with hanging in them gratis. Then the rest of the night was the dance floor. A funny bus ride back helping deal with one of her mates. Once back at her flat we realized her iPhone, along with 2 of her friends was stolen. Such shit luck. Mine had been glued to my hand all night as I had been a paparazzi, so no picket pocketing on me. 

Tower of London

   The following morning we did more searching for her phone and then got a Facebook message from her mom "call me". Turns out the cops had called her grandad and had her iPhone. The thief had gotten arrested that night, and had a pocket full of cell phones. We went to the station to provide a statement and learned 8 cellphones get stolen a night at this place. Looks like I won't be going back to Proud, although it was fun. While Cori was piecing together the night to the detective I leaned back a bit to stretch. Out of no where an alarm sounded. The detective pressed a bunch of keys and left the room. Turns out I leaned back on this red stripe that alarms the whole station and sends a message to every officer in London. Oopsies. Good thing the detective could laugh. 


       We explored some more of the city. The bridge, the Tower of London, and then some grub. More pregaming with her college buddies, oh how I wish I was still in school. Then off to check out the night scene. One of Cori's friend and I snuck off to share a small bottle-wow are drink prices expensive in London. Well, actually everything is expensive in London. The pound is crazy, basically double it to see what the price would be in dollars. Lots of dancing, lots of fun.
    The following day we did a bit of too much sleeping in. Then we met one of my friends at the Camden markets which was such a cool experience. Reuniting with my best friend's cousin, catching up while walking around the different international street food, different stalls of accessories...so much shopping. BUT so little money.. I had checked my bank account that morning and learned I was in the negative. Well, I thought I would come back to America with a few hundred...I guess, broke it is. 

That night we went to a Benny Benassi concert with a great pre and post lineup-Zedd, Dirtyphonics, Gemini. 10PM to 6AM, I'd never been to such a long show. But the beats were insane, and the crowd was awesome. It was an awesome experience, great vibes, happy people, and the love of music. About 3,000 were at the start of the concert and only 20 of us made it until the last drop. I was pretty proud. Getting back to the flat at 7AM I packed up my stuff and left to make my bus ride at 8AM. 

   As I went to board the bus to Paris, I was asked where my check in was. What check in? I'd taken megabus a handful of times and had never heard of such a thing. Well, turns out I didn't read the fine fine print, and my passport caused issues again. I watched as my bus departed. Fuck, shit, bollocks. Waiting in line to see if there was another bus. I was stressed. No buses until tomorrow night said the clerk. I had a plane to the US, and I would be getting there without enough time to make it. 
    I hate crying. But after 30 minutes pleading with the desk clerk and him telling me "it was just too bad", that I'd have to reschedule my flight...the tears rolled down. I was already borrowing, this would just mean more debt. As I was wiping away my last tear and taking a deep breath, thinking how my brother would get my emotions under control, I repeated his words in my head "just stop". When I opened my eyes a friendly smile had a handkerchief for me. The Brit had overheard my debate with the clerk, and he insisted I take his ticket for the next bus and that he would postpone his trip. Random acts of kindness, the generosity of strangers, I couldn't help but leap at him and give him a gigantic hug. Within the next hour I was off to Paris for my last two nights in Europe. 
  Sometimes I forget how fortunate I am. I have to always remember that no situation is never the end of the world. Goodbye London, it's been real, an epic city that I will have to return to. For sure.