WANDIEING

Featured on StyleLikeU!

2012-01-30T21:35:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the fine folks over at StyleLikeU for featuring ME!

New Orleans at Christmastime

2012-01-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

I can't think of a better place to spend the Christmas Holiday. Walking down Bourbon Street on Christmas, listening to a young brass band play "Stand by Me" on the street, Mardi Gras beads hanging from trees in the Garden District. There was something crude and romantic about the way the city lit up for the holiday. From midnight on Christmas day to 3:00am, I explored the jazz bars around Frenchmen st. and made it over to Mimi's to watch DJ Soul Sister spin soul and R&B records. It felt like being in a fantasy land, if that fantasy land had Christmas lights, $3 beers and James Brown records. Special thanks to the Roosevelt Hotel (pictured below) for the most spectacular indoor lights display.

"The 45 Places to go in 2012"

2012-01-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

It's here! This year The New York Times puts Panama in at #1 on the list of the 45 Places to go in 2012. I'm pleased to see, at #2, one of my most recent and favorite destinations - Helsinki! Helisinki happens to be World Design Capital for 2012, as appointed by The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. Not only is Helsinki one of the most welcoming places that I have ever visited, it is also one of the most progressive and forward-thinking.

The first African country on the list is one of my country's neighbors, Tanzania (#7). Two Californian cities - Oakland (#5) and San Diego (#14) - make the top 15. Thanks to Mr. Richard Branson and the fine folks at Virgin Galactic, Space is the #20 place to go in 2012.

I'm pleased to see a much more eclectic mix on this year's list. Who wants to join me in the Maldives? Here's hoping!

New York Times Slideshow: Where to Go in 2012

Favorite Restaurants: Patois in New Orleans, LA, USA

2012-01-08T23:10:00.000-08:00

Patois
6078 Laurel Street
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Patois is located in the gorgeous Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans. This restaurant is amazing! Everything from their specialty cocktails to their wine list to their varied and creative menu makes this restaurant a real NoLA gem. From duck confit to potato gnocchi, there's an amazing array of dishes to try. Don't forget to have some of their incredible desserts (I recommend the homemade chocolate mint ice cream). Did I mention that this restaurant is AMAZING!? Thank you to the wonderful staff for a truly memorable Christmas Eve dinner.

St. Louis Cemetery No.1, New Orleans

2011-12-26T18:09:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from New Orleans!

2011-12-25T13:32:00.001-08:00

Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans 2011

First day in New Orleans!

2011-12-23T06:54:00.001-08:00

I arrived in New Orleans yesterday and, already, I'm in love with the city. Proper updates to follow. For now, I am still in recovery from the amazing fried shrimp po boy (and life changing oysters) at Acme Oyster House.

Every single person I've come across - from my Haitian cab driver J.B. to my waitress Rhonda - has shown so much southern hospitality. I never want to leave!

Santa Cruz and Big Sur, CA

2011-11-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

Last month, I drove up north to Santa Cruz and Big Sur for a wedding. The wedding was for one of my dear friends, and a very talented photographer, Danielle Tice. There's nothing like hanging out by the beach, eating and drinking with great friends.

December and January travel plans

2011-09-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

I've decided to postpone my Mali/Senegal trip to 2012. My next travel plans are :

Photo courtesy of art.com

NEW ORLEANS
I'm going to be spending Christmastime in New Orleans, Louisiana. This has been one of my dream trips for ages, and I'm excited to finally make it happen. I can't wait to eat beignets and grab a cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, listen to live Jazz, and to explore the city. Did I mention that I can't wait to eat beignets? I especially can't wait to see New Orleans all lit up in Christmas lights.

MADRID
A day or two after returning from New Orleans, I'll be on a plane to Madrid for New Years, my birthday, and some serious relaxation. Oh, and I will also be taking a Spanish class for a couple of weeks.

I can't wait to tell you guys all about it!

The Joys of Solo Travel

2011-09-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Reading a book by the pool, overlooking Cape Town

Inspired by the charming Christine of C'est Christine (her post here), I decided to post about the joys of solo traveling. I am expert in few things, but I can safely say that I am an expert in enjoying my own company. I am an only child, I live alone, and I spend most of my time alone. I love spending time with my friends, with my family, and with perfect strangers in other countries, but there is a freedom and a peace to being all by yourself on an amazing holiday.

What I love about traveling solo...

Meeting New People
I find that, when I am with other people, I feel less of a desire to branch out and meet new people. Actually, it's not so much that I don't desire it, but I don't seek it out. When I'm alone, it happens, whether I like it or not. When I was in Tunisia last year, I decided to head out to the Sahara desert (alone!). I had no idea what to expect or bring, and I certainly had no idea of where I would stay upon arriving. All I knew is that I could quickly take a taxi to the internet cafe and look up some bus schedules for the following day. Armed with a notebook and pen, I jotted down a sloppy list of bus times. The next morning, I packed up half of my stuff (doing that always makes me think of George Carlin) in a duffle bag and took a taxi to the medina in Tunis. When I got there, I realized I had been taken to the wrong station, despite my perfectly-spoken, early morning French. I opted out of waiting for another taxi, which was proving to be impossible, and I decided walk for at least 30 minutes to the bus station. When I got there, I was energized by my hunger, sweat, and confusion. I bought a bus ticket for a 10+ hour bus journey to the Sahara and sat down. Because I had missed the "luxury" coach (read: has a toilet) by 30 minutes, I was forced to take the bus that locals take. This was absolutely a blessing because I sat down and, within minutes, a lovely Turkish woman in her early 30s struck up a conversation with me. She told me she had been living in Tunisia for a few years and has some family in Tozeur (where we were headed). About an hour in, my notebook was half full with recommendations. About an hour before we arrived, she already called in to her family to arrange for them to give me a ride from the station, help me find a place to stay, and help me arrange to start camel trekking the next day. I find that, people see that you are by yourself, and they feel a natural pull towards you. It opens you up to wonderful experiences and people.

Lunch, all to myself! (Marrakech)

Cafés
Okay, so, "cafés" isn't a reason, but you get the point. There is nothing more amazing than being in a group of 4 or more people, having a 4 hour long dinner and walking home together. I've had some of my most amazing nights doing just that (especially in Spain). But, I find no greater joy than being in café, alone, for hours with a delicious coffee and a good book. I also enjoy this because when I'm alone, I can quietly observe, eavesdrop, and people-watch. Also, there is no one to judge you when you order 3 coffees in a row and decide that you need that extra croissant.

Doing Whatever the Fuck You Want
You can change your plans at a moment's notice, you can decide not to have a plan, and you can enjoy and be free. It's so wonderful to explore and really experience things by yourself. It's nice to take long walks without wondering if your companion is tired, or bored. And, it's nice to sleep in, or wake up early, without worrying about somebody else's schedule. I also find (like Christine) that you get more opportunities when you are alone. My wonderful driver in Morocco, Jalil, was able to take me to the Imlil Valley on a day's notice when a Cuban family hired him to go there. There was one empty seat in his van and I was able to tag along for half the price and explore and hike for hours, alone, when we arrived.

Go somewhere, by yourself!

Memories of India

2011-09-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Couchsurfing: Isabel, Girona (Spain)

2011-09-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

You might remember the lovely Isabel from this post about her visit to Los Angeles. I love her! She was one of my favorite Couchsurfing experiences and one of the most lively, fun, and worldly people I've ever met. She has traveled all over, is multilingual, and she has a lovely home in Girona. She's also a damn good dinner companion.

Favorite Restaurants: Earth Cafe in Essaouira, Morocco

2011-09-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Earth Cafe
6 Khaima place
Derb Ellalouj
Essaouira, Morocco

Tucked away in the medina in Essaouira is a little vegan restaurant called Earth Cafe. A little bit overwhelming is the fact that it sits next to at least 4 or 5 other vegetarian restaurants. All of the signs and buildings are brightly colored with handmade signs and welcoming faces inside. I chose Earth Cafe because it was quiet and deserted, and I had just spent the day at the beach. It was nice to be inside, eating a [delicious!] veggiee burger with some mint tea. The two lovely ladies who run this place are just a few feet away cooking and laughing. It feels like being in someone's home, and the food is delicious and healthy.

Checking in

2011-09-16T02:21:00.000-07:00

Almost 2.5 months later, I'm checking in! Apologies for the complete neglect of the blog. Ever since starting work on my film in April and working on some other projects, I've had to push back my travel plans. I'll post a proper update soon!

Couchsurfing: Arena, Mallorca (Spain)

2011-06-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days with Arena in Mallorca. She was lovely enough to draw a map of a hike that I could take through Deia. While there, she cooked dinner for us, gave me tips on what to do in Mallorca, and introduced me to her friends. After a nice dinner with about six of us (languages were getting confused, alternating between French, English, and Spanish), we went to a jazz club, and ended up helping a man move his refrigerator through an alleyway after midnight. Soon afterward, it started to rain heavily. We ran all the way to her apartment and drank tea while our clothes dried.

Couchsurfing: Laura, Brighton (UK)

2011-06-27T01:38:00.000-07:00

I'm going to do a few features on some of my experiences couchsurfing while traveling. It is one of my favorite ways to travel and to experience new places, and I've made some amazing friends along the way!

I was only in Brighton for a day and a half before returning to London, so I wrote to Laura to see if I could stay with her. She was amazing and picked me up from the station, helped me lug my bags to her flat, and then we were off. We walked around the town, and grabbed dinner at the adorably named Food for Friends. I spent the evening with her watching bad British television and drinking tea. The next day was a short trip to the beach, and then I was off to the next adventure. It's amazing how the people that you meet along the way (even for less than 48 hours) can really stick with you.

Lucky Magazine July 2011

2011-06-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

If you happen to swing by a newsstand, pick up the July issue of Lucky Magazine. I'm in it! And, check out my slideshow on Lucky.com HERE.

Falling in love with Essaouira, Morocco

2011-06-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Life in the Imlil Valley, Morocco

2011-06-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Sahara

2011-05-31T16:49:00.001-07:00

Chebika Oasis, 2010

Oasis in Tozeur, Tunisia

2011-05-31T16:31:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite experiences in Tozeur - of which there were many - was spontaneously taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through an oasis. Part of this was due to the fact that I was sore after exploring the city center all day and haggling for rugs. My guide took me through the city, then through a wonderful oasis where I was able to pick fruits and explore for a few hours. An absolute dream!

My Next Trip: Mali & Senegal

2011-04-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

In the past month, 2011 has become a great year for me. It started with an incredibly rocky start, and I've finally found the strength and capabilities to do what I want to be doing. More on that later...

I have decided, after plenty of research, on my next trip. I will be traveling to Mali and Senegal. For the past month or so, I have been taking West African dance classes here in Los Angeles, and I have become a bit obsessed. I will use the trip to relax, explore, study French, and take some West African dance classes.

As I constantly say in my blog, I miss Africa when I am not there. I can't wait to visit an area that I have not yet been to.

Stay tuned.

Coming Soon

2011-04-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Photo by Jeana Sohn

I apologize for the delay in updates. I've been working on some very exciting projects. I'm having a great time travel-planning for 2011, and I promise to update with more details in the next few months. It is going to be an exciting year!

Meanwhile, I'd like to thank the lovely Jeana Sohn at Closet Visit, for featuring me last month and promoting my blog!

Solo Travel

2011-02-23T01:24:00.000-08:00

South Africa, 2006

Spain, 2009

Morocco, 2010

England, 2006

The Sounds of Essaouira

2011-02-12T13:41:00.001-08:00

Essaouira, Morocco, instantly held a special place in my heart. After navigating the souks in Marrakech and hiking the Imlil Valley, I was happy to spend some time away in the sleepy beach town. Except, Essaouira is anything but sleepy. Upon entering the town, and having a local teenager help me lug my bags to my hotel in a wheelbarrow, I was greeted by rastafarians, drums, and loud textiles. Essaouira is like a mixture of the Middle East, Africa, Jamaica, and Europe. You can't walk two feet without encountering music. The local vendors are quick to invite you in for a drum lesson or play you sounds from the Gnaoua Festival. You also cannot go two feet without seeing photographs of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, as the locals pay homage to them with a mixture of psychedelic, reggae, and African rhythms. I made sure to pick up lots of music to bring home with me.

Jardin Majorelle, Morocco

2011-02-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

I'd like to refer to Jardin Majorelle as one of the most relaxing placing in Marrakech, but it seems a bit silly. Every place in Marrakech is one of the most relaxing. Instead, here are some photos to remind me to make a trip back to stare at the gorgeous colors, greenery, and textiles before treating myself to a crepe and a coffee. Mmmm....

Cooking Class in Essaouira, Morocco

2011-01-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

If you ever find yourself in Morocco, you must travel to the gorgeous beach town of Essaouira. Essaouira has now surpassed Cape Town as my favorite African beach city. More on that later.

One of my favorite experiences ever (and one of my favorite Moroccan experiences) was taking a Moroccan cooking class at L'Atelier Madada. We cooked with traditional Moroccan tagines (as well as fresh, local incredients), we went shopping for spices to use in our recipe, and - most importantly - we got to eat our food at the end. The teachers/chefs are the most helpful, accommodating, and knowledgeable that you could possibly ask for.

From l'Atelier's website:

At the entrance of the medina, in a former almond warehouse, l'Atelier Madada welcomes you under it's stone arches.In small groups (8 persons maximum) and supervised by our chefs, come discover the secrets of Moroccan gastronomy and be initiated into the delights of one of the best cuisines in the world.In a friendly and casual atmosphere, our half-day workshops will teach you how to prepare a full traditional meal that you could then easily reproduce for your friends and family. Tajines, couscous, pastillas or gazelle horns would no longer be a mystery for you.After the course we will gather in our oriental lounge for the tasting of the prepared dishes. You could then partake of a glass of local wine while savouring the fruit of your work.

Favorite Restaurants: Kuurna in Helsinki

2010-10-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Kuurna
Meritullinkatu 6
00170 Helsinki, Finland
09 670 849

This restaurant has been haunting me since I ate there in September. Kuurna is a small, almost-too-intimate restaurant with an amazing three-course dinner menu featuring new and traditional Finnish dishes.

Bright White Summer in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

2010-10-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sidi Bou Said is just 10-15 minutes from Tunis. Although the beach city attracts many tourists, it is also a nice day or weekend getaway for locals. Walking uphill through the white and blue streets, you will encounter a mixture of Arabic, French, Spanish, and African influence. Stop for gelato or a cafe au lait at the beach at Cafe de delicies which provides one of the best views in town.

Related: Bright White Summer in Cadaques, Spain

Camel trekking the Sahara Desert

2010-09-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

I can add this to the list of things I never thought I would do. I decided to take a 9-hour bus ride from Tunis, Tunisia, to Tozeur. (Tozeur is further south and marks a central point for the Sahara Desert in Tunisia. From here, you can travel to small areas in the Sahara for a variety of different desert experiences. Trying to stay on a budget, I decided to opt out of all of the group trips for tourists and trust the locals to help me out. I ended up finding a very helpful driver to take me into the desert and from there I was pointed in the direction of a local guide who owned some camels. Equiped in shorts and sandals, he took me on a trek through the Sahara via camel (he didn't even bring water!). In case it isn't widely known, camel riding leaves you sore for days!

Going to the circus in Helsinki

2010-09-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be in town during the Helsinki Festival. The list of things to see and do was overwhelming, to say the least. I ended up choosing an amazing show - Le Fil Sous La Neige - by French troupe Les Colporteurs.

Helsinki

2010-09-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

Helsinki, Finland 2010

Traveling with your own personal tour guide

2010-05-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Before planning my trip to Spain, I became anxious. I realized that I was going to be in a country where I was not familiar with the culture or the language. I found Isabel, an amazing multilingual Spanish woman living in Girona. After hiking through Montserrat, exploring Barcelona, and relaxing in Mallorca, I arrived in Girona. I wanted to stay there so that I could explore the Costa Brava for a few days. I got to the train station to find Isabel waiting for me with a car and a helping hand. When we had finally lugged my heavy bags into her flat, we decided to explore the city. We bonded over foreign film and our love for travel, and Isabel patiently taught me Spanish and Catalan words. We ended up having a delicious dinner with wine while overlooking the city. After dinner, we walked around the dark, but lively, Girona city centre. In the days that I stayed with Isabel, she helped me with maps and plans, and told me all of the best places to visit. It was an amazing way to visit the area, with help from a local.

A couple of months ago, I received an email from Isabel, saying that she would be visiting the States and that she would like to visit me in Los Angeles. I was thrilled to be able to return the favor. I met up with Isabel and three of her travel companions, and I acted as tour guide for the day. We explored Los Angeles, exchanged travel notes, and ended our day at my favorite gelato shop. Since I am not traveling at the moment, hosting and spending time with other travelers is the closest thing to getting away.

There are many sites where travelers can meet fellow travelers. My own recommendation is couchsurfing.org.

2010-05-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

Childhood safari with family friends, late 1980s

Dalí Theatre-Museum, Figueres, Spain

2010-05-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

A truly weird and wonderful place to explore, the Dalí Theatre-Museum is located in Figueres (the birthplace of Salvador Dalí). Figueres is also only a short trip away from Cadaques.

Dreaming of Morocco and Tunisia

2010-03-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dreaming of music, food, African beaches... Is it Fall yet?

In Marrakesh, Sampling the Myriad Tastes of Morocco (New York Times, 2009)
Under the Tunisian Sun (New York Times, 2006)

La Rambla y La Boqueria, Barcelona

2010-02-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Barcelona, 2009

2010-01-14T23:05:00.000-08:00

I am a New York Times Travel junkie. I always look forward to the annual "places to go" list with some sort of sick fascination. The list always leaves me thinking "Am I doing something wrong with my life if I haven't yet planned a trip to Tasmania?" Last year my own country - Zambia - was #44 on the list. I will refrain from listing 44 reasons why Zambia should be higher on that list and instead appreciate its inclusion.

click for full size

This year, the list is 31 Places to Go in 2010. Sri Lanka came in at number one, a spot previously held by Beirut in 2009. Los Angeles came in at #11 this year. As a resident of Los Angeles (Must not say Angeleno. Must not say Angeleno), I have to admit that I may have laughed a little too loud at the irrationality of the city's high placement on the list. Oh, well. At #16, I was excited to find Marrakesh - a city that I will be visiting for the first time later this year. Take that, New York Times. I might not be practicing yoga in Mysore (#4) this year or watching the ice melt in Antarctica (#9), but I will be traveling to at least one city on your somewhat crazed hip travel list. One of my favorite cities - Cape Town - is also featured (#22: South Africa). The list is worth a look, but I do have to admit that it isn't the most practical for the average traveler.

My Places to Go Whenever I Get Around to it Or Find A Bag of Cash on the Side of the Road list:
1. Italy
2. Greece
3. Seychelles
4. Patagonia
5. Egypt
6. Tanzania
7. Brazil
8. Portugal
9. Mozambique
11. Nova Scotia
12. Peru
13. Bali
14. Tokyo
15. Switzerland
16. Cuba
17. Australia
18. Russia
19. Istanbul
20. Maldives

2010

2010-01-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010 is off to a great start. I am planning my next trip to Tunisia and Morocco around August or September. Back to Africa! 2009 had me in the south of France for work and Spain for pleasure, but I am excited to be back in my favorite continent! Planning is in the early stages. Mainly, I'm dreaming about drinking cocktails and watching the sunset. I'm pretty sure that counts as officially planning.

I would also like to express my sadness about the recent earthquakes in Haiti. I have been incredibly lucky to travel as much as I have from an early age, and I value the importance of building a strong international community. I am happy to see the United States and other countries working hard to help during these tough times. My thoughts are with the Haitian people and all who have been affected by this tragedy. Send your donations in to the Red Cross, and any other organizations that are working tirelessly to bring some relief to the people of Haiti.

The African Hut

2009-11-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing beats an African sunset, sitting down with a cup of Rooibos and some Bakers' Eet Sum Mors.

If you're in California, it's worth a trip to The African Hut in Laguna Beach just to stock up on some essential South African treats. They've got everything. My recommendations are Tennis biscuits and Five Roses tea. Unbeatable combination. If you're a meat eater, you can't leave without picking up some biltong.

The African Hut
27601 Forbes Road #2
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
USA

Bright White Summer in Cadaques, Spain

2009-11-18T20:07:00.001-08:00

Not only is Cadaques a gorgeous little town to explore, but it is also one of the loveliest places for a stroll, a crepe, and (of course) a cafe con leche. I know, I know. Eating is my primary concern in any given situation. In a setting like this, the food just tastes better. It is also a nice little day trip, along with Figures, for anyone looking to learn a little bit about Salvador Dali. More on that later...

Missing Spain

2009-11-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

Barcelona, 2009.

I apologize for neglecting the blog. I've been very busy lately with non-travel-related tasks. Updates on my next trip will be posted in the coming months.

Deia, Mallorca

2009-10-23T00:43:00.000-07:00

Deia is a charming little town in Mallorca. Actually, "little" might be an understatement. It's got a great hiking trail that leads down to the beach. There is also a fantastic set of cafes and restaurants to stop for cervezas and a meal after a nice hike and swim.

Hiking Montserrat, Spain

2009-10-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

I returned from Spain about two weeks ago, and I still haven't organized my photos or anything from the trip, so the updates will be a bit scattered. I apologize in advance.

One of the best day trips from Barcelona is to Montserrat. I went there to do some hiking and ended up choosing the approximately 2.5 hour Saint Jeroni trail. The trail is an amazing way to explore Montserrat and get some gorgeous views. There are endless stairs, so it is also quite the workout. Getting all the way to the top is absolutely worth it. The are a few other hikes at Montserrat, but I found this to be the most challenging and the most rewarding. There are also lots of restaurants and shops. One shop specializes in local wine, coffee, and various food items.

Giving advice when it aint my turn to give advice

2009-08-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

A question from my friend Monica...

I want to know how to travel as much as you do. It's expensive, but I know so many people that manage to pull off a few trips a year. Making more money might help, but other than that, I've got no clue.

In the interest of full disclosure, I just want to make it clear that I am very amateur at all of this, but I will do my best to answer. I have traveled a fair bit, and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to do so, but there is still SO much that I want to see and do. In the past 3 years, I have been able to fit in one or two big trips overseas per year. Some tips...

1. Travel with the same airline and collect frequent flier miles.
It might be cheaper at the time to use orbitz.com or any other website, but in the long run you are missing out on the opportunity to collect miles. With Virgin Atlantic, my next trip is mostly covered. I was able to get a free trip from Los Angeles to London after flying with them faithfully for a few years.

2. For the most part, avoid hotels.
Try to do vacation/holiday rentals (vrbo.com for example) or stay with friends or friends of friends. Or couchsurf (more on this in a later blog entry)! Accomodation is the most expensive part of traveling, in my opinion.

3. Try not to do very many paid tours.
Those tours are a way to get money out of tourists, and it works. Do a lot of research beforehand. Buy maps, find public transport, rent a car, etc. Create your own tour of the city. It will save you quite a bit of time, and you will meet more people that way. Staying on tours limits your experience to other people who are traveling. If you explore in a more creative way you will meet people who live in the area. That's always more interesting.

4. [Disclaimer: I apologize in advance for how obvious-sounding this next one will be] Save money!
This one always gets me. It is harder than it sounds, but just keep saving money. The worst feeling is being in a beautiful city and realizing that you are broke.

5. Keep looking for the cheapest deals.
Use websites like priceline.com and ryanair and just keep shopping around. Ask for advice on tripadvisor.com. There is always going to be a cheaper option. Just have patience, and start looking well in advance.

6. Don't travel in peak season.
You will avoid outrageous costs, for the most part, if you don't travel when the rest of the world is traveling.

España

2009-07-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

I've finally decided on a tentative trip itinerary for my upcoming trip to Spain (which may or may not include Javier Bardem and inappropriate advances in chic cafes):

Barcelona
6 nights
Montserrat
1 day
Mallorca
2 nights
Costa Brava
2 nights

I am trying not to dwell too much on the fact that those days do not exactly match up with the number of days that I will be in Spain. Thinking happy endless-days-in-Spain thoughts. I have been frequenting tripadvisor and the New York Times' travel guide for the past few weeks taking notes, saving pictures, trying (pathetically) to pronounce all of the names of the beautiful Spanish villages that I want to see. Did I mention that I do not speak a word of Spanish (or Catalan, in this case)? I have also been bombarding my friends with emails about where to go and what to see in Spain. I've collected lots of amazing tips from people who have studied, lived or traveled to Barcelona and its surrounding areas. The hardest part of all of this is attempting to make a realistic budget (very important when traveling overseas, especially with the conversion rates). Thinking about the food and wine is making me a little bit anxious. Will I end up broke on the streets after the first day because I ate my weight in Spanish food and wine? Probably. I'm fine with that.

Stellenbosch Winelands, Cape Town

2009-07-19T14:18:00.001-07:00

2007

Hopefully this is next.

More Cannes: Polaroids

2009-06-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Travel companions, old and new

2009-05-29T20:51:00.001-07:00

If you ever buy shiny, beautiful vintage suitcases, do NOT travel overseas with them. I don't know why I trusted the airports with them, but I ended up with broken fixtures on both of them. For some reason, I still feel the need to get them fixed for my travels in the fall. Oh, and, I finally got a proper camera.

Evenings in Cannes

2009-05-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Cannes by day

2009-05-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Food in Cannes, Part 2

2009-05-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

After being in Cannes for about a week, I finally discovered the joys of eating full meals during the day. There is a panini stand on the Croisette that has made me a bit of a junkie. However, my main obsession is...

Star Glaces
It is a little ice cream stand that is open late. On one corner, they have a little red window which advertises various crepe flavors. The crepe chocolat noir coco is so good, it's inappropriate.

La Potiniere
I've only had dessert and wine here, but I would definitely recommend La Potiniere for both. The ice creams are fantastic (Especially deux boules chocolat noir et chocolat blanc). The wine selection is pretty good, and I hear the champagne is great as well. One downside is that there is not a lot of outdoor seating, which is one of the best parts of dining in Cannes. Unless you arrive when it is not busy, you will most likely end up at a table inside.

Les Thés Duval

Go here! As. Soon. As. Possible. I was already planning to search for a tea shop upon arriving in Cannes, but I was lucky enough to chance upon this place. Their tea selection... c'est incroyable. I'm embarrassed to admit how much I spent here and how much tea I bought. They have the best combinations of tea with honey, chocolate, flowers, etc. The staff is very knowlegable and friendly. Did I mention that you should go here? And, can you pick up some tea pour moi, s'il vous plait?

Food in Cannes, Part 1

2009-05-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

I am eating a lot in Cannes. While I am working, I hardly have time for full meals. Basically, I grab a tea from the cafe with a croissant. After work, I try to fit in two meals - dinner and...another dinner. It doesn't get dark here until about 9:00pm, so I am able to validate my strange schedule. I am having a very easy time finding delicious vegetarian food, but it is hard to find anything in the restaurants without cheese or butter. As a result, I have been consuming more dairy than I ever do back home. Oh, France.

The Market
One thing that I have learned while being here is that my French is not as bad as I initially thought. Another thing that I have learned while being here is that my French is still pretty bad. C'est la vie. N'est ce pas? Comme si comme sa? Oui oui? Okay, that's enough. The point is that, on my second day here, my nervous and rusty French was utilized by repeating the phrase "excusez moi, je cherche pour le marche... pour legumes, s'il vous plait" over and over again until I found the local market.

Note: The market is a great way to learn French words. C'est magnifique!

La Pizza

La Pizza lives up to its name. The pizzas are HUGE and very, very cheesy. They are also deeeeelicious! I've eaten here twice in 4 days, and I definitely plan to go back again before I leave. The staff is really charming and friendly, and they are open late. I was able to grab dinner here at 12:30am after a screening of Francis Ford Coppola's Tetro. After stuffing my face, I had a nice walk down Le Suquet to the apartment for sleep. Ah, sleep. Working 10 hours every day has made you my best friend.

Il Teatro

Il Teatro is my favorite restaurant in Cannes. That statement may or may not be hyperbole, but I'm sticking to it. The wine list has great local wines, the food is delicious, and the prices are reasonable. The only downside is that they seem to close pretty early (before midnight?), which doesn't work for late-night festival-goers and party people (Those last two words are so embarrassing that I'm going to keep them up).

Cannes Film Festival

2009-05-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

Cannes Film Festival, 2009

2009-04-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

I still believe that Zambia is the best place to view the Victoria Falls, but Zimbabwe works too.

My Not-So-Secret Touristy Side

2009-04-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this post at travelblogs.com, I started to think about the difference between tourists and travelers. While I agree that being a traveler is much more appealing than being a tourist (and I try - as much as possible - to avoid the latter), I still like to indulge my touristy side sometimes.

My Tourist Guilty Pleasures

1. Hotels
Travelers are resourceful these days. People stay in hostels, swap houses, find host families , and sleep in an airports to avoid hotel costs. I plan to go backpacking sometime in the near future as my budget is becoming tighter and I am excited for lighter and freer traveling. However, I love hotels. I love exploring the city for the day, then returning to the hotel for a hot bath and some international television. This a guilty pleasure I will happily give up if it means more pocket money for...

2. Trinkets
Thank you, little cat thingies from India that I now store change in. For some reason, I came home with four of you, in varying colors. For some reason, I always end up suckered into buying trinkets. I cannot say No. Especially in the case of handmade or strange looking trinkets. And even more so, if I am able to haggle. I trick myself into believing that they will all serve as gifts for family and friends, but I know deep in my heart that these are things that no one needs.

3. Duty Free Shops
Books on tape? Overpriced fashion magazines? Alcohol? Perfume? Those inflatable airplane pillows? Weird candy? Yeah, they got that.

4. Itineraries
In theory, itineraries sound magical to me. They give me an excuse to open Excel, list a bunch of things, and feel prepared. In reality, they end up in the bin by day one of the trip. I do, however, still indulge myself in handwritten "what I want to see today" lists after I arrive, scribbled in the morning, before I leave for the day. Those usually don't end up in the bin for at least an hour. Success.

I am either hiding some dark secrets or I only have four tourist guilty pleasures. Not bad. Annie Lennox approves this post.

African Children

2009-04-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

2006-2008

2009-04-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Where, of all the places you have never been, do you want to go to most?

I am going to be posting about this shortly, but I am constantly updating my 43places. I have so many places that I want to visit, but right now I am obsessed with taking a trip to Peru.

Where do you most want to go back to?

Cape Town, South Africa.

Favourite City?

London will always be my favorite city, but I wouldn't mind living in Cape Town for a while.

Least favourite city?

Although I love South Africa, I might have to say Johannesburg.

Do you speak other languages?

Unfortunately, no. My 5+ years of studying French are fading away, but I'm trying to practice as much as possible.

Best airport?

It can be hectic if you're late for a flight - or if you're not in the mood for a lot of walking - but I love London Heathrow. Frankfurt Airport, I like you, too.

Worst airport?

In Los Angeles lies a special little corner of Hell for international travelers. Its name is LAX. Also known as FML.

Best travel tips?

1. Pack light (Mom, I hope you're reading this).
2. Be polite and respectful. Unless you are dealing with the employees of Los Angeles International Airport.
3. Do your research before you leave. This applies to pretty much everything. Know where you will be, what the customs are, where to eat (especially if you have a special diet), and - depending on where you will be - where to find an internet cafe.
4. Keep track of your flyer miles!

Biggest travel mistake?

The first time I traveled to London alone, I destroyed the memory card in my camera. I lost hundreds of photos. I do not recommend doing that. If you can, bring your computer and back up your photos at the end of each day.

Best meal while traveling?

After a morning safari, we had brunch in the shade. It was amazing (despite the empty plates in the above photo). In Zambia. A close second would be lunch and wine in the Stellenbosch winelands. Or, ice cream at the V&A Museum. What? Ice cream isn't a meal?

Most breathtaking view?

The view from the top of Table Mountain (in Cape Town, South Africa).

Travel meme from sandybarker.com

Wandie's

2009-04-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

I learned about Wandie's restaurant years ago when I was, you know, googling myself. My name is Wandie, so, I was very excited to take lots of photos with the sign and hopefully meet the owner, Wandie. I was surprised to find out that Wandie's is a very popular destination among travelers in South Africa. I made it my life's mission to go to Wandie's. Life's mission is a stretch, but I definitely added it to my "places to go" list. Within a year, I found myself in Johannesburg, South Africa, with some very obliging hosts who agreed to take a road trip to Soweto to visit Wandie's. Unfortunately, like much of Africa, Wandie's was not the most vegetarian-friendly restaurant at the time*, so I mostly explored and harrassed the staff to find Wandie. I was lucky enough to meet him as he made the rounds from table to table checking in on guests. He was unimpressed that we shared a name.

* According to the website, they now offer more vegetarian options.

2009-04-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

Early morning safari, 2008

2009-03-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

River safari at sunset, 2008.

2009-03-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

Favorites, 2006 & 2008.

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Zambia, 2008.

2009-03-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

South Africa, 2006 & 2007.

2009-03-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

India, 2006.