ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA/ SHORT TRIPS

HOLA!!!!!

I spent a total of three days in Guatemala, but absolutely loved every minute of it. Much like other Hispanic cultures, Guatemalans are gregarious and enthusiastic. The city itself is a bit impoverished, and unfortunately, I didn't have much time to spend on the outskirts, but I did love one place, in particular, called Antigua. 

No, I didn't take the picture above, but the city really is this beautiful. Antigua is very lively, very historically fascinating, and the people are overwhelmingly kind. In Antigua, there are small taxi like cars with plastic coverings that you can rent as you drive through the street. Technically, they are only supposed to fit 2 people, but I remember cramming 4 people into mine. BE DAREFUL. 

WHAT TO DO IN ANTIGUA!

1. Eat some delicious Guatemalan food. There are countless authentic restaurants in Antigua! No wrong choices there! 

2. Shop in the local markets and buy handmade accessories. Many people make their livings off of creating small accessories, totes, and even clothes. Buying their artwork would be a kind way to show your support and compassion. 

3. Visit with the Guatemalans. Talk with them, ask them questions, use your communication skills to relate to them, and enjoy their company. They are truly delightful people!

It's always good, especially if your trip is short, to make the most of the time you have there, by immediately immersing yourself into the culture and talking with natives. Even if you know little to no Spanish, there are almost always translators nearby who can help you navigate through the streets and communicate well with the natives. It is important to get on their level, by engaging and being interested in the things they are either selling you or showing you. 

ENJOY ANTIGUA!

IRELAND

FIVE MOST EXCITING PLACES TO VISIT IN IRELAND

Taking a trip to Ireland anytime soon? Here are five exciting, adventurous places I visited and loved on my own voyage. 

1. WESTPORT

Westport Ireland is on the opposite side of the country from Dublin. This amazing city is full of whimsy. Visit the local restaurants, shops, and spend a day in the park. Westport has a lively atmosphere, especially during the night. Enjoy live music, dancing, and the gorgeous homes scattered throughout the town.

2. GALWAY 

Galway, much like Westport, is extravagant in color, culture, and entertainment. This beautiful town is perfect for small getaways or extended vacations. One of my favorite things about Galway is how peaceful the city is, and even though it is extremely lively, people are out on the streets performing music nonstop. This town also has a remarkable history, which shop owners proudly explain to you as you filter through the streets. 

3. KYLEMORE ABBEY

Kylemore Abbey, a former nunnery, is one of the most beautiful historical sights to visit. Its peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature only enhances the extravagant beauty of the castle.



4. CROAGH PATRICK 

Croagh Patrick is a beautiful mountain in Westport, Ireland, reaching 2, 507 feet. Perfect for inexperienced and experienced climbers alike, this mountain leaves visitors with not only a peaceful outdoor experience but also a fascinating history lesson. Annually, Croagh Patrick is climbed by thousands of Irish people who use the mountain as a means of spiritual reconciliation. Mostly, this involves self-torture. As you might imagine, the climb can be tedious at certain points, but during this large pilgrimage, it is common for climbers to go barefoot and even to carry people on their backs as they make their way to the top where they expect to find forgiveness.
Sad as this story is, climbing the mountain is an excellent experience and definitely leaves climbers with breathtaking views.

5. OLD HEAD BEACH

While the waters of Old Head Beach may be chilly, it is a beautiful place to picnic and relax on the sand on a sunny day. It is rare for Ireland to have a warm, sunny day, but when they come, this beach is a perfect spot to relax. Even when it's overcast, children and adults can go collect shells on the shore and take a dip in the water with a wetsuit!


Enjoy your trip to Ireland, and make sure to comment below with any questions or ideas for other Ireland lovers!  

AL PAIS DE MEXICO

BIENVENIDOS A MEXICO! 

Where to begin? 

This gorgeous country is full of interesting places and people for you to enjoy on your vacation! Whether it's relaxing in the sun at Cancun or walking the cobblestone streets of San Miguel De Allende, visiting Mexico is a rich cultural experience topped with amazing places to see. 

Culturally, Mexicans are gregarious and generous people who are frequently ready to engage in their visitors' lives. On your trip, you may meet Mexicans who offer you their food, home, or possessions for low prices. Because many Mexicans are underprivileged, it seems right to say that they're only interested in your money. However, Latin culture is extremely friendly, and I can assure you that many of these loving people will help you in whatever ways you need while you are visiting their country. 

SAFETY TIPS

After living in Mexico for four and a half years, I have gotten to know the beautiful culture and the ins and outs of Mexico. I lived in the capital, which is an extremely culturally rich experience. I would recommend visiting the capital with a large group of people and several Mexicans who know how to navigate the streets. 

Sadly, many of Mexico's poverty issues have contributed to corruption within the government, meaning that Police and other government officials are likely to steal money from privileged people. While you vacation and visit this country, make sure to leave behind your most valuable possessions, as they are excellent targets for burglars. 

Unfortunately, kidnapping is a big issue in Mexico, so it is important that you travel in pairs or in larger groups of people at all times, even when enjoying the market on Saturday mornings or using the restrooms. 

PRO TIP: Avoid asking Police for directions or help, especially in the city. There are plenty of smart Mexicans who can point you in the right direction. 

ENTERTAINMENT

These are some of my favorite places to visit in Mexico!

Xochimilco

Below is a photo of one of the most exciting places in Mexico, called Xochimilco. This boat ride adventure is perfect for all ages. Boat riders get to enjoy the food, color, and Mexicans while they relax in the shade of the boat. Definitely, a must do! 

San Miguel De Allende (see picture above)

This beautiful city is famous for its elaborate doors, its cobblestone streets, and its lively atmosphere.
Experience the pleasantries of a Mexican village and enjoy the gregarious people.

Mazatlan

This beautiful beach is a breath of fresh air. Enjoy the warm water, glorious sunsets, and phenomenal seafood in the northern part of this country.



CULTURE TIPS

While you are visiting Mexico, remember the importance of immersing yourself in the culture. Mexican's are over the top. They truly love people like they're made of it. Your adventure in Mexico will undoubtedly be a phenomenal, but it will be even more phenomenal if you decide to immerse yourself in the culture and be with the Mexicans. Ask them questions, smile, be friendly, kind, and definitely don't treat any vendors as inferior.

HAVE FUN! 

Ultimitely, Mexico will be a pleasant, and fun surprise. Enjoy it. Live it up. Comment below if you've been to Mexico and would add anything to my "ENTERTAINMENT" list.
Chao!

CITIES IN SPAIN

BIENVENIDOS!

         Welcome to Spain! This beautiful country is full of the finest architecture and sprinkled with high reaching mountains. Although its nature is breathtaking, Spain is also famous for its old-timey cities with unbelievable buildings. 

From Toledo to Madrid to Seville and everywhere in between, if you're looking for a cultural adventure, Spain is the place to be. Spaniards are hospitable, intelligent people who take pride in their terrific country and who know how to help their visitors enjoy themselves immensely. 

        In Toledo (tol-eh-doe) you will walk the brick streets and find perfect souvenirs in the shops that line them. Not only will you enjoy great food and people, but you will also leave this city with a much better understanding of its history. Toledo's architecture is phenomenal, along with the mountains that surround it. Toledo is a beautiful, nature enveloped city with gorgeous streets and exciting history that will NO DOUBT leave you mind blown.

        Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a stunning city with a population of more than 3 million people. It's history, beauty, and exciting attractions are perfect for an adventurous city kid. There are countless sights, shops, and restaurants to enjoy. Many people in Spain have traveled internationally to either visit for extended times, study abroad, or to live.             Surprisingly, you'll find that many people living in Spain are actually Hispanics who have migrated from their home countries in Latin America and have made new homes in Madrid. Their presence in Madrid adds a touch of cultural diversity and an opportunity to learn about the cultures represented in Spain. You can walk Gran Via, a famous street in the city, eat Spanish chicken and rice, shop in the most popular European stores, take a bus tour of the city, and enjoy the lively people. 

       Segovia (below) has a beautiful aqueduct and resembles Toledo's beautiful brick streets and quaint shops. In Segovia, you can visit the Catedral de Segovia, or see Alcazar de Segovia.  Make sure to grab some lunch on Plaza Mayor! 

       And at last, we reach the glorious Seville. Seville is known for its quaint city feel, its charming attractions, and its hot weather. Make sure to pack sunscreen on your visit and drink plenty of water, as it can get up to a hundred and ten degrees there!

Seville is full of beautiful architecture, as you may have noticed is a common theme in Spain. City life is full and exciting, with thousands of people on these small streets enjoying late nights with live music. Visit Guadalquivir, a beautiful river that flows through the city while you're there! 

  

Because of the warm sun, Seville has managed to build in their own shade by tying several tarp-like sheets on the rooftops. People there are gregarious, generous, and engaging. Make sure to visit the locals during your stay!

Fall in love with the Reales Alcázares de Sevilla!

     Spain is full of countless wonders and has little trouble showing off its beautiful architecture. Since the country has long been established, old buildings aren't hard to find, even in the heart of Madrid. These cities are beautiful destinations and peaceful places to relax in, especially during the summer months, as the beautiful weather is at its peak.        Spaniards have much to offer in their country, so even beyond a getaway/retreat, your visit to Spain will leave you knowing more about Hispanic culture than you ever dreamed of knowing. 

      Visiting Spain is a breath of fresh air, especially if you can get into these small cities and admire the artistic styles of old Spanish architectures. 

TOP 5 MOST TERRIFIC PLACES IN COSTA RICA

Ready to blow this taco stand? Visit these places in Costa Rica to fuel your travel vibes! 

1. TREETOP HOTEL AND ARENAL LAVA FIELDS

  Near Arenal Volcano, there are several fantastic hotel options for you and your family to chose from. My family's favorite is the Tree Top Hotel. The rainforest, stretching for miles on end, shelters these tall tree house buildings. There are several main buildings for guests to hang out in, filled with card games, fruit, and birdhouses, where thousands of birds land and eat daily. The treehouses themselves are extraordinarily comfortable, clean, and safe. Each morning the staff members place bananas or another type of fruit on a small stump near the top of the treehouse, where birds sit and feast for hours on end. 

 Not far from the hotel, you'll find Arenal Volcano and its lava fields. Here you can take fascinating, beautiful, peaceful walks through a massive lava field surrounding the volcano. 

2.MANUEL ANTONIO

This park is by far THE MOST BEAUTIFUL one in Costa Rica. 

Manuel Antonio National Park is full of almost every Rainforest dwelling creature you can think of! Take a 5-mile walk with the monkeys, crabs, sloths, lizards, frogs, snakes, and more, and find a breathtaking beach at the end of your walk where you can sit, relax, and soak up the sunshine. 

3. CARARA NATIONAL PARK

For all you nature lovers, Carara National Park is a beautiful, massive rainforest where guests can take a few miles walk on a beautiful path through the thick rainforest. This path is narrow so that as you walk you can catch even the smallest details. Along the path, you'll find many animals, small reptiles, and mindblowing plants such as these. 

This path is calming, exciting, and full of whimsy!

4. MONTEVERDE NATIONAL PARK

Monteverde: STUNNING. This place is a MUST VISIT. 

Much like the other attractions in Costa Rica, it extends for miles on end and consists of a beautiful path in the rainforest. This bridge, however, is what makes it 10 times more WOW. Check out the views from above the trees and catch a glimpse of the rare birds, enthusiastic monkeys, and gorgeous plants. 

5. PLAYA GRANDE

PLAYA GRANDE? YES. Also a must on your list of places to visit, this beach is in the northern part of Costa Rica in an area called Tamarindo. It is famous for its leatherback turtles, which are a rare breed of turtles who come out from October to February at night time. The beach itself is dedicated to the protection of this rare breed of turtles. Guests can take a 2-mile hike along the soft sand and glassy waters at night and watch the turtles lay their eggs. These are no ordinary turtles: in fact, they are as big as 7.2 feet long and can weigh up to 1,500 lbs! 
This beach and the wonderful Leatherbacks are absolutely worth it! Plus, enjoy the glorious starts above as you walk along the beach.