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An Open Love Letter to Free Ferry Road

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Remember “The Simple Life” with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie? Yeah, that’s how I lived for the past 25 glorious years. No, I didn’t have immediate access to cows needing to be milked at 5am as they were a good 15 miles outside of the city, nor did I need to buy shoes in order to travel on an airplane as I frequently told people when they’d ask what life was like in such a small town. Suckers. Come on. This was a booming metropolis with population: 85,000! We have count ’em THREE Wal-Marts! The simple life just meant time spent with close family and friends in a beautiful, quiet environment. I thought an afternoon at Central Mall meant a massive shopping spree. My modeling days at Glamour Shots never quite took off, and I guess it had something to do with my gap teeth and bowl cut. I figured a weekend “vacation” to Dallas meant that we’d made it. Cruising down the busiest street in the city known as Rogers Avenue on a Friday night was the life. What else did people even do besides hang out in Wal-Mart parking lots?

I spent the past Labor Day weekend with my parents packing up a multitude of boxes, really faded memories, and either throwing them away or placing them into “memorabilia” boxes. I mean, what on earth do you do with 67 Beanie Babies, American Girl dolls and ancient Hello Kitty telephones? Remember the Bop It game? Yeah, I found that in a corner, too. You divide and conquer until you have boxes and trash bags up to your eye balls. Somebody’s going to be hitting the jackpot at the Salvation Army soon with vintage Louis Vuitton purses and faded Chi Omega t-shirts circa 2007. You’re welcome.

What’s more than the Guitar Hero game missing most of its parts or the trashed pictures of ex-boyfriends are the walls and the land that make up this home. My childhood is jumping on the trampoline in the backyard. It’s almost flipping the dusty go-kart with my best friend. It’s sleeping in a king-sized bed in my giant blue room with my two sisters every Christmas Eve.

I spent hours doing homework at that kitchen table after school. I got drunk for the first time in that living room with my best friends. I went through relationships and friendships and heartbreaks and more laughter than I could have ever hoped for, and now it’s somebody else’s turn to make the most of life inside these beautiful walls. It’s easy when you have the family that I do. The best of luck to y’all.

I wanted to document this house and this move so that it lives on not only in my memories, but in a place where I can frequently go and look back on happy times. Traveling from place to place can be taxing and no longer having a “home base” is heartbreaking. But to say I lived the dream in a place like this for 25 years is an understatement. It’s enough to make my cheeks hurt and my abs sore after looking back on all the amazing memories. People grow up, people move and life goes on. Home is where your family is, and that will always remain a constant. Cheers to the simple life. I’ll never forget you Free Ferry Road.

10 Signs You Need To Pack Your Bags and Travel

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1. You complain about the “Sunday Scaries” in fear of what the Monday Blues May Bring

Are you constantly dreading the Mondays, celebrating the hump days, #throwingback on Thursdays and #flashingback on Fridays to only get beyond drunk in order to forget the Saturdays and Sundays? If this sounds like your every week, it’s probably time you reconsider your value of life. I’m all for having fun on the weekends, but if that’s the only thing you’re living for and watching until the clock strikes 5 every day, pack your bags and get some inspiration for how to make the most out of your time on Planet Earth.

2. You Make Excuse After Excuse For Why You Can’t Travel

Potrerillos, Argentina Potrerillos, Argentina

You have a mortgage. You can’t take off work. You don’t have the money. You can’t speak the language. You have a dog.

Here’s an idea…

Save up, leave the dog with a friend, learn a few key phrases. Anyone can travel. It’s just a matter of wanting it bad enough. Stop living vicariously through your friend’s snapchats abroad and overcome your own challenges to get out.

3. You Ask For Advice on How To Plan Trips and How To Be A Travel Writer

I love getting emails and giving advice. I think travel is incredibly beneficial to a person’s livelihood, outlook, friend group and mindset, so if I can aid that in any way, I will. I also love what I do. I’m constantly thinking on how I can build what I’ve started, and how I can help people with this endeavor. I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep because my mind is always trying to answer those questions. Gah, I’m starting to sound like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book.

4. Your Clothes Have Made It Further Around the Globe Than You Have

Hong Kong, China Hong Kong, China

“Made In China.” We see it on tags all the time. My only hope is that you aren’t wondering where in the world it is, but instead are planning on going to see it.

5. You Need A Break From The Mundane Work Schedule

Let’s leave ‘Office Space’ for the big screen. Being trapped in an office with nit-picky co-workers and the same mundane job for a 45 hour work week is anything but desirable. You know what’s incredibly desirable? Meeting new people in places like this.

Cartagena, Colombia Cartagena, Colombia

6. You Spend More Time Bragging About Past Travels Than Actually Traveling

Been talking about your same trip to Mexico for senior year spring break like it was yesterday? Give me a break and do yourself a favor. Travel. Go someplace new that doesn’t have a Señor Frogs or a Hard Rock Cafe on every corner.

7. Your Only Cultural Experience in the Past Year Has Been Chinese Takeout

My sister, best friend and I devouring crepes in Greece My sister, best friend and I devouring crepes in Greece

I guess the authentic pizza of Italy or the dim sum of China has never graced your lips. It’s worth the plane flight just to taste the decadence of both of these items. If you get really excited about your favorite Chinese takeout on a Friday night, girl please. It’s time to venture out. Just think about what real Italian pasta could bring to your rejuvenated Friday night. Mind blowing, I know.

8. You Think a José Quesadilla Is Pronounced With A Hard ‘J’

I gotta admit. I did this once at a Mexican restaurant in junior high. The young, cultured me wasn’t impressed with myself. I’ll never make the same mistake again. Learn another language y’all.

9. Today Feels Like Yesterday and The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow

Face it. Your days are as interchangeable as Fox News anchors. Not a good outlook. Bet your bottom dollar that little orphan Annie wouldn’t be proud.

10. You’ve Spent Too Many Minutes Lost In A Daydream By Looking At This Picture

Torres del Paine, Chile Torres del Paine, Chile

Travel Tag: The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

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| The Experience |

Upon entering the circle drive and being greeted by Mercedes Benz after Mercedes Benz and the friendly valet staff, the signature peach hues of The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek set the warm tone of the weekend, as did the surrounding humidity that made standing outside for too long a danger to your hairdo and an insult to your pressed linens. After gladly accepting my cold water bottle and keys to room 703 for the weekend, I left the grand lobby (complete with complimentary chocolate chip cookies and mint water) to bask in the A/C of my entirely-too-big-for-one-person Executive Suite for the weekend.

| The Room |

Walking into the foyer, I was immediately greeted by a culinary creation of grilled toast, cheese platter and an array of alcoholic beverages. Southern hospitality is real. After devouring what was in front of me, I did a bit of exploring. This was no ordinary hotel room. The palatial 900 sq. ft. space not only required some peeking around but deserved some attention to its magnificent detail. I had two massive TVs to watch two separate Robin Williams movies if I pleased, which would be Jumanji and Mrs. Doubtfire if you were wondering. I had two balconies, two bathrooms, two lounge spaces and three telephones, just to name a few of the amenities. The pure size of the place and thus, parties I could host, would be impressive. Think Executive Suite turned Chingy hotel party, except this is on the opposite end of the spectrum as the Holiday Inn, and we’ll say Jay Z and P. Diddy hosted instead. The highlight of the suite was the king-sized canopy bed, dripping in peach linens and luxury feel. The oversized soaking tub was a close second.

| The Restaurant |

After being a frequent visitor of Dallas for the past 20something years, I can remember hearing about The Mansion’s restaurant for many of them. Hailed as the city’s top dining experience, I was ecstatic to receive an invite from the hotel for Saturday evening. Executive Chef Bruno Davaillon created magic with a combination of American and French cuisines. My tastebuds still crave the watermelon and Burrata cheese combo daily as well as one of the tastiest filets I’ve ever had in my life (which is impressive considering I live in the land of beef known as Argentina). Service wasn’t far behind the food itself as our host, Captain Ray Brantley, went above and beyond to make sure everything on the table was top-notch, including the weight of my steak knife. I believe this same attention to detail is much admired in many luxury hotels around the country but not easily replicated. Being questioned about the heaviness of my eating utensil was a first for me. Ray, you got it just right!

The ambiance of the restaurant was intimate yet relaxed. Sleek furnishings, vibrant artwork and perfectly weighted silverware contributed to the inviting scene of the long anticipated gastronomical experience. I greatly appreciated the bread service as well. The man with the carbohydrate basket was on his game that night, unobtrusively asking the table if we’d like more bread after inhaling a specific loaf to our liking. I sure didn’t need any more carbs to accompany my thighs, but I thought to myself, “Why the hell not? Live from Dallas, it’s Saturday night.”

| The Bar |

Exuding the sophistication of a private members club, the Mansion Bar is full of cognac-colored leather, mood lighting and bartenders so friendly you could probably coax them into ripping your bar tab into shreds at the end of the night. Okay, perhaps not that accommodating, but they do make the most unique gin & tonic I’ve ever tasted. Sip, savor and repeat with this Mansion Bar original served over a hand-cut ice diamond with The Mansion’s own house-made seasonal tonic. You won’t go to sleep disappointed, or sober for that matter. Added bonus: live music every weekend. The tunes were loud, the beer was cold and the women were crazy for the microphone on stage. I witnessed a few anxious females try and take over in order to let their rendition of “Piano Man” be heard, but you can’t pry a mic from a dedicated crowd pleaser. Rule of thumb: Don’t mess with southern women, and don’t mess with Texas.

7 Extreme Excursions in the Driest Place on Earth

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| Chaxa Lagoon |

Everywhere I looked around the craggy landscape boasted 50 shades of reds and blues alike – fuchsia, scarlet, rose, salmon, aqua, turquoise, periwinkle – enough to exhaust an entire portion of the color wheel. The stars of the particular area fit right in, adding yet another shade. The pink flamingoes were abundant, silencing the few humans around to gawk at them. Per the Tierra Atacama guides, this was a great starting point as it allowed us a chance to acclimate to the 8,000 ft. elevation in the town of San Pedro where most tourists stay. It doesn’t make for a bad sunset, either.

| Puritama Hot Springs |

A literal desert oasis, these eight pools of hot geothermal spring water act as an adult playground. After hiking an incredibly exhausting 3 miles through a flat terrain canyon, our group came upon a red path les(s) traveled and a few rejuvenating natural springs. Needless to say, we didn’t hesitate and jumped right in. On a day filled with hot springs and volcanic views, of course all I could think about was the fate of the poor souls in “Dante’s Peak.” Thankfully, the volcanoes remained dormant and the springs didn’t go beyond a comfortably warm temperature.

| Cejar Lagoon |

Look ma, no hands... Look ma, no hands…

Who needs the Dead Sea when you can float in luxury? Besides, Israel probably isn’t a place to book a plane ticket right about now. This lagoon is so dense with salt, you float! I almost didn’t even notice the freezing cold water I submerged myself in…almost. Tierra Atacama guides went above and beyond by hauling a wheelbarrow out to the lagoon complete with folding table, tablecloth, chairs, sandwiches, beer, sodas, candy and, the most impressive component, a tank of fresh water to pour over our bodies. I was perfectly capable of walking to the showers with the rest of humanity, but Tierra Atacama has service down to an art. That’s what I like to call luxury adventure.

| Moon Valley |

One of the most visited attractions in the desert is also known as a Mars look-a-like. I haven’t left Earth, but I think if I could blast off with Virgin Galactic and land on the Red Planet, I imagine it would look something like this. The ground crunches when you walk here. That’s the hard, craggy salt surface talking to you. The nooks and crannies of rock formations threatened a “127 Hours” experience at every turn. This fact alone had my boyfriend and I testing out our new drone because what better landscape to show off than fake Mars? Put some post production behind it and boom. Mission to Mars complete.

| Death Valley |

After Moon Valley came Death Valley, and we weren’t leaving until the drone flew over it. In order to get a feel for how the drone flies, 10 hours of practice time without a camera is recommended. My boyfriend and I took about 60 seconds in the hotel room before venturing out to these vast landscapes. Damn. I never listen. Ready for round two, we lifted it off the sand, into the sun and over the valley. It was up for maybe two minutes before it went batshit crazy and crashed into the depths below. Oh Death Valley. Oh the irony. Mama said there’d be days like this.

| Sandboarding |

Not entertaining the idea that such an expensive electronic would waste away in the depths of Death Valley, my boyfriend and I decided to kill two birds with one stone (if Death Valley didn’t already accomplish that for us). Because this spot is a sandboarding mecca, we thought we’d hire a private guide to show us how it’s done, as well as to maneuver around the valley and bring our drone back to life. Well, you can’t always get what you want. Long story short, we rented a couple sandboards and had a stranger named Chino drop us off in the middle of nowhere to fend for ourselves. Sure, yeah, I can teach myself how to sail down an extremely high sand dune. Ain’t no thang. Well, thank God for good directions and athletic skills. We weren’t out there for 10 minutes before we found the drone with only one propeller down and a little sand in the motor. The Go Pro was still intact and hey, we got a drone’s eye view of how things went down.

Sandboarding isn’t difficult if you’re mildly athletic. It’s as if snowboarding and surfing had a baby, but without snow or salt water in sight. The steps are simple: strap your feet in, stand up, lean back and go forward. Unlike snowboarding though, there’s no such thing as a sand-lift. The workout lies in climbing up the sand dune! When it was all said and done, we may or may not have left our sand-drenched shoes in Atacama…

| El Tatio Geysers |

At first glance, an uninformed city slicker may mistake natural geysers for smoking steam vents popular on NYC streets. If that’s the case, they need some time in the country. El Tatio Geysers erupt from more than 80 vents into ghost-like plumes that sparkle in the first light of morning, showing off silhouettes from the curious crowds that come to view them. Our wake up call went off at 5:30AM in order to get us there by dawn. I thought that was fine, that I’d sleep in the car. Sleeping is to country roads as worshiping is to hell. You just can’t do it. With puffy-eyes and a little altitude sickness at 14,000 feet, I watched vigorous waterworks and steam crawl various feet into the air. The early bird gets the National Geographic-type photos as well as the frigid temps somewhere below 20 degrees.

We found consolation in our guide’s breakfast feast set up for Tierra Atacama royalty. The fact that they transport ceramic mugs, silverware and plates two hours down what feels like a dirt bike park is an impressive feat in and of itself. Somehow, the magic of avocado toast and hot chocolate suddenly made the feeling come back in my toes and the altitude sickness disappear.

Travel Tag: Chile’s Tierra Atacama

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| The Experience |

Upon climbing into my getaway van after a safe touch down and the cold sweat had subsided, I knew I was in for a luxurious kind of adventure. Hotel Tierra Atacama was an hour and a half from the airport into the quaint town of San Pedro de Atacama, and with the help of the copious water bottles by my side, I started salivating over the scenery along the drive. After the dust and sand had settled upon arrival, I was greeted by hotel staff, the effortless beauty of the lobby and the volcanic view outside room #7. I realized immediately that Tierra Atacama was going to do much more than simply quench my thirst.

I’m a firm believer that it’s the little things that make life beautiful, and this is the very foundation upon which Tierra Atacama is built. With attention to detail as their speciality, this luxury all-inclusive hotel puts emphasis on efficient service, modern, local design, and tailor-made excursions into the Atacama Desert. Feel like stargazing in the middle of nowhere at midnight? You can do that. What about hiking a volcano? You can do that, too. The activities are as much a part of the affair as the unobtrusive service that can be seen in the warm staff, the welcoming guides and even the little milk chocolates that are delicately placed upon your pillow at night.

I mentioned the hotel’s all-inclusive aspect. Normally, I’d scoff at the phrase, but now I know that the term goes beyond claustrophobic cruises and drunken Mexico spring breaks. The idea is to leave the bills behind as payment is made prior to arrival, just the way I like it. All the meals served at Tierra Atacama were delicious, but the fact that I never received a check upon leaving made it even tastier. The level of freshness and flavor that the chef achieved throughout his Chilean and Andean dishes was beyond impressive. After all, the Atacama Desert is in the middle of nowhere. What Whole Foods?

| The Room |

After tearing my eyes away from the midcentury modern interiors of the lobby, I made my way down a path to room numero 7 – the room with the dead-on view of Licancabur volcano. I lusted after all the elements and inhabitants, namely the comfy king-sized bed complete with roll-down shades. Okay, in reality they didn’t shade much of anything, but as they say – it’s all in the details.

Moving into the frosted-glass enclosed bathroom, I immediately noticed the lack of bathtub. This was a strike in my book seeing as how I’m more-than-mildly obsessed with baths, accomplishing two-a-days on a good day. But what Tierra Atacama doesn’t have indoors, they make up for in outdoor luxuries. A bubble bath can’t exactly rival an outdoor shower circa 10pm with the Milky Way shining bright above. And if it’s not the shower, the private terrace offers oh so romantical views of the stars as well.

| The Pool & Uma Spa |

More so than the bed with the roll-down shades, next up on my want-list are the plush, curved pool chairs that exude luxury. I mean look at those things! Put me in the egg-shaped cocoon and let me sun bake me for hours on end with a few pisco sours by my side. I need nothing more in life. Next to the infinity pool is a jacuzzi, but head inside and find an additional heated pool with crazy weird features like oversized water jets and bubble beds. Yep, bubble beds. Intriguing, right? The steam rooms are on offer as well. After experiencing these small luxuries, my boyfriend and I indulged in a couple’s massage. It was a really tough day.

| The Excursions and Guides |

The various excursions offered by the incredibly knowledgable guides of Tierra Atacama are so mind-blowing, they deserve their very own post. Because Atacama has almost zero pollution, it’s no wonder this high altitude area with its crystal clear skies is a major hub for astronomical research and home to cutting-edge observatories. Below the stars, though, exist numerous activities for the avid hiker to the lazy vacationer. Think turquoise hot springs, salt lagoons so dense you float, smoking hot geysers, high sand dunes and salt flats chock full of flamingos. The sky’s the limit with Tierra Atacama.

| Book This Hotel If… |

  • You’re in search of luxury just as much as you are adventure
  • You’re in love with rugged landscapes just as much as you are with the sky above it
  • You want to travel to a remote destination but not at the expense of creature comforts
  • You’re on a honeymoon, a couple’s weekend, or even a family vacation
  • You love a good sunrise

Rates start at $1,650 per person for a 2 night minimum. All-inclusive package includes:

  • Transfers between the hotel and Calama airport
  • Accommodations at Tierra Atacama
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Open bar – soft drinks, mineral water, juices, house wines, beers and liquor
  • Daily excursions
  • Full use of all the hotel facilities, including gardens, pools, saunas and Jacuzzi

Tierra Atacama Excursion post here.

Confessions of an Expat: Moving Abroad

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If living in another country was easy, everyone would do it, right? Not hardly. Less than half of the U.S. population holds a passport, and I’m here trying to change that – one inspiring blog post at a time.

| Be a Yes Person |

When the clock stuck midnight on January 1, 2013, I deemed it the Year of Yes. Not a week later I debuted on primetime television and was shown gallivanting through California, Montana, Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Three months later, I moved across the country from DC to LA. That wasn’t good enough for me, so I took it a step further and moved continents. Saying yes to an international move was the best decision I’ve ever made, but it didn’t stop there. To immerse yourself in a culture, you must say yes to many things you might want to say no to. That includes girl dates, boy dates, friends of friends dates. Get out and meet people. Saying no hinders the whole experience. Okay, let’s practice. “Should you move abroad?” “YES.”

| Less is More |

Even though I tried very hard, I couldn’t fit my whole life into 2 suitcases to bring with me overseas. But I learned that that’s okay. I don’t have some luxuries at my fingertips like I once had in the States, but you learn to either get by or take a select few with you…like I did with my Keurig coffee maker. No K-Cups left behind.

| Learning a New Language Isn’t Easy |

You think your high school Spanish knowledge will get you by in Argentina? Jajajaja (that’s how the Argentine’s laugh.) I was hit with a fat reality check upon landing at the airport in Buenos Aires. Between the different dialects and the extreme speed at which the locals communicate, I was reverted down to beginner real quick. It takes time and effort to get better, as well as embarrassing yourself a lot.

| The Movies Got It Wrong |

From idolizing the Olsen twins as they were frolicking around Paris and soaking up the sun in the Bahamas, my generation was raised on glamorized half-truths and idealized adventures. Word to the wise: Not all travel is daisies and rainbows. It’s not effortless or easy. The movies just leave out the hard times. No matter how many trips I take to Rome, I’ve never been invited to sing on stage at the Colosseum like Lizzie McGuire. Ugh.

| Get a Boyfriend or Roommate or Both |

Loneliness can come creeping in upon your move to another country. I was the lucky one and moved 3 months after my boyfriend, who’d already made an apartment (somewhat) a home. Of course it needed a woman’s touch, but I came in with a great place to live, an insider’s help on what to do, and the best thing ever – a roomie/best friend/boyfriend. He’s made my time so incredibly happy down south in Argentina. It’s also the fastest way to cut your rent in half!

| It’s Okay to Talk Shit About Your Adopted Country |

It’s only natural to get mad, sad, or frustrated with your new home. Think of it like a relationship. A range of emotions will most likely accompany you during the move, and you’ll have to learn how to deal with them in stride. It’s a whole new world out there and normalcy may seem far, far away. Learn to appreciate where you are in your journey, even if it’s not where you want to be. Every season has a purpose. Knowing this makes life a little bit easier.

As for me, I have a love-hate relationship with Argentina. The steaks are a meat lovers dream come true and the Malbecs will make you a wine snob in no time. The city itself exudes Latin American charm and European flare from the sultry tango to the beautiful architecture. The location allows me to easily travel to many other cities around South America since Buenos Aires is such a big hub. But say you’re at work one day and the internet goes out. The electrician will get there when he gets there. Say you’re pressed for time and need a quick meal. That doesn’t really exist here. You need some kind of electronic? You either won’t be able to find it or it’ll be double the price. Argentina’s economic state is shit, too, if you haven’t read the news lately. I realized I can’t compare the third world to the first world, and I’ve enjoyed my time much more!

| Travel Changes You |

Stepping out of your comfort zone is beyond beneficial. I’ve learned more trying to navigate new cultures than trying to navigate Southside High School. Traveling expands your thinking, contacts, memories, and livelihood. If people didn’t allow the grass to grow under their feet and got out more, the world just might be a better place. It’s a great way to avoid misunderstandings, war and suffering. It’s simply a matter of not having a preconceived idea of what something or someone is, but rather going to see what something or someone is. If you don’t have a passport, get one. There are lessons that you can’t get out of a book, waiting for you on the other end of that flight. Travel will change you, for better or for worse. For me it was luckily for the better.

Have you ever lived abroad? Tell me what you learned below!

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