Catalina Island Adventure

                       

I've been wanting to visit Catalina Island for a while now so I decided to go with a dear friend recently. We met up in Newport Beach and hopped on a ferry for 3 days of island adventures.

I had been told that the island was similar to visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy which I am a huge fan of. So, I was super excited of the possibility of a Mediterranean-like experience and boarded the ferry with giddy anticipation. 

The ferry ride was just over an hour and we sat on top watching the coast disappear from sight while hoping the sun would peek through the clouds. The sun delivered and abundant sunshine shone down on us. We chatted with a few people on the ferry and found out where to go and what to see. Many people were just going for the day to explore or golf.

Upon arrival, we saw Avalon Harbor with the landmark Casino and snapped a few pictures. We walked through town to find our hotel to drop our bags off. We quickly realized the town was quite small and quaint. We found a place on the water with several seafood selections and sunny tables on the deck. A lunch of lobster rolls and white wine was consumed as we settled in and relaxed into the slow pace of Catalina.  

After some exploration, I realized the island is nothing like the Amalfi Coast and was a bit disappointed, but we set an intention to have as much fun as possible. Our purpose for the trip was to celebrate our friendship before she moved away. 

Our days were spent laying in the sun on comfy beach beds. We were welcomed at the beach club with a strawberry smoothie and cold bottled water. The sun was abundant during our stay and we laid out until the day started to fade. Bronzing, happy and near the ocean was the perfect combination for us.

One night we were invited onto a boat by our new friends where dinner of fresh caught fish was served while the sun set. My most vivid memory of this night was laughter. My face hurt from smiling and laughing so hard. We were sun drunk and relaxed. After dinner we all headed back to the island to dance the night away and celebrate our friendship.

When it was time to leave, we headed back up to the top of the ferry and set an intention to see dolphins and whales. Sure enough, dolphins were spotted soon after we left playing in the water. As the trip was nearing it's end, we still had not spotted a whale. I was thinking about it when we spotted one near the ferry. We got excited, and laughed at the sight. The trip proved to 

Won't You Be My Neighbor

                       

Community has been a desire of mine for a while now. Since I grew up in a large family, I like to be around people that I feel connected to. I prefer meaningful conversations and forming bonds with people--relationships matter to me. When I quit my job, I made a list of things that I wanted to accomplish within a year and finding a community was near the top. 

I have had the honor of traveling and meeting people all over the world, many of whom I regularly keep in touch with. However, I deeply wanted stable connections near home. With all the moving and traveling I have done in the past 8 years, I have craved a sense of home and connection.

Last night, my friends hosted a lovely dinner party where delicious food was shared and laughter had most of us in tears. This past weekend, I spent most of my time in the sun catching up with friends and once again stories and laughter filled the air. I even had a minor setback and 2 of my friends had a solution before I could even figure out how to fix my issue. They lovingly calmed me down and were there before I could even ask for help. I am bursting at the seams with gratitude.

I remember when I pulled up to where I am living now for the first time and let out a sigh saying "I finally feel like I'm home". That feeling has stayed with me and grown over the past couple years. Home has been something that has called me, even all the way in Bali when I was contemplating selling everything and just going away. The inner pull on my heart and soul was undeniable and so I returned home to start a business and also find my community. My friendships have blossomed into deeper connections that I could not maintain in the past. I am so grateful for the lovely souls that have come into my life and many who have stayed while I found my way back home. 

Feeling at Home Down Under

                        

I traveled to freezing, cold Melbourne after a month in balmy Bali. My dear friend, Becky has lived here since 2008 when she came to visit the man she fell in love with and never returned to the States. This is my third trip to visit her. We figured out that we have been friends for 21 years, so we are trying to celebrate the longevity of our friendship as well as the birth of her son, Fox. 

The change in weather has been quite the adjustment, but since I learned to embrace the rain in Bali, the cold is just another thing to embrance. In fact, on my first day here, we drove up to the snow. I know I manifested this outing since I consciously voiced that I wanted to learn to be okay in the snow. My memories from that day include numb fingers and toes, a cold nose and lots of laughter and awe. We stopped by a waterfall to look at the pretty view and the snow started falling softly and steadily. The combination of waterfalls rushing in the snow made me forget any discomfort I may have been feeling. 

This leg of my journey is about reconnecting and meeting a baby that was wanted and dreamed of for so long. It is lovely to go from a journey of growth to a place of comfort. Becky is like family to me and meeting her son has been quite profound. He is the ultimate successful manifestation. He is definitely a baby that has been wanted and loved way before his arrival. I am blessed to have the opportunity to meet him. 

The ability to feel at home in different parts of the world has been a great lesson for me. Staying in Bali for a month and finding a routine was difficult at first, but became second nature after a while. Then, returning to Australia and being able to jump right back into a long time friendship has been refreshing and comfortable. Although I am excited to return home later this week, I am grateful that home is truly in my heart and follows me around the world. 

On Connection

                            

One of my favorite things about travel is the gift of connection. I find myself so wrapped up at home that I tend to forget the beauty of human connection. On an airplane, we have the choice to ignore the person next to us or engage in a conversation. I admit, I don't always want to have a conversation on an airplane, but the ones I do end up having are great. It is fascinating to learn about other people's lives and hear their perspectives on things. If I'm lucky, maybe even hear some words of wisdom.

While I am here in Bali, I am with my dear friend whom I stay connected with through the beauty of the iPhone and FaceTime. But, seeing her face to face trumps whatever technology has to offer. There is a certain energy I feel when I am around her; a calm appreciation and acceptance. We also have to rely on each other to forge our way in a somewhat familiar place but still carries with it a foreign language and customs that we easily forgot. This interdependance draws us closer and strenghthens our friendship. I wonder if this would happen if we were next door neighbors again, like we were years ago...but I somehow think it would not.

Travel shakes you and makes your senses open up because of the unfamiliar. This makes me think that is why connection with strangers is easier away from home. Fellow travellers have stories to share, they are looking for a slice of familiar while away from home, and most likely don't have internet access, therefore, face to face connections happen more fluidly. Everytime we are out, we end up having long conversations with complete strangers, most ending in hugs. It's as if we have a silent code of honor "We're in this together. Let's connect"; especially if travelling alone. When I was in Costa Rica, I found myself with many new connections that I am so grateful for. 

I think my challenge will be to try to find this certain intimacy when I return home. Because even if I am not faraway from home, we are all still in this together. Spending quality time together just feels better than a quick text. Perhaps schedules will not allow the languid conversations that travel provides, but my goal will be to foster connection in each place I am by striving to be present and open.

Grand Canyon Hike and Visions

Every new year I make a list of goals. This year, I also made a vision board and look at it every day that I am home. I drew my idea of the Grand Canyon in the top center of my vision board. The drawing shows a deep reddish brown canyon with a deep green river flowing through it. To my surprise, that is exactly what I saw when I made it to the bottom.

About a week after I created my vision board, my friend called me and asked me if I wanted to hike the Grand Canyon. Surprised by the serendipity of the offer, I agreed to go. This trip required hiking gear, which I have none of and lots of leg training which I started immediately. Luckily, I have some outdoorsy friends who provided a backpack, advice and lists of necessary items. I also changed my workouts and ran more, hiked and added copious amounts of strength training to my regimen.

All my preparation did not prepare me for the immense awe that I experienced during this trip. As we descended, I felt like such a tourist with my camera out taking pictures of the changing scenery and sheer grandness of the appropriately named canyon. We hiked through several geological layers and my inner nerd got excited identifying each rock layer. The cactus were blooming their colorful gifts to the dry landscape, lizards scurried out of our way, birds soared overhead and below and the sun  provided warmth and light.

The hike was intense and the sight of the Colorado River gave hope to the nearing end of the hike. As we crossed the bridge, the clouds rolled in and rain poured down. It felt refreshing after a long strenuous hike. We watched the raindrops dance on the river as we waited for the rest of the group and then headed to our destination; Phantom Ranch.

Phantom Ranch is a hikers oasis at the bottom of the canyon. There are cabins, dorms and a canteen. The dorms brought flashbacks of summer camp, circa 1993. We stayed for 2 nights and had a wonderful time getting to know other hikers and each other more. The stories people share when travelling are fascinating to me. The days were filled in the sun and at night, we sat down by the creek stargazing. It felt like the stars enveloped us. The silence in the canyon was comforting and provided reflection and calm. We talked about our journey, life and shared laughter. It's amazing how meaningful time is filled when unplugged from the world.

At the bottom, there was a beach with fine sand calling my name. I spent a day laying in the sun with friends. We read, slept and attempted to swim. The water was frigid. After a few hours in the sun, I felt warm enough to brave the cold water. I dunked myself in and fought to swim back the few feet as my limbs began numbing and my heart started racing. The water was that cold! Another lesson in letting go ensued as I allowed the water to push me towards the sand so I could kneel and catch my breath. It was exhilarating and frightening at the same time.

On our final day, we woke up early and began our hike up the canyon. This hike was more strenuous and longer than the descent. The hike follows a creek and towels and shirts were dipped into the cold water to keep us cool. The landscape at the bottom was more lush as green near the creek and provided a nice canopy from the sun. The middle was ruddy desert switchbacks that seemed to never end. As we ascended even further, granite and pine became the terrain along with steep uphill portions. My pack felt like it weighed a ton. The elevation also started to affect the speed of my hiking as I stopped to catch my breath and slowed down. At each stop, I looked down to see how far I had come and felt amazed. At the top, I offered gratitude to my body for getting me up the canyon. It was the hardest physical activity I have experienced thus far. We celebrated with ice cream, hot showers and naps.

Since I decided to say "yes" and be more brave this year, I am amazed at what has transpired in 4 short months. My vision board was a tool for dreaming and I have already experienced many things I have only dreamed about. I am excited to challenge myself even more, grow my courage and experience the reality of my dreams.

The Patchwork of 2013

I began this year in my sweet, isolated beach town on the Central Coast. That experience was coming to an end and I was reaping the rewards of patience and searching for peace through some pretty lonely years. This year was full of necessary endings, new beginnings and transitions. My friend told me that 2013 was going to be my year, she apologized this week but I don't think that is necessary. I'm resilient and know myself better because of this year.

Grace and calm were my intentions for 2013. The hardest realization this year was letting go of my inner control freak. Grace and calm do not reside well with controlling tendencies. I fought hard against this for months and admitted my shortcoming right before my birthday. There was the sweet consolation of grace and calm waiting for me once I confronted my inner dictator. I learned in order to receive grace, I had to ask for it and the hardest part...receive it. Being fiercely independent makes it hard for me to ask for help and even harder, to receive it. Ever since I have opened myself up, blessings have flowed in. I am so grateful for this year.

Here is the patchwork that made up 2013:
-Moving back to San Diego (gorgeous sunsets, dear friends nearby and the Pacific still keeping me company)
-Saying goodbye to my vivacious, loving and hilarious grandma
-Soaking up Mediterranean sun in the Amalfi Coast
-Island hopping in Greece
-Floating effortlessly in the Aegean
-Running hundreds of miles (time to retire those shoes)
-Finding out one of my dearest friends is expecting after years of trying
-Meeting wonderful people who are new friends (Friendsgiving, dancing and laughter)
-Being honest with myself
-Returning to Seattle after 5 years and loving it
-Satisfying my inner oenophile in the Willamette Valley (holy love of Pinot!)

Cheers to another lovely year. I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store.

"I do not at all understand the mystery of grace--only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." -Anne Lamott

My Paris Journal

"As we were climbing, the lights started to twinkle, it was like we were in a glass of champagne"

I wrote this my first night in Paris back in 2006. I remember the butterflies in my stomach when I first saw the Eiffel Tower from afar. This was my first trip overseas and it was a whirlwind all over Western Europe, trying to see and do as much as possible in 16 days. Paris was the final stop and I wanted to savor the city. I had dreamt of Paris (Europe really) my entire life, and I had finally made it.

We only spent 2 days in Paris. It is amazing how much you can cram into 2 days, yet leave so much unseen. I must return. I got lost in the Louvre and passed "Winged Victory" at least 3 times before I realized I was walking in a very large, but art filled, circle. Notre Dame was enjoyed from the outside and when I return, I would like to go inside and be painted with the stained glass reflections. French onion soup, escargot, cheese, bread, chocolate and Bordeaux were consumed. A walk along the Seine and a ride in the metro were preferred modes of transport. A cabaret and dancing at a night club near the Moulin Rouge completed the visit. We sipped champagne and toasted to our friendship and adventure. We had no idea that this was the catapult of more international adventures.

When I look back on Paris, I remember my excitement and naiveté. It was my first big adventure out into the world and my wanderlust exploded upon my return. There isn't a day that has passed that I haven't thought about somewhere far away. It is so appropriate that the Eiffel Tower symbolized a glass of champagne to me. It was like the world was toasting my desire to explore it.

Friends with Turkey

Friendsgiving

Coming from a large family is wonderful, but cumbersome during the holidays. I have sisters in different states and my brothers live in Northern California. Every year, I travel to one of their houses to spend the holidays, but I decided to stay put for Thanksgiving this year. My friends, Tim and Kandice, were so gracious to host Thanksgiving for those of us who have family far away. Since San Diego is full of transplants, we had a pretty good size group.

Friendsgiving, as I like to call it, was full of amazing food (2 turkeys), wine, laughter and good conversation. We went around the table and stated what we are thankful for and it was lovely to hear everyone give thanks. I am so grateful to have met a group of wonderful people where we can share gratitude and laughter.

Last Night a DJ Saved My Life

Firenze fun

When I was 9 years old, my aunt and uncle took me to see the San Francisco Ballet perform the Nutcracker. I wore a black velvet dress, tights, shiny shoes and a peach headband. I remember sitting down and listening to the orchestra start one of the most memorable overtures my young brain knew. The excitement of being dressed up in the city and hearing Tchaikovsky was trumped when the dancers took the stage. They were so graceful and strong. I was experiencing kinesthetic empathy and wanted to learn how to dance.

I never took dance lessons, but dancing has always brought me joy. I grew up in a super religious church where music and dancing were almost forbidden—that made me want to explore it even more. I remember being jealous of prom and homecoming dances that my friends attended but decided that dancing in my room with my Walkman would have to do...until college.

In college, I spent my weekends dancing. I danced to any music that played, I found DJs to be my liberators as my requests were played and dancing ensued. You know that song Last Night a DJ Saved My Life --it could be the theme song to my college years.

A lot of my memories include dancing and they are some of my happiest ones. I learned that dancing was in my genes at a KC and the Sunshine Band concert with my dad and sister! Then, at my sister’s wedding, we turned the driveway into a dance floor and all of our dearest friends and loved ones came together with music and movement. In Florence, I went to my first official disco and danced the night away with people from all over the world to music in several different languages. 

Last night, a dear friend returned to San Diego and what was meant to be dinner and catching up, turned into a night of dancing and laughter. I love how that happens...I wasn't dressed for it, but that didn't stop me from moving to the music.

"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak" -Hopi Saying

Full Circle to Sydney

The last time I came to Australia, I had spent the last of my savings and didn't have a direction in life. I wanted to taste travel before I found a job, after spending almost a year wandering post banking life. This time, I am here because of the job I found upon returning from Australia, over 3 years ago. Full circle is a good way of putting the thoughts that entered my mind as we flew into Sydney. 

I didn't visit Sydney last time, so the sight of the Opera House and Harbor bridge, gave my heart a flutter. I checked out geography books all the time as a kid and would pour over the pictures and various cultural and architectural facts each country's book offered me. I remember wanting so badly to someday see the Sydney Opera House. So, when I finally did, my heart was filled with gratitude. The blessings that I have received this year overwhelm me at times. This was definitely a "pinch me" day.

Speaking of blessings, I am so blessed to have amazing friends. Penny was able to join me on the Sydney portion of my trip. She is staying for the rest of the week as I move on to Adelaide. I remember the first time we travelled out of the country to Europe in 2006...we've come a long way learning how to travel together. Sydney is just another great chapter in our friendship.

Island Dream

I have been wanting an island vacation for years. Every time I have tried to plan one, something would come up and it just never worked out. Vacation time is sacred to me. I work a lot and feel like I don't have enough time for vacation or accrued vacation time. But this year, an amazing opportunity came up and I feel so grateful to have this dream come true.

I am flying to Bali tonight. I can't wait. My dear friend, Penny rented a house over there and invited me to join her. At first, I was hesitant because the island in my dreams was always Tahiti or somewhere in the Caribbean. But then I thought, 'why not Bali?' So I purchased my plane ticket and can't believe this day is here.

I am looking forward to relaxing, laying in the sun, eating healthy and most of all quiet time. I have so much up in the air right now and I feel like I have lost my balance and direction completely. I cant think of a better way to find some balance than to be disconnected for some time. This will be the first trip I have taken without a plan when I arrive. This excites my adventurous side and I can't wait.

For Melanie

In 1998, I met a vivacious redhead named Melanie. She was beautiful, funny and had bright red hair down the middle of her back. You couldn't help but notice when she walked into a room. I was intimidated by her at first. She seemed mysterious, strong and fierce. I couldn't wait to become her friend.

Our friendship started in English class, my first year in college. She was my writing partner. Our duty was to critique each other's writing to help bring out our inner creativity. We both loved writing and had fun reading what we would create each week. One week, Melanie wrote a story that shocked and saddened me. It was a personal story about her battle with a disease I had never heard of, Lupus.

I immediately looked up Lupus and read many facts and was relieved when I saw that it is rarely fatal. Our friendship became closer the more she opened up about her struggle and from her I learned that vulnerability can be quite lovely. She was sick often and I would go over to her house and watch terrible movies or just sit and talk. She never really did seem to have an appetite, but coffee was a common interest. So, over many cups of coffee (with Hazelnut creamer), I learned how a disease can control your life.

See, Melanie had one of the most aggressive forms of Lupus, where every part of her was attacked. I learned she had a kidney transplant in her teens (thanks to her mother), her heart was weak and she thought her kidney was giving out again. She lived with pain. I have no idea how she functioned and maintained her smile. She RARELY complained and the only reason she even talked about Lupus was because of all my questions.

Melanie dated, danced and drank a little. But her illness never let her forget it was in control. She was in and out of the hospital frequently and missed many classes and events. I remember visiting with her during dialysis and although she was tired and drained, she joked and smiled through it all. One day, she became so ill, she ended up staying in the hospital for months. When she was released, she moved a hospital bed to her parents home where she could recoup with their help and love.

One day, her mom couldn't wake her up. Melanie had started slipping away and 911 was called. Her final days were spent in ICU. I visited her and realized that my friend's vivacious, bright soul was ready to leave. She was tired and fought as hard as possible to stay alive. I remember tears running down her cheeks and trying to smooth her hair because she never wanted to look disheveled. She passed surrounded by her family and friends. She was 31, much too young.

Meeting Melanie and watching her fight so hard to live changed my life. She was one of the strongest people I know. She never wanted to give off the sick vibe, she didn't want people to worry about her. Her final request was to donate her body to UCSF for Lupus research to help find a cure.

I will be participating in a walk to help fund Lupus research. Please join me or donate in Melanie's honor to help fund research. Please visit my Alliance for Lupus Research Walk page to donate.

Thank you

Budapest

I noticed that I forgot to write about my short trip to Budapest. Once I returned home, life when full speed ahead and writing was put to the side. I was only in Budapest for 2 days. I arrived on Saturday January 15th after my flight from Milan was cancelled and I had to negotiate my way to Hungary. I had to prove that I was leaving Europe from Budapest to return to the USA and that seemed to give me some pull with the airline.

Once I arrived, I wasn't surprised, but annoyed that they lost my luggage. It is actually very funny because my luggage was lost when I returned from Paris in 2006 and since then, I have NEVER checked my bags. However, the airline I flew to Budapest with did not allow carry on roller bags, so I had to check it. I gave the airline my friend's address and hopped in a cab with them to go explore the city nightlife.

I have been friends with Roncarlo since 2004. We were investment bankers together in San Diego. We used to tell people we were twins...see the resemblance? Anyway this guy is like a brother to me and I was thrilled to meet his girlfriend and see his life in Hungary!

They are so cute together and great hosts too!

We started at their place where they opened up a couple bottles of Hungarian wine and Gabi made a traditional dish that was perfect and delicious. It was great to see Ron with Gabi. I remember when he met her and was falling in love with her. I knew he would move over there for her and here we were 2 years later; and he is so happy :)! Anyway, we spent time catching up and getting ready to go out. Gabi is training to be a makeup artist, so she did my makeup. Then, we went out for drinks, dancing and Hungarian karaoke! Good times!

The next day, Ron and Gabi were my tour guides around the city. I really enjoyed listening to Gabi talk about her country's history. She is very knowledgeable. The city is quite lovely and rich in history. We went to a beautiful cafe for a late lunch before heading out to view the city at night with the lights. It was a perfect way to see the city.

Then as all trips do, this one ended. I had to leave early the next morning to head back home. Leaving is always bittersweet. I love to come home, but travel is in my blood.