I’ve been taking some photos of the Peruvian people, like this woman in traditional garb.
So I cracked up when I saw this graffiti that shows a woman in traditional garb, photographing a backpacker.
Cusco is a lover
July 11, 2010Cusco reminds me of the sexy muscian your parents never want you to meet. It’s a place that makes you fall for it hard and fast, with the risk that you’ll never go home again.
There’s a lot of energy here, with backpackers and adventurers from all over the world mingling with 400,000 residents. You’ll find an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and lounges representing every culture, and the Plaza de Armas is always a party. Toss in some stunning architecture and ancient ruins, and you’ve got yourself a city that will steal your soul.
I really thought this was just going to be a cute stopover on the way to the Inca Trail. But I was wrong. So wrong.
I love Cusco for being my first in this year of wild exploration — but I also love it for being the kind of city that drops you to your knees with a kiss.
Appreciating what you have
July 2, 2010
With less than a week to go before Deborah and I launch this wild adventure, I’m already starting to get a little homesick.
Of course I’m looking forward to traveling. Of course.
But I think some freaky woo-woo stuff must be going on, because I swear home has never looked so good. Lately on my morning walks, I just have to stand still for a few seconds to soak in all the goodness.
These things I’ve taken for granted, now they all seem to be hitting me at once. The desert has never looked so stunning.
My adorable little Lemon has never been so sweet and cuddly.
My husband has never been this handsome or fun or downright amazing.
My apartment has never seemed so appealing.
My friends have never been this witty or entertaining, and I have never loved them so fiercely.
And Kung Pao Kitten … well, you know. He’s kind of manic depressive. But I love him anyway.
Even the most mundane things are starting to seem exciting and wonderful, since I’m going to mostly do without for the next year. Like toilets — how great are those things? You can flush ’em and everything! And there’s even toilet paper on the wall right there!
And hot showers. Man, those are awesome.
I’m beginning to realize that while travel is about seeing new sights, learning about new cultures and making connections with new people, it’s also about appreciating what you already have.
Funny how a trip around the world helps you discover the richness of home.
How to break up with your job in 5 easy steps
June 17, 2010
There are 50 ways to leave your lover, but there’s really only one way to leave your job. If you’re going to travel around the world, chances are you’re going to have to resign.
For me, that’s been the scariest part of this whole venture. This is the first time in my adult life that I’ll be without a job, a 401K and an insurance package, and that’s pretty damn terrifying. And the prospect of sitting face to face with my boss, telling him about my crazy travels plans, was even more frightening.
Though I haven’t left any jobs before, I have left boyfriends. (Lots of them, actually.) So in abandoning my job, I applied the same principles of abandoning people.
How to break up with your job in five easy steps:
1. Do it in person. I once broke up with a dude over e-mail, and it’s something I still regret. Major life changes shouldn’t be made via computer or text message.
2. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. You’re all adults here. Keep the conversation calm and be open to discussion. Be direct and honest about what you want. Remember that this is difficult for both of you.
3. Not all relationships are created equal. You know how some people can remain friends after a break-up while others can’t? That’s how it is with jobs too. Maybe your boss is open to the possibility of a long-term leave of absence instead of a full-blown resignation. Maybe there’s a way you can do your job from the road. Maybe the position will be open for you when you return. Or maybe there’s a lot of anger and resentment about your departure and your boss will stab you with a pen. Every situation is different.
4. Don’t undervalue your worth. There are occasions that call for self-deprecation, but this isn’t one of them. You have every right to pursue your passion and you deserve to be living out your dreams.
5. Move on. Don’t talk smack about your company, don’t harbor any regret, don’t get sad. Appreciate what you had with this job and use it to launch you into an even bigger, better career in the future.
In my case, talking to my boss was an enormous relief. He said he understood and respected my decision to leave. I asked him if he thought I was nuts for taking on a round-the-world journey and he said, “You know, ships are safe in the harbor, but ships weren’t made for the harbor. Ships were made to sail.”
Now that’s a nice ending for a beautiful relationship!
Detour: Venice Beach
June 1, 2010With just a month to go before we hit the road, what did this GirlVenturer do?
Hit the road, of course!
With tires squealing and coffee in hand, The Husband and I tore out of the desert and set the GPS for “ocean.”
We arrived in Venice Beach before the sand was even warm.
The ocean isn’t really the main attraction at this beach. Here it’s all about the crazy artists, fortune tellers, b-boys and street performers on the promenade. There’s a ridiculous amount of talent squeezed in between every hotdog hut and flip-flop shop.
The fabric of Venice Beach was woven decades ago by counterculture artists, beat poets and musicians, which explains why this town is still one of the most colorful, eclectic beach communities along the California coastline.
It’s where piggies fly.
The skate park looks like an ultramodern sand dune.
Monsters perch on top of houses.
Alleys make for unexpected beauty.
And even the street art is a nod to something great.
