Costa Rica- A True Beauty

In Costa Rica you may encounter some of the prettiest views and the nicest people in the world. Their gracious attitudes need to rub off on my family unit! They don't resort to war or violence. They surprisingly don't have a military. So, that shows how much they love to "spread peace." Just the people there fill my heart up with excitement, just wait till you see the sites! 

Arenal Volcano
http://www.arenal.net/arenal-volcano-overview.htm

The ginormous volcano of Arenal is a super pretty site to see. The green rain forests all around are majestic. The beaches on the coast are sunny and thrilling. Surprisingly, the water stirs up some pretty big waves!

On our trip to Costa Rica, I had a pleasant time looking at all different aspects of the glorious country. First, we flew into San Jose, the capital, which I didn’t really get to examine. Then we drove on up to the Four Seasons Resort in Papagayo; which is just up north. While we stayed there, we enjoyed a nice secluded beach, which we paddle boarded and watched beautiful yet frightening stingrays. After about 3 days spent relaxing or “chillin”there, we drove to the the Springs Resort by Arenal. The Springs Resort, hints the name, is surrounded by hot springs. Different pools everywhere we turn! My brother and I had a good time "pool hopping" around.  One of the bachelor  episodes was filmed there. After all the "commercial" resorts, (don't get me wrong, their supper fun) my family wanted to taste the sweet dirt of Costa Rica's jungles. We took a long night drive up to the high altitude of Mt.Arenal, or as I should say volcano Arenal! Arenal is a volcano that lies on the northern side of Costa Rica. We trekked out on a long hike into the rainforest and our eyes had the pleasure of observing exotic frogs, birds, and much more tropical animals. We stayed about two nights at a hotel that was perched in the jungle. The overall trip to Costa Rica was one well spent. I returned back to Park City with wonderful memories, and not to flatter myself… but a pretty nice, golden tan. The only thing about the trip I regret is not exploring southern Costa Rica, but mothers are hard to persuade. 

Some free time between traveling, we found time to drive out to a beached called Playa Grande which was located up north and over west. Playa Grande means “big beach” in Spanish. We surfed a bit there and just body surfed the rolling waves. They say that "salt water soothes the soul" and that is completely correct. Looking back and thinking, “what a truly splendid time!”

Playa Grande
http://www.costaricastyle.com/2010/11/playa-grande-beach-costa-rica.html

If your thinking about traveling to central America, keep Costa Rica high on your travel priority list, a natural beauty!

Songs to Listen to While Traveling?

Kauai, HI- Adventurous Paradise

"What island or part Hawaii should I plan a trip to?" the famous words of a confused traveler. There is Maui, Oahu, Hawaii, Niihau, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, or Kauai? I would honestly recommend Kauai in a heartbeat.The cliché activities such as surfing and sunbathing wont disappoint, but also the hippie lifestyle is fun to adjust to. 

Hanalei Bay
http://car-memes.com/kauai-helicopter-hanalei-bay-wallpaper/hdwallpappers.com*images*wallpapers*kauai_helicopter_Hanalei-Bay-Wallpaper.jpg/hdwallpappers.com*kauaihelicopterhanaleibaywallpaper/

In the northern upper most tip of Kauai, you may find a cute little town known as Hanalei. In Hanalei there is a bay that is home to many of world renown surfers such as Laird Hamilton, Bethany Hamilton, Alana Blanchard, and many more. 

One trip my family and I planned in 2013, was to Hanalei Bay. We stayed in a condo with close access to the beach. My brother and I are somewhat experienced surfers, so we gave it a go at the worlds famous bay of waves. I guess you could say we surfed okay. As we were walking out of the water in conclusion of our "surf day" we just happened to run into Rob Hamilton, the man who caught the shark that bit Bethany Hamilton's arm off! Your probably a bit frightened by reading this, but at the time it was super cool. 

We decided to go on a long hike up Hanakapiai's Falls on the Na Pali Coast. On our ascending part of the hike, views our eyes could capture were quite extraordinary. As we kept hiking, we had to cross a few streams which wasn't too bad, then we crossed a bunch of rocks which wasn't completely joyful, until we came across a mini secluded beach. We couldn't swim of course because the rip curls were too strong at the time. We were enjoying our lunch, planning to head forward onto the hike to reach the waterfalls, until a major rainstorm came upon us! We had to leave the site before floods could initiate through the beach and the small trails. As the waves grew larger and started crashing down on our feet, we scurried up to the trail, and quickly out of the beach area. The hike back we didn't worry ourselves that much because, you know... we're troopers! Our shoes were soaked by the time we reached the trailhead, but it was totally worth it! 

Hanakapiai Falls Hike
http://www.alohafrom808.com/2013/01/hanakapiai-falls-na-pali-coast-kauai-trip-2013/

Im completely sure that there are other exciting places to visit in other parts of Kauai, maybe in the southern parts. But, I had the pleasure to visit the lovable community of Hanalei.  The major bonus to Kauai is it's not very touristy compared to the big island. I found my self blending in with the locals. The situation of where I live, I get super annoyed with tourists taking over MY town! So its nice to not run into people from your home town, even though we live in a "small world."  

All the beaches surrounding Kauai are spectacular for all purposes. So if your still conflicted on where to venture off to in Hawaii, take my word and scrutinize Kauai. 

Must Watch- Prince Ea

This doesn't have much to do with the "theme" of this blog, but I though it was completely valid for me to share with you. Enjoy:)

This video is an wake up call for this generation. The way of the world has changed since my parents grew up. I frequently envy their old childhood lifestyle. Im happy that I didn't grow up with iPads and iPhones; I even consider my self lucky. "Intelligence is shunned and ignorance is rewarded."

Hallstatt Austria- Swiss Chalet

Pulling in to  the Hallstatt parking lot in our rental was unearthly because of the size of the village. We couldn't drive around because it's so tiny. We stayed in a little hotel in the town square, that was perfectly perched among the mountain top. The night we arrived, I ate a spectacular dinner consisting of fresh trout straight out of the nearby lake. (That dinner made up for the eerie vibe I got from the place originally.) Speaking of that lake, let me tell you a little story. There is a small park that is right beside the lake, with a diving board into the tranquil water. My brother and I decided to check it out; because we saw a lady out in the water going for a nice graceful swim.  Little did we know, she was wearing a wet suit. We suited up in our swim gear (a bikini, and trunks) and prepared. Well, I wanted to be the first to jump it, you know, be the "bravest!" I took a a big step on the board and launched myself into the water. When I was completely dunked under, I felt my neck freeze up. As I came above the surface, the cold, Austrian, Mountain air struck my face, and I was absolutely frozen. I played it cool... but man, that water was probably the chilliest I have ever encountered. Now I can say I completed the REAL polar plunge!

Overview
I got this picture from Wikipedia
"Hallstatt." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Oct. 2014. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

Exploring around was a blast. So many bungalows and buildings stacked upon each other. Its was so cozy and comforting. Words can't explain how perfectly unorganized it was. There was this church that sat higher up in the hills, it took quite a walk to get there. It looked like a classic church with a picture perfect clock engraved into the hard rock. Inside of the church were painted skulls.  I guess you could call that a dissimilar graveyard?

Painted Skulls
Got this picture from gallstattaustria.net
"The Painted Skulls of Hallstatt." Hallstatt. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

The weather was cold and nipping,  it felt so good to snuggle up in a blanket and look through the window and out onto the lake. The only downer is they don't speak English. My brother and I always felt so confused when we heard them talk fast, foreign gibberish. We wanted to confuse them like they confused us. So, we started speaking random sentences really speedy and loud to get the surrounding Austrian's attention. Sadly they had a fairly good understanding of english, and we like the goons.

For those of you who have never been to Austria or Europe, the mountains are super pointy and intimidating. Way different from America, but change is good, right?

 Out of all the places I have travelled, Hallstatt Austria was by far the most original. I'm so lucky to have travelled to that special little town.

Rome, Italy- The Late Night City?

"Flight from Salt Lake City to Leonardo da Vinci airport of Rome boards in 10 minutes." Thats when it sunk in. 

The flight wasn't that glamourous. Long and pretty boring. When we landed at night, IT WAS SO...just kidding, I was asleep, I wouldn't have known. Normally the landing of a flight into Italy would be just lovely, I wish I had been awake. Anyways, all I can say is hectic. Hectic our taxi drive to our hotel was. The driver was speedy and roads were a mess during the busy night. The hotel brought croissants to our room for breakfast that morning. So delicious. The food in America doesn't even compare to food Europeans eat daily. One night, my mom booked a fancy dinner at a restaurant in the local part of the city. The reservation was for 6:30. We walked in eagerly to eat with "real life" italians. We sat down and took a look around us and all american tourist surrounded us. "What!" My mom quietly said. I could tell she was a bit disappointed. We enjoyed our scrumptious dinner, spaghetti and hearty meatballs. As we asked for the bill around 8:30, all of the locals poured in rapidly. I guess a night out in Italy for the natives, happens late. In theory, Europeans eat much later then americans. 

The Streets
"The Streets of Rome ... Click to See Full Size!" TripAdvisor® TripWow. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

If you ever decide to travel to Rome Italy, spare yourself a trip to the famous Roman Colosseum. When your eyes fixated on it, you would believe your living in 753 BC. It was modern yet so historical and preserved. Almost sacred. I imagined the mighty gladiators battling for their lives in the grand arena. 

Another great thing is, gelato. Stands are located everywhere. If you don't like heat, than a flavorful gelato can keep you cool!

The Colosseum at Night
"Colosseum." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Oct. 2014. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

That trip I took to Europe wasn't spent leisurely. I had to take in so much information while touring around. The days we got to just simply rome the street of Rome (get it?), I cherished. But on the bright side, History class comes easy to me now. Rome...just splendid.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado-The Little Big Town

My family and I took a trip to Steamboat Colorado a couple years ago during the winter. We strapped our skis and poles to the top of our Jeep and took off! Normally I hate driving places, but the trek to Steamboat was beyond beautiful. When we arrived, I was exhausted but the view of the Steamboat mountains opened up my eyes in a heartbeat. The cute little town was comforting, and for some reason familiar, even though we have never been there before. At night the streets lit up. It look as if we were capture in a perfect little snow globe. It was astonishing.

First let me say... the snow was fantastic, light, and dry. The food choice on the mountain was almost as good if not better then the snow! After our long ski day, my clan and I were looking for a place to  eat and relax, that wasn't really, unfamiliar, or out of our comfort zone. Word on the street was that Mazzola's Itallian on 917 lincoln ave was hoppin! So, we gave it a go, and what do you know, it was amazing.

On the Mountain
"Steamboat Springs." - Skiing. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

So your probably wondering why "Springs" in included in the name. Well, besides a great ski mountain Steamboat has to offer, there are natural hot springs just around the corner.  We went to a recreational, more of a commercial hot springs called, Old Town Hot Springs, and it wasn't my favorite because I didn't get the spontaneous feel. But, my family and I took a journey far out town to find Strawberry Park Hot Springs. I was super confused on why we were driving so far for a hot springs at first, but when we arrived, I was convinced it was worth. It was totally non-commercial  and natural. There was snow surrounding the pools while hot steaming water arose. I took a step in and I could feel the warmth coming from earths core. The smell of the minerals were in the air. It was a good time.

Strawberry Hot Springs
"Summer Schedule Sweet Pea Tours - Steamboat Springs, Colorado."Summer Schedule Sweet Pea Tours - Steamboat Springs, Colorado. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

Our trip to steamboat was a trip well taken! Even if your not a skier or a snowboarder there is plenty to do.  If your looking for a home away from home cheek out Steamboat Springs, Colorado.