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"Wanderlust" A strong desire to travel

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Holiday Fun in a Nutshell: Mechanical Bull, Amish Food, Spike Ball, Willy Chin Party, Shabu Shabu, Family Time and more...

1/2/2015

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While the holiday was simple and relaxing, it was a much-needed one before beginning a new year and continuing my research. Rather than write a million different posts... I just wanted to share how my holiday was and see just what you did on your wonderful break!!



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City Walk Orlando (Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom Live Band)
Before all the Christmas celebration began, I ended up in Orlando to celebrate a close friend's birthday. She then explained we were going to City Walk and though I should know more about it, I surely had not a clue what we were going to do. Turns out it is neare Univeral Studios, and at night there are a bunch of clubs around that you can go to. In fact they had a band you could pay like $12 to get, and go in and out of any club. All the places were cool, but then I saw it.... people have told me about the Bob Marley Restaurant and Live Band, but I had no clue it was here. Great surprise. It was a cool atmosphere and I enjoyed it. Though we only spent a short time here, I definitely want to come back for dinner and enjoy the full night entertainment... who wants to come with me???


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Talking to my Mom's Christmas Trees and Family Fun
Every year my mom's display of Christmas decor increases... to the point where we now have 3 Christmas Trees... 1 when you enter the house (my favorite in all white decor and lights), 1 by the kitchen and small dining area, and her very first Christmas Tree on the patio (which apparently is being kicked to the curb next year because she bought a new fancy tree... I am not throwing shade.. but WHY MOMMA WHY???) Anyways... I enjoy the tons of Santas, Jesus in a Manger Displays, Angels and train sets all over my house... especially being able to light up the Christmas Tree and have songs played by talking to Mr. Christmas! (Check out the video below)

In the last maybe 10 years, I think I have spent about 2/3 in America.... so this year was much needed time at home. Our family dinner was yummy as always... especially those ribs and mac and cheese!! AMEN!!! Loved seeing some of my family members!!! 


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Shabu Shabu
For my older sister's birthday she requested a unique experience... so we took her for Japanese Fondue aka Shabu Shabu. This is where you get a broth boiling at the table, and you cook your own veggies and really thin sliced meat inside. While it wasn't our typical over the top restaurant, I hope she enjoyed the experience... I mean the next best thing would be to go to Japan I think.... you should try it or try another unique cuisine in 2015!!


Booking my ticket to India and United Arab Emirates for $300
I know, I know... I already wrote a post about how you can get such good deals too... But.... waking up Christmas day at 5 am really made my holiday that much better. I am saving almost $1000!!! And now I am addicted to finding amazing deals to book and share with you that will be posted at Travel Deals.

Mechanical Bull
I went to  karaoke bar at City Place with my friend from high school and while waiting to sing an awful version of "It wasn't me" by Shaggy, we saw the mechanical bull... and you know I had to take a ride... Well, I lasted 1 minute + on the bull but my sister told me they were being nice.. So I will definitely be doing that again... gotta show them I am the boss… RIGHT?? See my bull ride below!


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Willy Chin Party
To continue my sister's birthday celebration, we went to a party that happens every year by Black Chiney for Willy Chin's birthday. We went one year when I was home (1 of those 3 times) and it was great. So I was definitely looking forward to it. Well to me it was HORRIBLE!!! Not only did we practically drive all the way to Cuba (Okay it was Homestead, Florida 2 hrs-ish away from where I live in West Palm Beach).... BUT they played regular old American rap/R&B/hip-hop for hours!!! Now, I know you can't play the TUN UP/POPPING music until 3 am, but can I get some old school reggae/old dancehall to enjoy. I could have gone to any old American club to get what they played.... Good thing they had some food though... That Jerk Chicken was ON POINT!!!! #yum #ilovefood

Random Venting: I was SO UPSET!! I went outside for my sandals in the car, and when I came back, they would not let me in.... They said, we told everyone leaving there was no re-entry!!! EXCUSE ME!! Why on earth do I have on this dang bracelet if I can't come back in!! Needless to say everyone was ready to leave after I would not be able to go back in, until a nice guy at the door heard what happened, and let me back in.... I was not going to pay to get back in... sorry Willy Chin I don't even know who you really are...pssh!! (Thanks for listening... I feel better now)


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Amish Food and Spike Ball (Note: Very few photos will be displayed out of respect for the Amish/Mennonite community)
I have been exploring and trying to understand a bit more about the Amish/Mennonite simple way of living. As many of you know, I am all about not just reading but experiencing. Sometimes, a bit of certain cultures find their way into my home especially the yummy foods I learn how to make. I took the opportunity to visit the Amish Community in Pinecraft, Florida (in Sarasota) because they were hosting a grass volleyball tournament to help fund a trip a mission trip to Uganda!! A friend told me about it, so I headed down with my little sister. 

Walking to the grass tournament, we saw 4 guys playing a mixture of what looked like volleyball and four square in one... this they called SPIKE BALL!! I, of course, had to find out more and got a chance to play. I may be able to play professional volleyball, but I sucked at Spike Ball!! See for yourself…check out the footage below... I am definitely going to buy spike ball and get better. I need to re-challenge my new friends when I visit Lancaster in the summer. (Check out more about going to Lancaster and other adventures on my 2015 Bucket List)

We decided to check out the Der Dutchman Restaurant recommended by a few people at the tournament as well as online. It was good-ish; I think it was like a soul food type of restaurant, which I was shocked at first. I guess, I didn't really know what to expect… but there it was fried chicken, mash potatoes and gravy, bread rolls, peach cobbler etc. I wasn't completely impressed but it was a taste of it. I of course had to take an iJump photo by the sign.

Jump Photo at Der Dutchman and more iJump Photos
Guys Play Spike Ball
My Epic Fail Attempt at Spike Ball (learn some rules in the beginning)

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New Years in Tampa
While Tampa is not on my places in the world to spend New Year's... I brought in 2015 at Channelside hanging with my little sissy poo. I must say, it wasn't my usual but it was calm and nice. We enjoyed some chocolate covered strawberries and hot chocolate... and welcome 2015 with the fireworks display. I guess sometimes, its okay for an adventure to be simple. 



So how did you spend your holiday? How did you bring in the New Year??? I would love to hear more about it!!
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You are Never Too "Poor" to Travel!

12/17/2014

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One of the things my friends or people in general comment on is the fact that traveling or adventure COST SO MUCH!!! I am here to tell you that is absolute BULL... Stop making excuses and change your MIND SET!! 


So, now you are thinking...
 "But my situation is different Dr. Wanderlust." Excuses are all in the same... at the end of the day how you think is what holds you from what you are set out to accomplish. I was listening to an audiobook "What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast" and it really made me think of all the LAME excuses I make as to why I don't get things done. For some it is: "the gym is far away!" "another slice of pizza will be fine!" or "it's not the right time!" Either way we all have excuses. 

This is how you can start changing your way of thinking (and yes, I am calling you out on your habits that hinder your ability to travel!).

Everyone that travels has tons of money to blow!
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This is usually the first instinct of the Wannabe Travelers… AKA YOU!!! Quite frankly, this is one of the myths of travel lovers everywhere! We HAVE NO MONEY... just like you. We aren't traveling first class and staying in 5 star hotels. Furthermore, we don't have the mommy and daddy banks to dip into anymore.  We simple know we want to travel, think about how to get it done, and make the sacrifices to jump on that plane/bus/train.  I have seen people travel that didn't even know where they would stay the next day, or those hitchhiking their way across Europe.  I have traveled before with very few dollars, stayed in a hostel a few times and had a great time. While on trips there are tons of free things to do and still get a great experience. In another post I will share how I visited Norway, Denmark, Serbia, Turkey, England, and a stop over in Zurich for under $2000!!! (And I flew from Florida!!) Nothing is Impossible! 

Where is your money going?
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The fine line between you traveling and having adventure can be the same as (1) that new Iphone 6 you just bought, even though your Iphone 5s was working just fine (2) the sum of all your weekends at the bar with friends or even (3) eating out every day rather than making lunch or cooking dinner! Most travelers know that having the "typical" joys of the world cannot fulfill their lust for travel and adventure. So, they will be the people that pass on the drink fest every Saturday night, just so that money goes into their next adventure. I personally, don't go out often to drink or party... etc. But I am a shoe and technology addict! *Covers face* When it comes time for a bigger adventure, I cut down on these things... I have to make due with what I have even though I really, really want that new pair of shoes I saw on SALE! 


Think of some areas in your life that you "willingly" give your money to every week/month that you could really do without. After all, money is the reason you don't travel right?


DREAM BIG! Start Small!
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Start thinking about places or adventure you want to be on. Yes, you are going to start thinking I want to go to China and see the Great Wall, or Australia to see some kangaroos. Let me tell you right now, if you do, you WILL NOT TRAVEL! Just the flight there will be $1500+.  Check out local adventures around your town or close by cities... hiking, rock climbing, seeing a new place, scuba diving, taking new lessons in anything!!! The list is honestly endless. A great adventure doesn't have to be in a new country... it can be right under your nose. (Check Groupon or LivingSocial for great savings- plus I'm addicted to these sites) By completing small adventures and travel trips you will begin to see that it is possible. Your desire to travel will start to grow, and you will work harder to get to that big trip to China!


Believe!
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Wake up and say, "I will travel!" Now, I am not saying just by speaking the words you will find a ticket on your counter to fly out next weekend. However, how you perceive traveling as an obstacle will drastically change. You will see that what you originally saw as mountains to get over are really just speed bumps in the way. You will begin finding solutions to how to make it happen, then finding reasons why it shouldn't or can't. Believing in what you want to do or accomplish, is simply accepting that it is possible. It takes it from the list of dreams (such as your desire to have magical powers), to the list of goals (next to that degree you are completing or the house you want to buy). Believing makes travel realistic for you!



So, right now you may not have money set aside to travel. That is okay... START NOW! Open a savings account or simply get a jar that you throw extra coins, dollars, or money you save from deciding not to go to the bar last weekend. But let me tell you...if you WANT to travel, you will find a way. 


And remember:
“Excuses are monuments of nothingness. They build bridges to nowhere." -Anonymous




Share any adventures/travel you have taken with little money? Or share some obstacle standing in your way of traveling and how you plan to get over that speed bump!!

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8 Apps for the Organized Traveler's Soul

12/12/2014

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I am one of those overly organized travelers... I even make itineraries.  I research everything in advance, find places I want to see, things I want to do, explore costs the best cost... but I still leave time for the "unexpected" fun I may encounter that my Google search just did not pick up.

I have seen many apps out there that are the must haves, and I definitely agree on a few such as Dropbox, Kayak and Skype!!!! Seriously.... what do you do when living overseas for a few months, and just desiring to see your family and friends… but realistically, flying home is not an option.... get on Skype!

So, I think if there is anyone out there like myself, that enjoys an organized travel life then here are some
 Free Apps for you!! I have separated my favorite apps into 3 categories below, and have shared how I use most of these apps with pictures as well. These Apps help me in planning, communicating with friends/family and just leisurely fun. 


Travel Planning
TripIt
Booking.com
Airport Parking
Communication
WhatApp
magicJack
Leisure
Overdrive
Our Daily Bread
Meet Up
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TripIt
TripIt is designed to be a trip planner and it keeps all your travel needs in one place!! You can make itineraries (which I do all the time) and viewable on your phone at all times. You can add things from flights, trains, buses and activities... It really doesn't matter. A cool feature is that you can forward itineraries that are booked from your email, and it will automatically upload the information. You can also share your trip with others, so they know exactly what will be happening, this is particularly helpful if you are traveling with a group.

TripIt Pro: You can go as far as to upgrade to TripIt Pro... they will update you on flight changes/notifications or track your travel rewards. Honestly, simply having the free version is often enough.

App Link: https://www.tripit.com/uhp/mobile

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Booking.com
The Booking.com hotel app gather hundreds of thousands of hotels/properties from all over the world that you can evaluate. You can look at photos, and see reviews of what people that stayed there have said before you. They often have descriptions that tell you how close things are to main sites or transportation. In most cases, you can book and have free cancellation as long as it is before 2-3 days of date for arrival. I used this app EVERY TIME I TRAVEL! I have yet to be disappointed from hostels to hotels, I have been pleased with all my booking.com 

App Link: http://www.booking.com/apps.html

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Airport Parking
So you have a good price on a flight out for the weekend, but no one can take you to the airport. There is nothing more annoying than overpriced airport parking with a range per day from $20 -$40 dollars a day. In addition to your flight paying a median of $30 a day (still ridiculous) your grand total of $120 for the weekend is what you will be paying for parking. That's a bit too much... heck that is another 1 way ticket somewhere or an awesome adventure (skydiving for example). Airport Parking finds your close by parking lots with cheaper daily rates; the lowest I have paid is about $4.80. They have a shuttle that brings you to the airport and also comes for you when you get back. You will have to test out which company you like best, but once you find that company close to your home airport, parking and flying will no longer be that expensive.    

App Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airportparkingreservations.com/id906778512?mt=8

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WhatsApp
We all know communication is key when you are traveling to allow for our family members mainly to know we aren't dead. However, there are great apps like Skype that will help with those moments. What I like about WhatsApp is that any of my new international friends I meet I can keep in touch with them without racking up my phone bill. As long as they have the app, and you have their number, you can talk to them using Wifi or your unlimited network with your phone company. I currently wake up to conversations from all over the world, especially since my closest friends do not live near me.    

App Link: https://www.whatsapp.com/download/

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MagicJack
I like the MagicJack App a lot. While you have things like Skype the other person has to have Skype as well, or you will have to load money on your account. With MagicJack you can directly call unlimitedly to the US and Canada, and what is even better you have a number that others can call you on. You can then add friends with a special MagicJack number, and call those outside of the US and Canada for free as long as they also have MagicJack downloaded. So, if you need to reach someone immediately back home, but they are not on Skype. You know for sure they will have their phone, so you can give them a call. Gotta love it!    

App Link: http://www.magicjack.com/magicApp.html

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Overdrive
Long haul flights, bus rides, or simply a quiet night hanging in your hotel can be that much nice with Overdrive. First of all, it gives you the ability to borrow digital books, audiobooks, movies etc without having to purchase. You can borrow up to 25 items at a time and time ranges. I usually borrow audiobooks, which I have for 21 days. Even when I am not on a trip, I use the audiobooks while I am cooking, driving to work, or just going to bed. It gives me that escape without costing me a fortune. What is even better is you can have it all in one place, watch a movie or read a book. All you need is a local library card that you input your member number. The rest is smooth sailing, and you enjoy your items on loan until the time expires.    

App Link: http://app.overdrive.com/

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Our Daily Bread
While this may not go for everyone, I find it relaxing to have a quick devotion as often as I can when traveling. In most cases, I am not able make it to a church while on the road, and sometimes even if I could, I just would not understand the sermon as I do not speak the language. Our Daily Bread keeps me grounded in my faith and always a good way to either start your adventure pact day, or to unwind at night before going to bed. You can make bookmarks on your favorite passage, or write a journal. I personally, write things down in an actual book, but definitely a good way to recap.    

App Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/our-daily-bread/id437496538?mt=8

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Meet Up
While planning all my trips, a great app I look to so I know what locals are doing in the area is Meet Up. I actually use it where I live as well, because so many events happen that I have no idea about until I look on the app. So, while you can Google everything you want to do in an area, it is unlikely you will find the cool hidden treasures that the locals go to each week.     

App Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meetup/id375990038?mt=8

How I have used Tripit
How I have used Airport Parking
How I have used Meet Up
How I have used Booking.com
How I have used Our Daily Bread
An altered version of this article originally appeared in Continental Driftings, the nomad lifestyle blog, and is republished here with permission.
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That Time When... I Walked on Water in Estonia

12/6/2014

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Location of Estonia!
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So, where the heck is Estonia? That is pretty much what I said when I decided to go on a Scandinavian tour... by this I was thinking of countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. However, I ended up also exploring other countries as well... like Estonia.

Just a ferry ride away from Helsinki, Finland I explored an unknown land to me. I started with my usual Free Walking Tours (which I recommend to anyone that wants to get a good feel for their new surrounding while traveling) and was impressed with the very adorable architecture of the area. 

After trying Elk Soup (which wasn't bad by the way), Seeing Patarei Prison only closed in 2005 (truly a hell hole, and unbelievable that prisoners were held there), taking beautiful pictures from Kohtu Platform seeing all of Tallinn... I still needed something adventurous.. Something new... 

So, I asked the Free Walking Tour guide, what I could do, and he recommended going to Nomme Park and exploring... SO THANKFUL HE DID! Initially, I was just taking pictures of the cool scenery, but stumbled upon the adventure park.... and yes there it was A GIANT BUBBLE ON THE WATER!!!

Curious, I asked what it was for and the cost... and well let's just say... I couldn't resist. So there I was excited to get on the water, I envisioned myself just running all over the water...

I took off my shoes and stepped into this deflated bubble with just my socks on. Soon he started filling my bubble with air, as I sat there excited! Eventually he closed my bubble and set me sailing on the water. First attempt to stand, I fell immediately...Well, let me just say: it is a lot tougher than it looks (Kudos to Jesus!). I fell extensively, laughing and rolling as the young man snapping away and taking videos laughed with me.  After quite sometime, many falls, and endless laughter... I WALKED ON WATER! How about that for a Bucket List To Do.... CHECK!!!


Sometimes finding that new thing to do is all about having an open mind and willingness to venture outside of the normal tourist areas. Ask a local, take a Free Walking Tour... some of my best adventures and activities definitely were not found on Google search... So if you want to walk on water, head to Estonia. 



Check out more photos in the Tallin, Estonia Photo Gallery
On Kohtu Platform
Me and the Big Bubble
Attempt #1 to Stand Up
Attempt #2 to Stand Up
Attempt #3 to Stand Up
Finally Standing Up
Waitress at Restaurant
Elk Soup
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Meet Dr. Wanderlust

12/3/2014

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PictureKerio Valley, Kenya
A very dear friend of mine introduced me to the term "wanderlust" recently. As soon as I heard it, I knew this was definitely the word that sums up my desires.

Wanderlust is "a strong desire to travel". If that doesn't sum me up in one word, I don't know what else does.

I am currently a PhD student in Neuroscience... and while I am crazy busy in lab... I can't help but explore and travel.  While the stereotypes of a person in a Phd program especially in biomedical research seems to be that we are lab rats with boring lives... I guess, I am here to give a different perspective.

As most of my friends and family members know, I am addicted to traveling... I enjoy being able to see other cultures and meeting different people. I have been blessed thus far to be able to go to many countries, and wanted to share that with you as I continue on a never ending journey.

So far I have been to:
Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Vatican City State, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Senegal, Serbia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad (Have not seen Tobago yet), Turkey, Uganda, and the US Virgin Islands.

I have lived in:
Jamaica, Poland and Canada.

I will try to recap sometimes on my experiences in those countries, sharing some exciting things I have done while there, and tips on how you too can make a great adventure that are budget friendly, life changing, and fun!

I will most likely from time to time share some "nerd" moments with you.. but I promise to keep them interesting!

Enjoy as I plan my next adventure.


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