What to Do in Seattle: Horseback Riding

I wasn't quite sure whether to categorize this one as a "Northwest Escape" or "What to do in Seattle," because even though I was just 45 minutes from the city I felt like I was on a northwest getaway, a world away from the city.




The Pacific Northwest has countless trails through the many mountains and forests.  I have gone on many hikes but this past Sunday it was time to explore these trails another way, on horseback.



I'm a sucker for a sale so when the Equine Escape groupon came up I decided it was time to get back in the saddle.   The last two times I rode a horse was in Argentina last fall.  For me activities like this are what I do on my travels so with limited vacation time and money this was a mini Sunday morning vacation right here at home.  Although my last horseback riding was not too long ago, the cool damp northwest morning air brought me right back to my childhood summers at horse camp.




We waited patiently at the trailhead for our horses to arrive for our 9:30am trailride.  Around 9:45am up pulls a trails with all the horses heads popping out taking in the scene.

As the horses were being unloaded and saddles and hooves checked one horse roamed around freely.  Apparently this horse, Thunder, did not like to be tied up.  Clearly, this would be my horse for the ride.

An hour trail ride was perfect to enjoy the scenery and feel a world away for just a morning.  If you are looking for a relaxing local activity I highly recommend horseback riding with Equine Escape!

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Wild: Traveling Through Reading

Ever thought about taking on a huge physical and emotional challenge?  Prove to yourself how really strong and brave you can be? As my book club discussed Wild we jumped right into pondering these questions.  Was it dangerous for her to do this hike on her own?  As the only solo traveler in the group I jumped to Cheryl's defense, talked about how it isn't intrinsically dangerous for women to travel alone, etc etc.  I then had to hop off my soap box and admit that I don't think I could ever do what she did, that I would be way too scared of getting lost in the wilderness or attacked by bears.  Lucky for me Cherly Strayed is brave enough so I could go on this adventure vicariously.

Hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest

I spent the month of January weighed down by a Monster of a backpack hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.  True, I have never set foot on the PCT, but reading Wild from the comfort of my couch made me feel like I was a strong brave woman on a solo wilderness adventure!

I have done some hiking in my day...mostly day hikes in the northwest along with my 4 day Inca Trail trek.  Never have I gone solo and never have I carried everything I needed on my back.  Cheryl took on an epic journey and I am so glad she shared it with the world.

By day four I could barely walk and I only had this little bag,
can't imagine carrying Monster!

Cheryl didn’t compare and contrast all of the possible hikes to do in the world.  Cheryl got inspired and just said, yep, I’m doing it.  She made a decision, planned and saved, and made it happen.

I loved the generosity she received from strangers.  I loved the bonds she formed so quickly with the people on the trail.  I loved that she was nicknamed "Queen of the PCT."  I loved this book, from beginning to end.  I was sad when it ended, you know it is a great book when you don't want it to end!

So I'm watching Jeopardy the other night and one of the questions was about what "PCT" stood for and referenced Wild.  Not one of the three brainiacs knew the answer...but I did.  Thank you Cheryl for sharing your amazing adventure with the world and for making me feel smarter then Jeopardy contestants!

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Travel Tips: All About The Money

I have been pretty lucky in my travels up until this week.  Earlier this week my checking account and the attached safety net savings account were drained through several ATM withdrawals in Bogota, Columbia.  Unfortunately I was not living it up in Columbia, I was home in Seattle.  

How did this happen?  It didn't take long for me to put the pieces together.  I had heard about scams where somehow ATMs are altered and they get your card and pin number, I had met a traveler in South America that was dealing with this same issue.  Then I found out that two of the friends I went to Cabo with in March had the same issue.  There it is...an ATM scam in Cabo is the culprit.  Thankfully Chase was great and I just filled out a simple form online and all my money was back within a day.  At home this was a minor inconvenience, if I was still abroad this could have been a REALLY big deal.

Cabo in March

So what can you do to make sure you have access to money while traveling regardless of any bad luck that may come your way?  Here are some tips.

1.  Bring some cash from home.  Especially if you are going to Central and South America, a lot of places prefer USD.  

2.  Bring more than one credit card, preferably Visa.  Visa's seem to accepted everywhere followed by Mastercard.  If your bank blocks your card, which can happen abroad, you will need a second one to use until you can call and get it turned back on.  

3.  Keep your money in different places...this includes cash and credit/debit cards.  If your money is all in your purse and your purse gets stolen you are screwed!  I usually keep some on me and some hidden away in my luggage.  (I also keep a copy of my passport in there).

4.  Keep a copy of your bank numbers to call.  If your card is stolen you won't be able to look at the back of it for the number.  Every minute your card is gone is potentially more charges on it so being able to quickly call your bank is ideal.  They always have a number on the back you can call collect from abroad.  You can email it to yourself or have it hand written in your luggage, just make sure you have them somewhere!

5.  Call your bank and credit card companies before you leave to let them know where you are going and the dates.  This will decrease the chances of your card being blocked.  

6.  Carry your money securely and be aware.  Some people use a money belt.  I have one but it isn't really my thing.  I carry a purse with a shoulder strap and a zipper to make sure no one has easy access.  I locked it up in the hostel locker.  I keep my purse on my lap at restaurants.  Be aware and be smart.  Dudes-don't keep your wallet in your back pocket, especially at tourist attractions!  If I'm going out after dark (never alone!) I will leave almost everything at the hotel/hostel and just bring as much cash as I need for that night.

7.  Having a back-up checking account for cash is a good idea.  Its a lot of effort though so I haven't tried it!

8.  And what I learned from my recent robbery, change your debit pin number when you get home!  You can do this at an ATM or go into your bank and do it.  

9.  Check the exchange rates online before your trip or while traveling.  That way you can avoid getting ripped off!  Believe me, in November I was in four different countries with four different currencies and I know I overpaid for things a couple time due to getting confused about the exchange rate.  

10.  Don't exchange your money at the airport.  Worst exchange rates ever!  I would rather take out money from the ATM at the airport and pay the fees!  Due to the airport ATM being out of service in Uruguay I had to use the airport exchange.  It was painful but all I needed was bus fare so I didn't lose too much money!  If you follow tip #9 you will be able to avoid getting ripped off in the exchange.

Purse with shoulder strap and zipper on my
 lap while eating...I'm following all my rules!

So there you have it, my 10 money tips for traveling.  And to the person who stole my money, I hope you are living it up, you are welcome.

This guy managed to live it up without stealing my money!

Buenos Viajes!

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Polo Anyone? La Sofia Estancia

I am a fan of budget travel but every now and then it is nice to splurge!  As I researched what to do in Argentina I decided my splurge would be a night at an Estancia, a ranch in the countryside.  As I researched the options near San Antonio de Areco, a dusty cowboy town outside Buenos Aires, I made my selection with the help of Tripadvisor.com.  To get there I took a bus to San Antonio de Areco, then took a car arranged by La Sofia.  La Sofia is out on a dirt road so getting a taxi isn't your best bet, who knows if you would ever get find it!

La Sofia Estancia

La Sofia was the perfect choice for a relaxing day away from the city to slow down and unwind.  Having my own room and bathroom for a night was a treat after spending night after night in hostel dorm rooms, I even showered without flip flops on!  I was a little nervous about being solo at a place like this since it seemed a little more tailored to couples.  Once I was there I felt completely comfortable and didn't at all feel like the 5th wheel to the two couple that were there.  If anything they were interested and intrigued to hear about my solo travels!

My fancy room for the night

The meals were multicourse and delicious, included in the price of the room as was the horseback riding.  After lunch I relaxed by the pool.  Next I went on a trail ride and did something I would have never guessed I would ever do in my entire life...took a polo lesson!  I was not a natural, I did a lot of swinging and missing and kicking as hard as I could to get my horse to move.  It was a lot of fun and definitely a work out, I was sore for days!

 La Sofia isn't one of those places that brings huge groups of tourists in for a cheesy "cultural" experience with staff in costume playing guitars.  It is low key and quality.  The owners are former professional polo players.  The place was so clean, inviting and relaxing.  It was one of the highlights of my trip and definitely worth the splurge!

Looking professional in my running shoes and chaps!

The pool looks out onto the polo field, sunbathing and
watching horses run made for a relaxing country day!   

My only complaint is that I wish I would have booked another night!  I definitely recommend La Sofia for anyone looking to relax and rejuvenate for a night or two!

Buenos Viajes!

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Solo Travel Tip #3: Follow the Crowd

"The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd.  The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before."  -Albert Einstein

Sorry Mr. Einstein, when traveling alone I don't want to be much further than the crowd, sounds scary and definitely breaking Solo Travel Tip #2!

This woman uses following the crowd to navigate the at times overwhelming task of transportation in a foreign country solo.  My very limited Spanish skills did not help me much when it came to understanding the ins and outs of getting from here to there.  I was very proud of myself when I bought a bus ticket in Spanish, unfortunately that was about as far as I got.  Changes in gates, flight delays, and even a bus strike were not something I could comprehend.

So how did I get by?  I forgot all the life lessons on not following the crowd, gave in to peer pressure, and blindly followed all the people who were with me in line to check-in and waiting at the gate.  In order for this method to work well you have to be observant and some eavesdropping is also a helpful technique.  Here are a few examples of successfully following the crowd and also one not so successful attempt.

Ferry from Colonia, Uruguay to Buenos Aires:

This trip was a great example of a successful attempt and my not so successful attempt.

At the port in Colonia I took note of the people around me in line.  This came in handy when I went upstairs and several lines were cued.  Which one was for the Colonia Express?  Of course the one with the same people from the check-in line.  I boarded the correct boat, SUCCESS!

I made the mistake of assuming all of the ferry companies dock at the same place in BA as only one was on my guidebook map.  The ferry port in Colonia is large and has money changers, maps, etc.  I figured I would find the same in BA, that was mistake #2.  When I got off the boat I was at a very small building with a vending machine and some bathrooms, not good.  I did what generally worked for me, I followed all the people getting off the boat, crossed a busy street and continued walking.  As the crowd dispersed I began to worry and wish I would have just flagged a cab...but of course I had no Argentine Pesos.  I asked someone where I was on the map, I wasn't even on the map!!  I got some basic directions in Spanish and had to walk a couple miles with my heavy backpack to my hostel.  FAIL!

La Sofia, San Antonio de Areco

Now, the bus strike story.  So, I'm out in San Antonio de Areco after my amazing time at La Sofia Estancia.  They had called for me and confirmed my bus was not cancelled.  The transportation they arranged dropped   me off at the bus station in this small dusty town about 70 miles outside of Buenos Aires.  When I handed the woman at the counter my ticket she nodded no and gave me a refund.  Although she didn't speak English I got it, bus cancelled.  All the buses, all day, cancelled.  I took a seat outside the station to come up with a plan.  As two Swedish tourists approached I had my plan...follow the crowd.  They let me know they needed to get back to BA that day and I asked if I could tag along.   They were happy to have me along and  thought it would probably help them to have a girl with them.  We considered going to the bus station and hitchhiking but were able to meet a local guy who had to get to BA as well.  We followed him onto a local bus and the long journey began.  We stopped to pick-up and drop off people on the side of the road until we made it to a bigger town.  We then transferred to another bus and made it into BA after about a 4 hour trip.  I could have NEVER figured this out on my own, but by following the crowd I made it to my destination safe and sound.  SUCCESS!

So the moral of the story is do your research, be observant, and use following the crowd to get you safely to your destination!

Buenos Viajes!

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Getting Touristy in Buenos Aires

The word "Tourist" can often bring to mind giant Japanese tour groups, fanny packs, visors, maps out while blocking the sidewalk and cameras around the neck.  For the travelling community doing touristy things can be a faux pas.

This traveler is not above tourist activities.  Hence my two day hop-on-hop-off bus pass in Buenos Aires.  Buenos Aires is huge and I was travelling solo.  Where does one even start?  In hindsight the subway system is pretty manageable but just getting there I was overwhelmed.  Sometimes it is worth it to take the path of least resistance, shell out the cash, and hop on a bus that will take you everywhere you may need to go when you have limited time to take it all in.

From the top deck of my sweet ride I sat map and camera in hand, large headphones on, listening to tango music in between each slightly informative explanation.

Super tourists!

Buenos Aires is not a city where everything is in walking distance so transportation is a must.  Taxi's aren't too expensive, the subway system is easy, and there are tons of buses although that system is still a mystery to me.  The city is filled with parks and trees with purple flower lines branches.

From my comfy seat I was able to get a great overview of the city and all the tourist must sees.

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

And nowhere in BA is as touristy as this block of La Boca!  If you are looking for souvenirs and fun pictures La Boca is the place to go.  I was able to snag a knock off Messi jersey to wear to the Brazil vs. Argentina game (which doubled as a gift for my nephew, you are welcome Owen!).

I was also able to spot the illustrious professional dog walker from the bus, score!

Not sure how this guy can walk 7 dogs, I can barely manage to walk one!

If you are in a new city and don't know where to start don't be afraid to get a little, I mean a lot, touristy on hop-on-hop-off bus!!


Buenos Viajes!

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Northwest Escape: Hit the Slopes

In the Pacific Northwest we are so lucky that nature offers us so much.  From the sound to the lakes to the mountains it is an outdoor adventurer's playground.  Some people have to get on a plane to get to a ski resort.  Not us, we just need to hop in the car and pick from the many options.

Central Summit at Snoqualmie Pass

From Seattle there are multiple day trip options...Steven's Pass, Crystal Mountain, Etc.  There is also another option that avid skiers and snowboarders turn their nose up to...Snoqualmie Pass.  With Summit West, the Central Summit, Alpental and a snow tubing area it offers a lot just about 50 miles west of Seattle. How cool is that, in under a hour I can leave work and be on the slopes!

Sister bonding time on the slopes!

Yesterday I did just that.  With an afternoon off work my sister and I headed up to the mountain...her for her 2nd time ever snowboarding and me for my first time this season.  We left my office around noon, spent the afternoon on the slopes, and I was back in my work parking lot around 5:30pm!  In past years I have headed up after work and done a few hours of night snowboarding.  Being on the mountain is a local escape that makes me feel much further then 45 minutes outside of the city.  Being on the chair lift I'm thinking about not falling when I get off and how cold my cheeks are, not at all about my work to do list.

Getting off the lift is the scariest part...we managed to stay on our feet though!

Although they don't advertise it at the ticket booth, for $36 dollars you can get a "beginner pass" for the green lifts only.  The all day pass is $60 so if you are just learning you can save a lot by going with the beginner pass.

Bunny slope here we come!

It is already February so don't let this ski season pass you by.  If you are looking for a fun an adventurous day trip or evening activity go hit the slopes!

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