MEXICO // August 2015

Hola, Chicos and Chicas! Beuno Dias.

It’s been 6 days since I got back from Mexico annnnd man do I miss it. It’s definitely that stress-free feeling that I miss and maybe that unlimited supply of pina colada haha.

So baaasic summer recap, yes it all started with my first out-of-the-country-venture-on-your-own trip to Taiwan, transitioned into traveling with friends to New York city and finished my summer off with a vacation with my parents. Yup, I was indeed bit by that nasty travel bug. 

It was an AWESOME vacation, it had a mix of sightseeing, adventure and a lot of food...which really meant nachos. But hey! they made really yummy guacamole.  (I swear I had it for almost every meal, embarrassingly enough even for breakfast too). Mexico is such a beautiful place with their starry night skies, cenotes, and natural parks. They also try hard to help preserve it, e.g. by spreading information about using all-natural sunscreen and repellent so that when you're in the water it wouldn't damage the coral reefs, and so then tourists can still continue to visit these wonderful places for many years to come. It was hot and humid too, just like Taiwan. IF you watch my vlog, you can actually see the humidity . . . there are footages where you'll know LOL

if YOU get a chance: (definitely check out)

1. Xplor Park

2. Xel-Ha Park

3. Chichen- Itza (totes pronounced as chicken-pizza)

If you want to see it all, check out my vlog. Essentially 7 days in less than 7 mins (;

#1 Lesson that I Learned this Summer: are you ready for this cliché?
TAKE THOSE CHANCES. 

Sometimes it could work out amazingly; e.g, going through most of summer (f)unemployed.  

ORRR it doesn't. . like look at me trying to catch a rice ball LOL

Summer 2015 is filled with a lot of people i'm grateful for and cherishable moments, as it had a touch of everything. It was filled with so much laughter, love, new experiences, kindness, hard work, luck and joy! Thank you universe for a summer to remember. As my summer is nearing an end, or yours is maybe just beginning.. I really hope you make the most of it, and then prepare for another great year :) All the best! 

Thanks for reading,

& of course until next time,

Becca

NEW YORK // July 2015

Hola!

It's been a while, I know. Since my trip to Taiwan I've been out and about; hanged out with friends, volunteered, and soon enough I was on a plane again ready for my next adventure. 

(YYZzzz - oh early flights)

This time I got the opportunity to travel to New York for 4 days with some pretty kool people or just noobs.

(Noobs of New York)

What I learned about New York in that short period of time:

1. New Yorkers can walk. They can walk 10 blocks up/down/to their right or left and it's consider EEEEz or it's possibly the fastest / simplest way. One time, we asked for directions to the nearest subway entrance and the person just laughed at why we didn't walk it instead ... even though  it was 10 blocks or so away.  They're totally my kind of people though in the department of fast pace walkers. If they're not walking then they are indeed biking in their super nice bike lanes. 

2. Yes, you already assumed it right New York is a packed city. So we probably did a really good job at hitting up all the major tourists sites or it is just a crowded city indeed. The city is alive from morning to night!

3. New York Taxi Drivers are VERY skillful drivers. Safe? well I guess since I survived ha. The second time we rode in a taxi, our driver was fast ... and furious. That man made such a sharp turn from a tiny opening, sped through behind a firetruck, and bravely yelled at others to get out of the way because of the firetruck LOL. 

4.  While it's like a sauna down in the subway station. it's not a bad idea to purchase a metro card and  do what the New Yorkers do. Load it with money, and you would save a couple of cents if you're using it more than once.

5. There are hot dog stands and ice cream trucks basically on every street corner. If you have to stop at any stand DEFINITELY stop by The Halal Guys. Apparently there are fake ones and real ones according to The Halal Guy worker. 

(Monday Morning)

If you ever get a chance to visit New York, here are my top 3 tips:

1. Since it is very hot there during the summer time. Pack a hat, wear sun screen and bring a reusable bottle! Stay hydrated! 

2. If you are planning to visit most of the major NY attractions consider getting a New York Pass. The beauty of it is that it allows you to skip the long line ups at a few places, and by visiting a few on their list of attractions you would then already cover the cost of the pass.

Places We Visited (with it):

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• 9/11 Tribute Centre
• Central Park Bicycle Rentals & Tours
• New York Skyride 
• Rockefeller Center Tour
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Top of the Rock
• Statue of Liberty

3. Don't be afraid to just wing it. GO explore the city! The beauty of getting lost is the unexpected. We ended up at Time Square. PLUS there is bound to be wifi or someone to ask for directions nearby in case you do start to panic. If the person is just nodding to all your assumptions of direction, ask someone else just to be sure.  OR just let them speak first. 

To wrap it all up, here is my New York VLOG.

I actually regret not capturing more footage, but since I took this trip more as a vacation I guess my focus really wasn't on it. With whatever I got and made out of it, I know there are still some improvements to be made. Hopefully you still enjoyed it.

Thank you for reading :)

Until next time,

Becca