“]

Pamukkale [photo credit: LePendu

All you lucky people speeding off on the Mongol Rally are probably so busy finding visas, sponsors and more people to brag to that you might have forgotten about the most fun part – planning some sightseeing! The drive through Turkey’s colourful, heritage-rich landscape will be a highlight of your journey, but there’s so much in Turkey worth making a stop for.

Many Mongol Rally teams will be entering Turkey from Bulgaria, where Istanbul will be the first sojourn on your Turkish adventure. As you’ll discover, Istanbul is fully deserved of its manic reputation with bustling streets, beautiful buildings and exciting scents wafting around every corner.

Nowhere is more evident of Istanbul’s madness than at the Grand Bazaar, where over 4000 shops sell everything from camel bags to carpets. If you’re feeling brave you can try your hand at a spot of haggling, or just take in the unique atmosphere – if you can fend off the pushy shopkeepers, that is!

Not patient enough for the Grand Bazaar? You could always spend your time basking in the beauty of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and listening for the haunting refrain of the call to prayer, or just refuelling with a traditional dish of koftes or an authentic Shish kebab. A glass of ouzo wouldn’t hurt either, so long as it isn’t your turn to drive of course.

Pause at Pamukkale

Don’t linger too long in Istanbul because you can’t miss an afternoon at Pamukkale, an incredible natural hot spa site that’s often called the ‘Cotton Castle’.

This name refers to the enormous white travertine cliffs at the site, formed after years of hot calcium-rich water flowing over them and solidifying into natural pools. Tourists flock to Pamukkale to relax whilst on their holidays to Turkey, and it’s certainly the perfect place for Mongol Rally members to take a break from all that driving.

One of the most breathtaking sites to visit in Turkey is the ancient city of Ephesus, about three hours’ drive from Pamukkale but well worth the diversion. Located on the Aegean coast, Ephesus is the most well-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean – yes, it’s (arguably) better than visiting Rome itself!

In fact, this area of the world is quite the archaeological hotspot as only a walk away from Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis, which as any history buff will tell you, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Unfortunately only a few columns remain of this enormous marble temple, but it’s still fascinating to spend a little time in the area and visualise how majestic the temple had once been.

Life’s a Beach

The nearby resort of Bodrum is a firm favourite among Jet2holidays customers for its cheap hotels, and it’s the ideal place to spend the night, though you won’t be able to resist a few well-earned hours on its gorgeous beaches which are lapped by turquoise waters. The Underwater Archaeology Museum is here too, in the grounds of Bodrum Castle, an epic setting for any museum but particularly one that houses so many fascinating shipwrecks.

Unfortunately you will have to depart from Turkey at some point, but if your route to your next destination includes central Turkey, plot in a trip to Cappadocia.

This moonscape-like Volcanic site in Central Anatolia is so enchanting that it even merited a mention in the Bible, and nowadays there are painted churches, cave houses and intriguingly-shaped natural columns of rocks that are nicknamed ‘fairy chimneys’. Without a doubt it’s the most stunning landscape found anywhere in Turkey, and will leave an impression in your memory that you won’t forget for many miles, or even countries, to come.

I opened the door to room 210 slowly. The lights were off and the occupants were asleep. I crept inside, careful to shut the door quickly and quietly. Which is when my bag fell over and made a loud thud. I quietly cursed myself as I struggled to move my bag in the darkness and set my things on the bed.

I set the alarm on my iPhone for 6:20 a.m as I’m suppose to take a shuttle to Banff so I’ll arrive in time for snowshoeing today. Once the alarm is set, I grab the covers, lay down and attempt to sleep.

My sleep is a restless one. I know I only have 5.5hrs at the most before I need to be awake. Deep sleep eludes me.

After a few hours my mind starts to worry about the time. I slowly open my eyes and check my phone. 5:02 a.m. I reassure myself that I have over an hour left and go back to sleep. But it’s only for a short time. Soon I’m awake again. Laying in bed. Listen to the other girls sleep and hearing Adele’s Someone Like You play over and over in my head.

6:16 am. I give up and slowly sit up in bed. I silently gather my things in the dark, put on my flip-flops and quietly sneak out the door. I make my way downstairs and give my room key to the guy behind the desk. “That was a short sleep”, “Yeah, I need to catch a shuttle at 7:20, do you know the fastest way to 4th & 3rd?”

We chat a bit. Which 4th & 3rd? 4th Street & 3rd Ave? 4th Ave & 3rd Street? I don’t know. I can’t remember what I was told on the phone yesterday. All I know is that they were going to ask the shuttle to let me off in Banff instead of at Sunshine Ski & Snowboard Resort. I would have taken the Brewster shuttle, but I need to be in Banff by 1:15 am for my snowshoeing activity this afternoon.

After a few minutes, I gave up and decided to call the shuttle service. I’m sure they have an automated answering service with pick-up details. Everyone does, right? As I dial their number, I look more closely at my iPad. It’s not 6:20 a.m., it’s 4:20 a.m. I forgot to change the time on my iPhone when we landed! I could be sleeping for another 2 hours!!

I can’t believe my stupidity. How could I forget something so basic?!

The phone rings and then a guy answers. I curse to myself and hope I didn’t just wake him up. I ask where the stop is. It’s at 4th Ave & 3rd Street. Then I verify that I’m being dropped off in Banff. “No. We don’t drop off in Banff, we go to Sunshine only.” He sounds irritated. I thank him and hang-up.

My morning seems to be getting more complicated at times goes by. If I take the shuttle, I’ll have to go all the way out to Sunshine Village, then find a shuttle going back to Banff.  This would be okay, but it puts a rush on checking into the hotel and getting ready for snowshoeing. If I wait until 10:20 a.m. and take the Brewster bus, I won’t be in Banff in time to go snowshoeing. My only other option is the Greyhound bus at 7:45 a.m.

I guess I’m paying for a taxi to the Greyhound bus terminal and taking the Greyhound to Banff this morning. Hopefully I get on the bus (if there is a line, I may not even get on) and all will be smooth sailing once I get to Banff.

I still can’t believe that I forgot to change the time on my iPhone. As I write this post, all I can think about is the fact that I could be sleeping, if I hadn’t checked out.

Let’s hope there is a miracle when I arrive at the hotel in Banff and I’m able to check-in right away. That way I can lay down for a 2 hour power nap before I go snowshoeing!

At Dune 45 in Namibia

“Is this really my life?” I asked myself.

I signed on the do the Mongol Rally in December, and ever since then I have been busy. Very busy. Some days I become so consumed with what I need to do, that I forget to sit back and take a look at my life from a different angle.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the little things happening around me.

I’m not alone, I know this.

This past week I went to a taping of Cupcake Girls from inside a streetcar in Toronto. I had taken my best friend (we’ve known each other for 30+ years). I had made an absurd decision. I wore flip-flops. There was no snow on the ground, why should I wear boots?! I also didn’t wear a jacket. I’ve become really good at the mind over matter thing, so the cold didn’t really bother me.

People stared.

I figured all the stares were due to my brief break from sanity.

I was wrong, not all the stares had to due with my attire or lack there of. One stare was from a guy that I went to high school with.

During the event I chatted with my childhood BFF and we chatted about what each of us were up to. Travel was among our topics of conversation and as we were in a very crowded and confined space, the conversation floated beyond myself and my BFF.

It wasn’t until after I left and headed back to my car that I asked myself “Is this really my life?”.

When did I forget that I lead an amazing life? When did this become like just another day?

View of Sultan Mosque in Singapore

I’m lucky. I woke up and decided that I wanted more joy in my life. I made the choice to turn my lust for travel into a full-time obsession.  It’s something that many people dream about, but never do.

I’m not saying that if you’re not traveling, you’re not happy with your life. I’m saying if I am not travelling, I am not happy with my life.

It took a long time for me to throw caution to the wind and follow my heart. I dreamed of doing it for years. I talked of doing it for years. I came up with excuse after excuse about why I couldn’t do it, for years. Then my Grandmother became deathly ill and I started to look at the way I was living my life. I was tired. I was cranky. I was unhealthy.

I would cry when I returned home from vacation. Not because I was happy to be home. Because being home was depressing.

It wasn’t a cake-walk, giving up my life to blog and travel. It was challenging. Good thing I love challenges.

I’ve blogged for over 2 years now, and I am just starting to feel like I am getting this whole blog thing. I’m making connections. I’m making some money from my blog. I’m writing articles for other websites and getting paid for it!

I’m doing things that I never dreamed of doing and I love it.

Over the past few years I have hung around fellow bloggers and travellers. In those circles I feel shy and at times I have felt like I’m not doing this right. I’ve stressed. I’ve worried.

Then, I work harder. It’s kind of like I never left my retail management job.

Nicole, my childhood BFF, helped snap me out of my zombie-like state. I am living an amazing life. I’m doing what I love to do, and it makes me happy. I’m lucky.

Today, I’ve done some planning for the Mongol Rally. I’ve emailed potential sponsors. I’ve tweaked the SpunkyGirl Monologues Facebook page. I’ve also thought a lot about the countries I’ve traveled to and the ones I’ll be traveling to this year.

I’m still a travel newbie in terms of country counts, but that doesn’t make me less important than those who have been to more countries. I travel slow. I like to learn about new cultures, people and food. I’ve made friends with people from around the world. I’ve stopped worrying about having every detail taken care of. Now, I jump in with both feet and pray that I make it. I know that would freak some people out, but for me it’s a rush. It’s a challenge. It’s addictive.

I’m lucky. I live an amazing life. I turned my lust into an obsession that pays. 

Holy crap. This is really my life!!

I get to travel the world, and write about it. I get to meet cool people. I get to try new foods. I get to see new countries. I get to help friends with their travel questions. I get to read awesome emails from my readers. This is really my life.

I did it. I left my comfort zone. I went in search of my dream and I grabbed ahold of it with both hands. Sure, I still work hard to make this blog interesting and to create a community on Facebook. But it’s something I enjoy doing. It’s something I want to do. It makes me happy.

This is really my life.

I’m inclined to do the same thing this year, but I can’t as one of the conditions for the Mongol Rally is that all participants have travel insurance. Damn. Actually, considering the route we’ve chosen, travel insurance may be a good idea. So, here I am, at my laptop, thinking about travel insurance and starting a travel insurance compare spreadsheet. Ugh. I love spreadsheets at times, but taking an afternoon to look into travel insurance companies is never a fun task. This is probably another reason I’ve never bought travel insurance.

I’ve debated about going with World Nomads for some time, as their coverage seems to be pretty good and fairly cheap. I can handle spending $400 for 6 months of travel insurance. I wouldn’t want to pay more.

As I write this, I should probably mention that even when I’m at home, I rarely go to a doctor. I don’t have a phobia or anything like that, I just don’t go. Maybe it’s because I’m lazy. No, that can’t be it. I am lazy, but with other things.

Going to a doctor makes me want to poke my eyes out with a hot, jagged, rusty knife. I hate sitting in a waiting room full of people for an hour or more after my appointment was scheduled. I hate having to sit on an ice-cold table. I hate that when the doctor arrives they barely listen to what I’m saying and in 3 minutes they seem to have a diagnosis. It’s like they’re in a robotic state. Makes me crazy.

This probably explains why even though my left ankle started to throb in July, I have yet to see a doctor about it. I figure I can still walk on it, so why should I waste me time?! Besides, it’s getting better and doesn’t hurt as much as it use to.

So, I go online to find my medical information.

TELUS Infographic on Online Health Information Trends

I’ve recently been pointed to a Canadian health website by TELUS of all companies. To state that I was intrigued would be a gross understatement. TELUS is a telecommunications company in Canada. I would never think of them in terms of looking for health information, but I was curious and checked their site out.

My Health Reference is a new venture for TELUS and I have to say, I’m impressed. I spent a few hours poking around their website, looking at health, diet, travel and nutrition information. I especially love the ‘check your symptoms‘ portion of the website. I know, I know, this is not meant to replace doctors, but as a reference. Still, it’s kind of nice to sit down, plug-in my symptoms and save myself the agony (yes, for me it is agony) of visiting a doctor.

Plus, I am slightly addicted to infographics and love sharing them. Hence the one on the left side of this post. I find them interesting. Yes, I am a nerd when it comes to statistics!

Gee, if I cannot bring myself to visit a doctor in Canada, is it any wonder that I don’t even want to think about seeing a doctor when I’m traveling?

So, here I am, sitting at the table, researching medical questions and looking into various travel insurance plans and companies. <a href=”sarcasm”>It’s a fabulous way to spend a Saturday morning.</a>

As I prep for the Mongol Rally (you know, I actually have a goal to try to write at least one post where the words ‘Mongol Rally’ don’t appear, but it doesn’t seem to be working), I am not only looking for travel insurance information, but nutrition information as well. Although the Mongol Rally takes place inside a car and involves a lot of sitting, I want to prep myself mentally and physically for this adventure.

My plan is to re-work my nutrition and physical activity while I’m in Thailand. The foods in Asia are not as processed as they are in Canada and I tend to stay away from things like white bread, sugars, soda, and junk when I’m in Thailand. The fruit tastes amazing there, and I love that I can buy cheap and yummy pork or chicken skewers from street vendors at night. Oh, I am also addicted to peanuts that come mixed with raw sugar, chilies and kafir lime leaves.

Aside from the food, I want to make sure I’m getting enough vitamins and minerals while I’m gone, and that they are easy to find and cheap-ish to buy. This is something I’m researching on the My Health Reference site, as well as talking to friends who are naturopaths.

As you can see, I am more interested in researching nutrition ideas than I am in finding health or travel insurance. I’m pretty sure that makes no sense.

I’m also busy looking for information on exercise and the best way to get in shape while traveling. I don’t want to go to a gym and I’m pretty sure my bad knees would die if I attempted to ride a bike. I would go running or jogging but I have rather large boobs (which has been pointed out to me on every occasion possible, by random strangers, which includes old Chinese women), and I’m pretty sure I would poke my eyes out unless I wore like 5 sports bras. Plus, it would hurt.

So, that leaves walking, hiking, or canoeing (yeah, like I’ll be able to rent a canoe and glide along the Mekong River). Thankfully those are all things I enjoy doing.

I have almost 3 months on Thailand before the rally, which is a great way to get my nutrition and exercise started so that during the rally, and afterward, I keep going. 2012 is my year for adventure, but it is also my year of healthy habits and getting myself in shape physically and probably mentally as well. The trick is to not think about it too much. That way I don’t talk myself out of anything.

I still have two months before I leave for Thailand. It’s plenty of time for me to gather nutrition info and find a travel insurance company that I can afford and work with during the Mongol Rally. I’ll be using a lot of travel insurance compare sites to gather information. It’s not fun, but I guess it’s necessary. Ugh. I’d rather stick to the nutrition and health research. lol

Do you carry travel insurance? Which company do you use?

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Join the SpunkyGirl Monologues community on Facebook! I’d love to hear about your travel plans, thoughts about posts, travel tips, advice and questions. Feel free to post a link to your blog, or share a travel photo.

Travel doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can travel. You don’t need to cross the ocean to have real life experiences. You can have them in your own backyard if you’re open to them. Be fierce. Be spontaneous. Explore. Discover. Learn. Share. Repeat.

Chiang Mat Transportation at its best!

Believe it or not, I’m not writing this in response to a post by another blogger about why they don’t like Chiang Mai. Nope. I’m writing this post because I barely booked a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I haven’t booked my flight to Bangkok yet, but I’ve covered my trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I always do this backwards!

I cannot tell you how many time this past year I’ve said I was going back to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I lost count. I got as far as Penang, Malaysia in September, but never made it up to Chiang Mai or Bangkok. I know, it’s disgraceful and I let down a few people when I didn’t go.

I must admit, I was reluctant to return. From November to February, Thailand is busy and Chiang Mai seems to be overrun with people. As a girl who doesn’t like to be around throngs of tourists 24/7, I was eager to avoid the crush. Which is one of the reasons why I didn’t go. I know, it’s shameful. Also, there seemed to be a lot of bloggers going there, and as much as I love hanging with other bloggers, I like feeling as though I’m exploring on my own as well. But, I’m making up for it now, well, soon.

I’ve been in Canada for 2 months now, and as much as I love my home country, I am ready to be out on the road, exploring. So, last week I started exploring my options. I have done a little travel in Canada and the US, but I miss warm weather. Yes, there are many places I can go that are warm and sunny.

Why am I choosing Chiang Mai?

My favourite Wat in Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang

SANITY! I love being in Canada and spending so much time with my family, but I’m craving a life that is more quiet. I crave days on end with no TV (hard to escape when you live in someone else’s house and don’t have your own space), and waking up to the sound of monks chanting. I miss my days of walking around the old city, writing, napping, walking some more and hitting up Chiang Mai Gate food stalls for dinner.

In other words, I want to go somewhere that can be quiet so I can work when I need to, somewhere that can be exciting and inspirational when I need a little jolt. I want to go somewhere cheap, where I can spend very little money (After all, the Mongol Rally starts in 6 months and I’m going to need my money as backup for that trip, and then for my Silk Road adventure as well). I want to go somewhere that feels like a second home, but is still intriguing to me. Hello, Chiang Mai!

When Will I Return?

I am thrilled to announce that I will return to Chiang Mai on March 31, 2012. I’ve decided to fly up from Bangkok. I know, I know. I can take a train or a bus for a lot cheaper than flying. Usually I would go for this option, but I had a credit with Air Asia that I had to use by tomorrow (Jan 25th), so I used some of it to book a flight up to Chiang Mai. Wahoo for flying to Chiang Mai for FREE!!

What Will I Do?!

THAT is the easy part! Work and play and eat and explore and repeat. I’ll continue to plan and prepare for the Mongol Rally while I’m in Chiang Mai. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and I’m totally committed to doing it from Chiang Mai. If I need to get up at 3 am to have Skype calls with Sponsors or my teammates, then that is exactly what I will do. Living in Chiang Mai won’t change my dedication to the rally and my team. But that is not all…

• I’ll also be covering some stories in and around Chiang Mai for some online publications.
• I’ll be writing more exciting stories for THIS blog.
• I’ll be attending a friend’s wedding (Lindsay and Daniel, I am so excited for you!)
• Songkran, the world’s biggest water fight!!! I’m doing some vloging of the event. I also plan to wear neon face paint and carry a massive supersoaker. I. AM. READY!
• Visit with friends living in Chiang Mai
• Day trips to country villages
• Learn to drive a scooter -so scared!
• Learn how to cook Thai food
• Learn Thai!! I should probably be able to say more than ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank-you’

Booking a Plane Ticket = Pure Joy

Temple at Ratchapruek Park just outside Chiang Mai

As a girl who has serious wanderlust, it should be no surprise that I am jumping-for-joy with excitement about returning to Thailand and to Chiang Mai. At the beginning of the year I had absolutely no plans to return to Thailand in 2012, however things have changed. I will be returning to Thailand -thanks to a seat sale from Air Canada.

Chiang Mai seems to be getting some negative press and I’m saddened by this. It’s not the be all and end all place, but it is definitely a place that everyone should visit at least once. The people are lovely and the food is yummy and cheap. There are tons of markets and Wats. In my opinion, there is something for everyone -unless you’re a mega party person.

Chiang Mai, I cannot wait to see you!

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Join the SpunkyGirl Monologues community on Facebook! I’d love to hear about your travel plans, thoughts about posts, travel tips, advice and questions. Feel free to post a link to your blog, or share a travel photo.

Travel doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can travel. You don’t need to cross the ocean to have real life experiences. You can have them in your own backyard if you’re open to them. Be fierce. Be spontaneous. Explore. Discover. Learn. Share. Repeat.

My reservation was for 5:00 p.m., the first seating of the evening. It’s off-season in Niagara, so I’m not too worried about there being a crush of people in the restaurant. I like my quiet time.

I was seated by the window with a view of both sides of Niagara Falls and my waiter’s name was Fernando -he came complete with salt & pepper hair and an accent. It’s like you shipped him to Canada, just for me!

As a girl on a budget, I rarely treat myself to a gourmet meal, so I was on my best behavior. There was a moment when all the silverware confused me, but then I remembered Pretty Woman and I was totally okay.

I ordered a glass of Chateau des Charmes Icewine and the Lobster Bisque to start. Did you know that you can drink Icewine with any course? I don’t think you do because the glass I received was very tiny. It was like a frosted fluted shot glass. It was weird, every time I picked the glass up, my pinky finger would stick out like I was at Afternoon Tea.

The Lobster Bisque came in a pretty white bowl and was an orangey-red in colour, with a spinach oil drizzled on top. It smelled divine. I waited for Fernando to finish explaining the soup before I slowly dipped my spoon in. I was slow and trying desperately to hold my hand steady as I raised the spoon to my mouth and allowed the bisque to slip between my lips, into my mouth and down my throat. It was delicious. I felt triumphant. I lowered the spoon into the bowl and raised it to my mouth again. As I let the bisque slide down my throat, warming my tummy, I noticed something heinous. There was an orangey-red drop of bisque on my white shirt which was under my grey one!

I looked around slowly. Nobody saw. Thank goodness. I quickly adjusted my grey shirt and my cardigan so nobody could see the spot. When I was satisfied that all was okay, I  picked up my spoon and slipped it into the bisque again.

I managed to drink 2 or 3 more spoonfuls before it happened again, except there was the spot was on my grey shirt. Thankfully it was hard to see! Then I looked down and notice two more spots on your lovely white tablecloth. Damn. It’s kind of hard to hide my faux pas once the table-cloth has been stained. I think it was then that I blushed and my hand became even less steady as I tried even harder to be a lady.

My next few spoonfuls were quick. My goal was to get the bisque into my mouth before I spilt more. Once it was in my mouth, I savored it, especially the succulent chunks of lobster meat. Every time Fernando came by, I was nervous. What would he think? I was trying so hard to be a lady and look like I actually belonged in your restaurant! And then, it happened. Something worse than spilling bisque on my shirt. I raised the spoon to my mouth, got distracted and dropped bisque into my hair! My hair! OMG what the hell is wrong with me? Who in the hell drips bisque into their hair?!?!?! I admit, my hair was resting on my shoulders, but still!! To say I was mortified is an understatement. This was definitely a first for me.

I must confess, when I dripped bisque into my hair, I gave up. That was it for me. There was no way I was going to attempt to put spoonfuls of your delicious creation in my mouth. If I had been at a regular restaurant, I may have lowered my standards and asked for a mug. But no, not here, not in your fancy dancy restaurant.

Fernando was lovely. He was gracious and never let on that he knew about the bisque. Of course, he didn’t know it had landed in my hair as well. I had orginally planned to leave and head out to see friends, but after failing to finish the bisque I felt guilty and ordered the lamb, which, by the way, was amazing! I’ve had lamb many times before, but this time it was succulent and not as gamey.

So, yeah, I’m sorry about the tablecloth. I know white is classy and all, but you can’t possibly be surprised by the fact that someone dropped food on it and stained it. Can you?

Anyway. Thank-you for the food and the memories, and once again, sorry about my non-ladylike behavior. Next time I promise to do better. I’ll order salad instead!

Sincerely,

A Traveling Foodie

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Join the SpunkyGirl Monologues community on Facebook! I’d love to hear about your travel plans, thoughts about posts, travel tips, advice and questions. Feel free to post a link to your blog, or share a travel photo.

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Wine Tasting at Thirty Bench Winery

**Author’s note: Last year I participated in my first snow sport, snowboarding. It was fun. It was also a little painful. I don’t normally do snow sports, however I feel that I need to try new things and expand my horizons. PLUS, my complete ineptitude could make a great story. At least that is what I tell myself when I agree trying a new snow sport -even though I usually injure myself. **

I arrived at Thirty Bench Winery early, like an hour early. I was meeting Dave & Deb from The Planet D as we were going to be snowshoeing in the winery -our first Icewine festival activity of the day.

I have never, in my life, snowshoed. Never. However when I heard that Thirty Bench Winery was holding a snowshoe event in the winery, I couldn’t resist. How many people can say they have gone snowshoeing in a vineyard? Now how many people can say they went snowshoeing in a vineyard and tasted wine?! Yeah, now you know why I just had to do it.

The snowshoes were lined up in the snow. It was a gorgeous day. The sky was a clear blue. The sun was shining, and the air was cool. It was the perfect day to go snowshoeing. Especially since this would be my first time.

I sat at a picnic table and let Adrienne strap the snowshoes to my UGGs, giggling over the fact that I had used duct tape to cover a hole in the toe of my left boot. The snowshoes felt snug as I stood up and took my first steps. I felt awkward and weird. The front of my boots were strapped in, but the heel moved freely. I tend to walk with my feet sticking out slightly, so having big snowshoes strapped to my feet was an adjustment. Not a big one. I don’t walk like a penguin or anything. But, snowshoes are big and if I wasn’t careful I would trip and fall.

As we started down the first row, I began to feel a slight tightening in my ass. Then, I felt the slight tightening become more pronounced. “Uh, why does my ass hurt?” I asked to nobody in particular. The ground wasn’t that bad and there wasn’t a lot of snow. Obviously it’s been awhile since I’ve used my ass muscles (Too much info? I don’t even know what it would mean to have toned ass muscles).

Freshly fallen snow dusted our first wine tasting table.  Instead of wiping it off, our guide, Janine, simply placed the glasses on the table and poured the wine. As she poured, several of us took a few minutes to snap photos of ourselves with the antique door hanging from a tree branch just off to our right. It sounds odd, but it was seriously cool. I love it when people use antiques in gardens and forested areas.

Deb, SpunkyGirl & Dave

The wine was white and crisp. Dave, Deb and I were busy taking photos while the rest of the group drank.  When we were finished we didn’t have time to be leisurely. I sipped my wine and set off for the next tasting in the middle of the vineyard.

“You can go down any row you want” Adrienne stated, “The ones with the branches in the middle have just been trimmed.” I thought about it for a moment and chose a row without vine branches. It seemed like a wise choice. No branches, no falling. Makes sense, right? What Adrienne failed to mention (or what I failed to hear) was that the rows with no vine branches had been tilled, making the ground very bumpy and uneven. Can you sense where this story is going?

I clumped (I am aware that this is not the proper use for this word, but I’m using it this way) down the row. My snowshoes gripped the ground, but I felt unsteady. The group was far ahead, but I didn’t really worry about it. I relished in the quiet. Looking at the bare vines making neat rows in the distance. Lifting my legs was a challenge. My ass didn’t hurt anymore, but my thighs were starting to feel it. It was a good burning feel though, and I quietly coached myself as I walked. Dave & Deb were lagging behind as well, but not due to lack of fitness. They were busy filming for their snowshoeing video. I was just awkward and slow.

I don’t know how it happened. I think I was distracted and not paying attention. One minute I was clumping down the row, with Deb beside me and the next minute I was falling. Yes, falling! Believe it or not, I fell, while snowshoeing, in a vineyard, with hardly any snow on the ground. I think i tripped over myself. Thankfully I didn’t take any vines down with me!

Deb helped me stand back up again, and we were off. Well, Deb and Dave were off. I was clumping at a slower rate. It wasn’t the burning in my thighs that I was feeling. It was the tension and pain in my groin that had my attention. Now, who in the hell falls will snowshoeing and pulls their groin muscle?!

By the time I made it to the second wine tasting, the group was finished and ready to move on, and Dave and Deb were busy filming. Meanwhile, I was in pain. I could barely walk. I was aware of the fact that I could take my snowshoes off and walk back, but I didn’t want to wimp out half way through. No, I wanted to be a sadist and keep going. After all, what kind of story would this be if I wimped out and walked back in my boots!

I’d like to say that I became one with the pain, but it’s not really true. I cursed the pain. The next row I clumped down was covered in trimmed vine branches. I figured it would be better than a tilled row. I was slow and methodical as I tried to move my legs higher to avoid getting tangled. The vineyard was quiet and being last gave me a chance to enjoy the solitude. Sure, I was slightly injured and in pain, but I was still enjoying myself. I was snowshoeing for the first time, in a winery and tasting wine!

The last half of the event was slow and even more painful. I filled Deb and Dave in on my wee injury, but I kept going. Thankfully the ground was normal again and snowshoeing wasn’t as difficult as before. As we neared the end of the event I gave a quiet thank-you. Walking without snowshoes would still be painful, but not as much as walking with them. I walked around the side of the winery Boutique and joined the rest of the group at the picnic tables, sat down and loosened my snowshoes. It felt good to get them off.

We sat down at a picnic table and chatted about the experience while sipping on hot Wild Mushroom soup, nibbling some bread, and sipping red wine, as well as a glass of icewine. It was an absolutely lovely experience. One which I would do again in a heartbeat!

If you’re thinking of going to Niagara for the Icewine festival on a weekend, give snowshoeing at Thirty Bench Winery a try. The cost is $30 per person. The snowshoeing runs from now until February 26, 2012.

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Socrates, Monkey 007 & My Breakfast Cupcake

It’s true I pigged out in New York. It was hard not to. How on earth could I travel to New York and starve myself?! No, no, that just would not do!

The afternoon I arrived in New York, I was slammed with appointments. Touring a couple of hotels, then going to Brooklyn to check out some of Charlie’s photographs at an exhibit, then off to meet a couple of fellow travel bloggers. When I finally returned to Yotel at 10pm, I was starving! Lucky for me there was a vendor outside the hotel selling gyros and other goodies. I ordered a couple of extra spicy lamb gyros, went up to my hotel room, turned on the TV, sat at the desk and began to slowly eat and work. Yes. A friday night in New York and I was in my room by 10:30pm licking my lips after each bite of my spicy lamb gyro. [I wonder if he delivers to Canada...]

The following morning I was set to meet Alisha and explore Coney Island. It was 9 am and the streets of New York were almost bare. There were hardly any people around. Most of the shops were closed. When I saw a sign reading ‘Crumbs Bake Shop’, I thought of fresh bread or bagels. When I opened the door, I almost jumped with glee. The place was full of cupcakes. Delicious, yummy, perfectly moist, cupcakes. It was obvious to me that I must eat a cupcake for breakfast. So, I did!

I was told to wait for Alisha at The Pulp & The Bean in Brooklyn, near Franklin Ave subway stop. It was there that I drank the most amazing iced chai latte of my life! It was so tasty, I drank two of them while I waited for her. [I hear Margaret Thatcher went here like a year ago]

Alisha and I wandered along the boardwalk and pier in Coney Island for a time before making our way to Nathan’s for one of their famous hotdogs. I was a tad plain and ordered a hotdog with sauteed onions. Alisha was more daring and ate a chili cheese dog. Oh, that hotdog tasted good. If it wasn’t so busy, I may have ordered a second one for the road.

When I left Alisha in Brooklyn, I felt satisfied, but not full. This was a good thing as I was to meet Charlie and Sherry in the West Village for dinner. Our meeting spot was Buvette, a lovely french gastroteque on Grove Street. I enjoyed a glass of champagne with raspberries as I waited for Charlie and Sherry. Once they arrived we ordered 4 cheese plates which came with crusty country bread slightly soaked in olive oil. We chatted and ate, and ate and chatted. It was delicious. I could have sat there until closing. I’ll definitely be returning to Buvette the next time I’m in New York.

After Buvette we walked to Washington Square and then to The Meatball Shop for dinner. We decided to eat family style and ordered a Hero Meatball Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Spicy Pork Meatballs, Salad, and Mashed Potatoes, plus these massive ice cream cookies for dessert. When we finished eating, I was full! Oh, I slept so good that night. Wow, what a food day!

Sunday was a bit slower pace, but not in terms of food. Sunday was Brunch at DohYo! For $35 I received all I could eat gourmet tapa-style dishes and all I could drink cocktails. My first course consisted of a Bloody Mary, Crunchy Shrimp [which I still dream about], Crab Wontons and Bacon. My second course was Sake Sangria, Halibut Sliders, and a Seared Tuna Salad. My third and final course was a Lychee Bellini, french toast and some mexican dish with tortilla chips, a black bean sauce and an egg ontop. I ate for 90 minutes and continued to drink for another 90. When brunch was finally over I went to my room for a nap! That evening I decided to stay close to the hotel as I had a 6am flight. So, I put on some okay clothes, walked downstairs and ordered spicy lamb gyros.

So, yeah. I went to New York and ate. A lot. The only photos I took of my food was at Brunch on Sunday. I guess I was too busy eating to bother with my camera.  Guess who is planning a dinner of Edamame beans this week? ME!!

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Crazy Yak? statue at Yotel

I walked through the front door into a clean, white, modern style lobby. On the left wall was a row of flat screen computers used for self check-in, to my right was a glass wall. On the other side of the glass wall was a huge mechanical arm and rows of floor to ceiling square compartments. I stood there and watched as the robotic arm opened a compartment, then retrieved a piece of luggage and placed it in a little opening in the wall. It was beyond cool. I could have stood there for over an hour, watching.

I heard of Yotel from Andrew Hickey (@BrooklynNomad), and after glancing through their website, I definitely wanted to check it out.

Yotel is one of a handful of funky boutique hotels in New York, and one of the first flexible hotels in the area. This is the first hotel I’ve been to that was moveable walls which convert a day lounge to a night club, or low Japanese style tables on hydraulics that can be lowered to be flush with the floor, creating an extra dance floor inside a restaurant.

But the moveable walls and tables are not the only thing that makes this hotel stand out. There is the sound architect who designed the music which plays in the small lounge/eating area leading from the hotel concierge to DohYo restaurant. There is the huge outdoor terrace with fabulous views of the city. There is free wifi!

My cabin was on the 26th floor. The room was simple, clean, minimal and modern. The walls were white. Everything was white, except for the floor which was purple. There was a floor to ceiling window at the far end of the room and a glass shower. The bed was in an upright position and on the side of the desk was a button to make the bed lay flat. It was Friday, and all I could think about was relaxing in my room and enjoying the peace and solitude -something I’ve been craving a lot lately.

Inside my Yotel cabin

Sleeping was not as easy as I hoped it would be. The hotel was quiet and the room was dark enough, but the bed was hard. On the first night I had visions of being back in Asia where comfortable beds don’t seem to exist. But, in order to have a bed that moves from a laying position to a sitting position, you would need a firmer mattress. It’s a small price to pay (in my opinion). On my second night sleep came easier and I didn’t really notice the firmness of the bed.

As much as I would have liked to hibernate in my room (I’m still craving my own quiet space), I was in New York. I cannot spend an entire weekend in New York in my hotel room, no matter how good my view was.

View from my cabin

As some of you may have read, I decided to visit DohYo! for Sunday Brunch, an event that sounded way too good to be true. I had a blast. Fabulous gourmet tapas-style dishes, free-flowing cocktails, a live DJ and lots of great people watching. It’s an event that I recommend to everyone who will be in New York on a Sunday (reservations are a good idea).  If you’re not available for Sunday Brunch, then stop by during your stay for lunch or dinner. There won’t be crowds of people, but the food is still amazing.

New York is a unique city and if you ask me, in order to visit a unique city, you should stay in a unique hotel. Yotel staff are accommodating and friendly. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The restaurant serves delicious food which I am still craving, AND everyone (guests and visitors) who visit the restaurant, café or nightclub on FOUR receives FREE WIFI! That is something very unique and not just in New York.

Have you stayed at Yotel or one of New York’s other boutique hotels?

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Join the SpunkyGirl Monologues community on Facebook! I’d love to hear about your travel plans, thoughts about posts, travel tips, advice and questions. Feel free to post a link to your blog, or share a travel photo.  

Travel doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can travel. You don’t need to cross the ocean to have real life experiences. You can have them in your own backyard if you’re open to them. Be fierce. Be spontaneous. Explore. Discover. Learn. Share. Repeat. 

View of Coney Island from the Pier

The subway car was nearly empty as it stopped at W 8th Street NY Aquarium. Alisha and I got off and walked through the station, down the stairs and onto the street. The sun was shinning, the sky was clear and blue, the air was cool, but not cold and there was no snow on the ground.  ’This is January, in Brooklyn, right?!’, I thought. I was amazed. When I thought of traveling to New York in January, I thought of snow and cold and ice and many layers of clothing. I didn’t think of spring weather. Yet, here I was, in New York (Brooklyn to be specific), and it felt like spring.

Rides at Coney Island

Alisha and I walked from the subway and towards the boardwalk, passing the Coney Island fairgrounds. The rides were motionless. Quiet. Their playtime over, and hibernation in full swing. On a day like this, I fully expected the rides to spring to life, as if they were dying to be naughty, just a little bit. Sadly, they didn’t. They remained motionless and quiet.

I asked to take this photo, and they barely understood me!

As we stepped onto the boardwalk I felt as though I was in a different place. In front of me was a beautiful sandy beach and the ocean. The board was alive with people speaking in Eastern European languages and if I closed my eyes, I could imagine I was standing somewhere along the Black Sea. But, I’m not somewhere along the Black Sea, I’m in Coney Island, looking at Lower Bay in the Atlantic.

Closed shops & food stalls

Most of the shops and food stalls along the boardwalk have been closed. Some are closed for the season, hibernating with the rides. Many have been closed permanently. Alisha explained that New York is trying to renew Coney Island and that in the process, the old favorites have been closed down. It’s saddening. To me, Coney Island is quirky and charming, or so that is how I have imagined it. This is my first visit, and I’m cursing myself for not visiting in 1998 or 2008, back when Coney Island was old, funky, quirky and full of character and charm.

Childs Restaurant Building

Walking along the boardwalk, I couldn’t help but notice the former Childs Restaurant Building in the distance. I’ve seen this  building in movies and it’s crumbling facade was beckoning to me. A Spanish Colonial Revival style building, sitting alongside the boardwalk, shelter Easter European immigrants who set up old metal and plastic lawn chairs, and soak in the sun. I took so many photos of this building. I loved the mixture of beige stucco, red brick, white tile and decorative blue tile. It was truly beautiful.

Nathan's Hotdogs!

I’m told that a trip to Coney Island is not complete unless you inhale a hotdog from Nathan’s. As a hotdog fan, I was not going to argue with Alisha when she suggested we go there. Sad as we were about the boardwalk location being closed for the season, our spirits quickly rose when we visited the orginial location which is kiddy-corner to the Coney Island/Stillwell subway station.

I order a hotdog with sauteed onions and added ketchup and spicy mustard. Alisha ordered a chili cheese dog. We found a round stone table outside and sat down to eat, the wind blowing enough that we had to use our cell phones to keep the napkins from blowing away.

Sign for the Coney Island Museum

After practically swallowing my hotdog whole, we continue our walk and came across the Coney Island Museum. As I opened the door and stepped over the threshold, I was greeted by a 50s style bar at the far end, small square tables with rounded chairs, old signs, an old jukebox and Coca-Cola Cooler. The place was quirky and odd and I was loving it. Only a few people were around, mostly locals. The museum was open, but we chose to not go upstairs. Instead, I walked around taking photos and contemplating about buying a painted domino necklace.

Coney Island in winter is a deserted wonderland. Most of the people walking around are locals, and many of the shops and food stands are closed. But that shouldn’t stop you from going, especially if you enjoy people watching. Have you visited Coney Island? What is your favorite part?

To view the rest of my Coney Island photos visit my flickr set.

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Join the SpunkyGirl Monologues community on Facebook! I’d love to hear about your travel plans, thoughts about posts, travel tips, advice and questions. Feel free to post a link to your blog, or share a travel photo.

Travel doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can travel. You don’t need to cross the ocean to have real life experiences. You can have them in your own backyard if you’re open to them. Be fierce. Be spontaneous. Explore. Discover. Learn. Share. Repeat.