Browsing category: Exploration

  • September 30, 2020

    Grand Canyon National Park

    While we were Las Vegas for a lot of rock climbing, we decided to detour to Grand Canyon National Park for a couple of days.  Grand Canyon National Park ~4.5 hours away from Las Vegas. 

    We visited the park in February 2018 which is considered part of their Winter months (December, January, February).  It is definitely low season during that time.  We were able to walk-in to a campsite late at night and there were only two other parties we could see.  To visit the park, you can access Grand Canyon National Park via the North or South Entrance.  To get from the South Rim to the North Rim, it requires ~220 miles of driving! 

    NORTH RIM

    The North Rim or the “other side” of the Grand Canyon is typically less travelled.  That area is the park is closed during the winter months due to snow, so we were not able to access that area in the time we went to visit the Grand Canyon.  Typical North Rim season runs from May 15 to through October 15.  Check the park website for park closure updates if you plan to visit the North Rim around the start and end of the season.  If your travel dates fall within the right season and/or you’ve already visited the South Rim (and can easily detour to the North Entrance), I’d highly recommend visiting the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.  It offers similar views like Point Imperial with less traffic.  

    SOUTH RIM

    We drove to the South Entrance since the North Entrance was closed (due to snow).  The South Rim is opened 365 days a year.  There are shuttle busses that run around the park to most destinations if parking is difficult.  Since we were visiting during low season, we didn’t need to take any shuttle busses because there was ample parking at all locations.  We only visited the park for 1 night, 2 days and we didn’t hike down to the canyon since it was such a short visit. 

    • Drove to Hermit’s Rest and explored all of the different viewpoints along Hermit Road.  Since we were visiting during February, no shuttle buses run along this road during that time, so we were able to drive on this road with the van.  
    • Sunset at Hopi Point.  There were other people that were also there to enjoy the sunset.  I’d imagine this location gets really busy during the summer months.  We got here early and I prepared dinner in the van in the Instant Pot.  We let the Instant Pot get to pressure and cook while we watched the sunset outside.  Afterwards, we ate dinner in the van.  It was perfect.  You can probably go to any viewpoint to relax and watch the sunset/sunrise.  You’ll mostly be battling the crowds since all of the viewpoints do not require a hike and let’s face it, it’s a national park. 
    • Camped at Mather’s Campground.  Like I mentioned previously, walk-in reservations are only taken during the winter months so we did not have to make reservations in advance.  There were plenty of available campsites to choose from when arrived late at night. 
    • Sunrise at Mather Point.  This location was probably even more busy than watching the sunset at Hopi Point.  If you plan to come here over the summer for sunrise, be prepared to battle the crowds.  After the sunrise, we returned to the van to have a pancake breakfast before we got back onto the road to go to Las Vegas. 

    One our way back to Las Vegas, we detoured along Historic Route 66!

  • January 12, 2019

    Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

    Due to the vicinity of these national parks, I bundled them into one post.  Both parks are about a 30min drive from eachother, so it makes sense to visit both if you are in the area.  After our first “Pacific Northwest Leg”, Terence and I knew we wanted to spend the Fall and early winter days in the Southeast.  The first stop of Red River Gorge in Kentucky.  On our way to Kentucky, we stopped at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks prior to our drive towards the Red.  They were quick half day visits to each before we headed back onto the road. 

    Arches National Park

    Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches.  We arrived at the park a little after 12pm.  Before you venture off to visit any arches, I’d highly recommend watching the orientation video at the visitor center to give you a little history of the park and how the arches were formed.  

    Since we only had a half day, we decided to first visit the Delicate Arch, the most famous one in the park.  It is the largest free-standing arch in the park standing at 46 feet high and 32 feet wide.  You cannot see the arch from the main park road.  To view it, you can either see it from the “Delicate Arch Viewpoints” (Lower: 91m or Upper: 0.8km w/ stairs) or take the Delicate Arch trail (3 miles / 4.8 Km).  NOTE, this is a popular trail and a popular tourist attraction.  If you plan on taking a picture of the arch with an unobstructed view you are better off coming here early in the morning or right before sunset.  

    After our quick roundtrip hike to Delicate Arch, since we still had a little more time before sunset, we decided to do a quick walk to Landscape Arch. 

    Canyonlands National Park

    Canyonlands is divided into three sections: Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.  It takes hours to go from one section to the other as they have separate entrances so plan your visit accordingly.  We only had time to visit Island in the Sky since the entrance was closest to our overnight camping area. 

    We didn’t wake up for the sunrise, but I hear the sunrises are beautiful at Mesa Arch. 

    Afterward, we went to Grand View Point Overlook. 

    Shortly after, we got a quick snack in Moab and went back on the road!

     

    Climbing

    There is some rock climbing available in the national park and in Moab.  Be sure to read all of the regulations required prior to climbing, including registration of a free permit.  We didn’t climb here as we only spent one-day exploring the national park.  We didn’t spend much time here, however we definitely will someday! 

    Camping

    We stayed on Bureau Land Management (BLM) land off of Willow Springs Road (BLM 378 – Coordinates: 38.696762, -109.698364).  It is located on a dirt road right off of US-191, but we saw plenty of large RVs parked here overnight.  It can get noisy and busy over the weekend, but overall it was not bad for free dispersed camping.  Reasonable access to Moab, Arches and Canyonlands.  

     

    Water Fill:  N/A We did not fill water in the area. 

    Showers:  N/A We did not shower in the area. 

     

  • November 30, 2018

    Crater Lake National Park

    Crater Lake National Park is about a 2.5 hr drive from Bend, OR.  We decided to do a quick stop to Crater Lake National Park on our way back to the Bay Area to visit family.  Plus, I wanted to get my passport sticker and park cancellation stamp.  😉 

    Driving to Crater Lake, we did not realize it had snowed recently.  There were no chain requirements since it wasn’t currently snowing, but it had snowed within the week which left a perfect blanket of snow over the mountains.  

    Crater Lake is a deepest lake in the USA and was formed over 7,700 years ago.  If you are planning to drive here, especially during the winter keep note of the road closures on the national park website.  I usually check before we start driving, but for some reason I didn’t that day.  Terence and I were trying to access the park via the North Entrance road which was closed for the “winter” (it was September) due to snow.  Had I known, we would have saved about 30-40 minutes of driving, but it’s okay!  We were able to access the lake via the South Entrance and hang out at the Rim Village.  It was a quick sight seeing visit and then we were back on the road.  

     
     
  • October 6, 2018

    Seattle

    Oh, Seattle.  🙂 

    Where to Stay? 

    There are a lot of places to stay in Seattle.  Depending on what you are intending to get out of the city and whether or not you have a car might determine the best location to stay in.  We’ve stayed in Ballard, Pike Place Market, and Capitol Hill! 

    Places to Eat 

    There are so many different types of food and so many great restaurants and eateries in Seattle.  Here are some of my favorites: 

    OYSTERS / SEAFOOD:  Seafood or oyster happy hour is a MUST when visiting! 

    • Walrus and the Carpenter (Ballard):  Happy hour, Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 6pm.  Great selection of oysters.  If they are busy, you can try their sister restaurants.  I haven’t tried them yet. 

     

    • The White Swan Public House (South Lake Union):  Happy hour, Tuesday to Saturday (one of the few places that offers Happy Hour on a Saturday), 3pm to 6pm. 
    • Elliot’s Oyster House (Seattle Waterfront):  Happy hour, 3pm to 6pm.  Nice seafood restaurant if you’re looking for a nice (expensive) seafood meal.  
    • Pike’s Place Chowder (Downtown):  If you are in the mood for chowder, they are famous for it.  If you haven’t had it before, it’s worth of visit, but probably only a place you’d try once.  Pro Tip:  There is a second location in the mall, typically with no wait. 
    • Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar:  I actually haven’t been, but their reviews look promising.  They have multiple locations around the city. 

    MUST VISIT PLACES

    • Salumi Artisan Cured Meats (Pioneer Square):  If you plan to visit, check out their store hours.  They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays which impact weekend tourists.  I love coming here and getting cured meats to bring home.  If you’re stopping to eat, I’d highly recommend the Porchetta sandwich! 
    • Paseo Caribbean Food (Fremont, Industrial District):  The first location is the original.  Terence thinks this place is overrated, but I really like it!  I love the “Caribbean Roast sandwich”.  Beware there sandwhiches are large and messy, but delicious.  
    • Molly Moons:  There are multiple locations throughout the city.  I’m a big fan of their “Earl Grey” ice cream.  

    There are so many restaurants and eateries I couldn’t name them all.  Some other notable places for a fancy sit down place is Rockcreek Seafood and Spirits.  We celebrated our anniversary here and it was exquisite. 

    Things to See

    (1) Pike’s Place Market:  Lots of fresh seafood, flowers, produce, etc.  Here you can watch the infamous “fish throwing”.  Popular places to visit in the market area: 

    • The original Starbucks.  I wouldn’t recommend ordering anything here.  The line is usually out the door and the menu is the same as every other Starbucks. 
    • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese:  Do you like their cheese?  Try the mac and cheese here! 
    • Piroshky Piroshky: Russian pastries. 

    (2) Space Needle?  Fremont Troll?:  If you haven’t seen it before and you’re in the area, check it out.  

    (3) Ferry to Bainbridge Island:  Have a full day of exploration?  Explore Bainbridge Island.  

    (4) Explore the OUTdoors:  There are so many places outside of Seattle for outdoor activities.  

    (5) Amazon GO Store: LOL

    (6) Climbing:  Of course we did a little bit of climbing in Seattle.  We went to Seattle Bouldering Project (SBP) for one day because we got hit with a little rain while visiting.  We also did a couple of days at Exit 32 Little Si World Wall.  This place was pretty awesome and not too far from the city center.  

    I started to write recommendations for Seattle and I can go on and on for places to eat or things to see.  It really all depends on what you’re in the mood for.  If you have any questions, send me a message! 

     

  • July 20, 2018

    Tokyo

    Tokyo.  Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo.  With the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Edo and renamed as Tokyo (or “Eastern Capital”).  Today, it is a major tourist destination, a large international airport hub, and the location for the 2020 Olympics! 

    Getting to Tokyo from Narita

    It is important to note that Narita is not close to Tokyo.  The airport is about a 1-hr drive (80 Km or 50 miles) away from the Tokyo city center. 

    There are many methods of transport to get from Narita to Tokyo all with varying durations and costs.  Depending on where you are staying in Tokyo influences which method you choose based on time and location drop offs: 

    (1) Bus – The Access Narita:  1000 JPY and no need to buy a ticket in advance.  Buses operate 7 days a week, every 15 minutes during peak hours.  See their website for early morning and late evening timestables.  Just head to their designated bus stops. 

    (2) Bus – Tokyo Shuttle:  1000 JPY (1900 JPY roundtrip).  Buses operate every 20 minutes (all day).  Purchase tickets at the Keisei Bus Ticket Counter (1st Floor of Narita Airport) or reserve online (for discounted rates).  

    Much quicker than the buses, but more expensive are the train options:

    (3) Train – Keisei Electric Rail:  The railway offers three different lines from Narita to Tokyo at different costs.  See this guide one catching a train on the Keisei Line.  

    • Limited Express:   The Limited Express is the cheapest of the train options and stops at Nippori and Ueno.  From Nippori, you can take the JR (Japan Railway) to your final destination.  From Ueno, you have access to the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Line.  
    • Access Express:  Slightly more expensive than the limited express, but takes a different route towards Haneda Airport.  This line gives you access to the Tokyo Metro Toei Asakusa Subway Line.  
    • Skyliner:  The most expensive option because it is a direct transport from Narita Airport to Nippori or Ueno stations.  Purchase in advance for discounted rates. 

    (4) Train – JR Narita Express (N’Ex) (RECOMMENDED):  4000 JPY Discounted Rate (roundtrip).  Purchase tickets at the JR East Travel Service Centers or the JR Ticket Offices at the Narita Airport.  If you are flying in and out of Tokyo, it is recommended to purchase a roundtrip ticket (valid for 14 days). 

    Other options include taxis, private hire, or shared minibuses, but are more on the expensive side.  It might be an option if you are traveling in a larger group or with children. 

    Some words of advice:  Take into consideration travel time back to the airport for your flight home.  We missed our flight because I understimated the travel time (and waiting for trains) back to the airport. 

    Getting Around Japan

    Subways and trains are the best way to get around Tokyo. 

    Get a Suica or Pasmo card.  A deposit will be required, but you can return the card for the deposit before you leave.

    It’s been a while since I’ve traveled to Japan, so my memory is a little hazy.  Here’s a good article I found for navigating around the city.  I remember using the Tokyo Subway system a LOT.   

    Where to Stay? 

    As long as the location is clean and near a subway system, there should be no problem getting around Tokyo.  We used Hostel World and ended up staying at Khaosan Tokyo Samurai.   

    Things to See

    (1) Tsukiji Fish Market – Tuna Auctions:  Terence and I woke up early to watch the Tuna Auctions at 4:30am.  We walked to the Tsukiji Fish Market, but could not locate the tourist office to wait in line for the tour.  Instead we inadvertently ended up walking through the market and seeing the auctions ourselves.  NOTE:  Tourists technically aren’t allowed in this area unless you go through the tour.  The fish market is extremely busy.  Try not to get in the way, as everyone is working really hard and extremely fast.  It’s fascinating to watch how efficient and how fast everyone is moving.  At the market, you can buy all types of seafood and sashimi.  Don’t go here on a full stomach!  See #2 below for the food! 

    (2) Tsukiji Fish Market – Fresh Fish:  Tsukiji is divided into two areas: the outer and inner markets.  In the inner market, you will find vendors selling sashimi to go.  In the outer market, you will find restaurants and various take out snack stands.  We ate at Sushi Zanmai.  It is a little touristy (they take American Express), but it was delicious!  Other notable mentions include Sushi Dai for their fresh fish and reasonable prices.  Be prepared to wait in line for a seat at the bar. 

    (3) Visit a “maid cafe” in Akihabara:  There are over 200 maid cafes in Japan.  Most of the maid cafes in Tokyo are located in the Akihabara district (electronics district).  As soon as you arrive, you will see lots of girls/women dressed in maid outfits trying to lure locals and tourists to their cafe.  There will be a LOT of options.  Having trouble deciding which ones to visit?  Check out this article.  I don’t remember which maid cafe we ended up choosing.  We just picked a random maid that looked friendly and followed her to the cafe.  No pictures were allowed, but they did allow me to take a picture of the ice cream we ordered.  We mainly went there for dessert and to observe the other activities that were offered there.  Also visit a lot of the gadgets and technology stores in the electronics district. 

    (3) Visit the Harajuku District: Harajuku is the center of Japan’s “kawaii” culture and contains the country’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles.  There are many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, and take away snack shops geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.

    (4) Go to Starbucks at the Shibuya Crossing (ＱＦＲＯＮＴ 1F, 21-６ Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku):  During rush hour, this intersection is rumored to be one of the busiest intersections in the world.  Head to the Starbucks on the 2nd floor (of the Q-front building) and you can get a better bird’s eye view of the crossing.  Keep it mind, it might be difficult to get a window seat.  You can also see it from above through the windows in Shibuya train station, across from the Myth of Tomorrow mural.  You might get some good shots on a Friday or Saturday night when the crowds are heavier.  

    (5) Take Sticky Pics:  There are multiple sticky picture stores everywhere.  After you take your photos, you enter a second booth where you can decorate the photos with “stickers”.  I added them to our postcards and mailed them to friends and family. 

    (6) Visit the Meiji Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya):  A Shinto (Japan’s original religion) shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.  Surrounding the shrine is a forest of trees all donated by Japanese people from around the country as a thank you to emperor.

    (7) Shop/Eat in the Ginza District:  Lots of large name shopping brands and speciality stores selling traditional items, such as kimonos, incense and chopsticks.  Also houses a lot of Michelin-rated restaurants. 

    (8) Shop and visit the temple in Asakusa. 

    (8) Visit a hot spring or the sulfur pits in Hakone:  Spending a week in Tokyo?  Why not take a day trip to Hakone and spend it relaxing in the hot springs or exploring the sulfur pits.  Hakone post coming soon! 

    (9) Find a location to get a good view of Mt. Fuji

    (10)  Other places we went to, but I would’t recommend visiting unless you like that kind of stuff: 

    • Hamarikyu Gardens (“Hama Detached Palace Gardens”):  A public park near the Shiodome district, and beside the Sumida River where it enters Tokyo Bay. 

    • Namjatown:  We really had nothing else to do.  Terence’s expression says it all…

    Places to Eat 

    There are so many different types of Japanese food in Tokyo at varying price ranges.  Here is a list of some of my favorites: 

    (1) Sushi Zanmai (4 Chome−10, Tsukiji, Chūō-ku):  This is a chain, so there are multiple locations throughout Tokyo.  We went to the location near the Tsukiji FIsh Market.  We had the miso soup and the “maguro zanmai” which is a tuna nigiri sampler.  They take American Express, so you know they get a lot of tourists. 

    (2) Sushi Dai (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chūō-ku):  Located near the Tsukiji Fish Market.  The most popular item is the chef’s special course of 10 nigiri and one roll, as well as one nigiri of the diner’s choice.  One of the go-to places for fresh fish. 

    (3) 7-Eleven (or Family Mart):  Surprised?  Almost every morning, if I walked by a 7-Eleven, more often than not I would grab an “onigiri”.  First, I love rice.  So a rice ball with tuna?  Yes, please!  There are other filling options as well (Japanese plum, roe, etc).  

    (4) Melon Bun:  Available at most of the bakeries and grocery stores.  This is Terence’s favorite.  Kind of tastes like a honeydew flavored bun. 

    (5) JIRO Sushi:  Located in the Ginza Train Station is this small three Michelin star sushi restaurant.  To learn more, watch “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”.  Make reservations EARLY! 

    (6) I wish I did better at keeping track of all the places we ate at, but I didn’t log a journal.  These are all the places I can remember, but just make sure you try to have the following: 

    • Yakitori
    • Ramen.  Tsukemon is Terence’s favorite. 
    • Sushi / Sashimi
    • Udon
    • Soba
    • Tempura
    • Okonomiyaki

    Things to Buy

    (1) Limited edition Kit Kat Bars.  Though a lot of these are available in the United States now (at higher prices). 

    (2) Tea Snacks (wagashi):  We had a really delicious one in Atami made of sweet potato.  I have not found it anywhere else.  🙁 

    (3) Japanese ceramics:  I love all kinds of ceramics and usually try to bring something back from my travels. 

    (4) Chopsticks

    (5) Sheet Face Masks:  They are so cheap in Asia, so why not? 

    (6) Omamuri (protective charms):  Available for purchase near the shrines.  Among the different charms available, you can find ones for luck, good health, passing exams, staying safe, and more!  Makes for a perfect gift or souvenir. 

    Happy travels.  🙂 

  • July 7, 2018

    Greece

     

    Our Greece Itinerary 

    My friend and I decided we wanted to do a girl’s trip to Greece.  It was our first time to Greece and we had almost 3 weeks of traveling days (17 days to be exact) to plan.  We lost one traveling day since we were flying from California.  During the planning phase, we realized there are over a thousand Greek islands.  Most are inhabitable, but that still leaves hundreds of Greek island destinations to choose from.  

    Which Islands to Visit? 

    We knew we wanted to include a visit to Santorini on this trip.  We also knew were going to fly into Athens and spend a handful of days sightseeing there.  And we were going to end our trip in Barcelona since I was going to continue traveling with my husband in Spain for the next four weeks.  As a result this was our itinerary for Greece: 

    Travel Tips 

    (1) Pack Light.  Use a backpacking backpack, if possible.  A lot of locations have steps (especially in Santorini).  To move more easily between locations, a backpacking backpack might be easier to transport between cities. 

    (2) Do not travel on May 1.  See below. 

    (3) Do not forget to call your credit card and ATM companies in advance to put a travel notice on your account.  This should also include any layovers you might have. 

    (4) Do you have trouble overcoming jetlag?   For this trip I had melatonin chocolates and it helped me get over jetlag pretty quickly!  I highly recommend! 

    Trip Highlights

    (1) May 1 is also May Day.  It is the first day of May and the celebration of Spring.  In Greece, a common commemoration is the making of a May wreaths out of the local wildflowers, which is then hung on doorways, balconies, and many other places until it dries.  Since it is also typically the peak of the flower season, flower shows and festivals are common. 

    (2) Meteora was breathtaking.  I highly recommend visiting the mainland of Greece if you have the opportunity. 

    (3) Food.  People.  Culture.  Everyone was extremely friendly and the food was great.  We especially loved having the seafood around Chania. 

    (4) Homecooked meal in our AirBnB in Santorini!  We wanted to enjoy our patio view, so we picked up some groceries, cooked some pasta, and enjoyed the view with a bottle of wine. 

    (5) Handmade soaps and raki in Chania.  And lots of girlfriend bonding over alcohol.  🙂 

    Trip Lowlights

    (1) May 1 is International’s Workers Day.  Do not travel on May 1 (i.e. plan on taking public transportation on May 1).  This is “Labor Day” or International’s Workers Day observed in multiple countries.  In addition, especially for Greece there could be strikes on public transportation impacting travel.  We learned the hard way when we found out 1.5 hrs before our ferry was scheduled to depart that the ferry was cancelled to Chania.  We ended up booking a last minute stay in Santorini and rescheduled our ferry to the following day.  This required a lot of last minute rearranging of our itinerary which was not fun! 

    (2) Realizing relying on public transportation to Fira from Athinios Port in Santorini was probably not a good idea after taking Blue Star Ferries.  There were thousands of people getting off the ferry.  

    (3) Donkey Poop.  On the walk from Fira to the old Athinios Port (approximately 3Km), we did not realize the steps leading down to the port would have a lot of donkeys and donkey poop.  It wasn’t bad walking down, but we did have to watch our step pretty carefully as the place was like a landmine. 

    (4) Power Outage.  During our stay in Oia (Santorini), there was a “scheduled” power outage from the morning till afternoon on one of the days we were staying there.  It didn’t stop us from enjoying the day, though some of the shops were closed due to the power outage.  The power was back on by 2pm. 

    (5) It can be a little crowded in Santorini.  Especially in Oia and the places that are heavily photographed or “Instagrammed”. 

     

  • June 19, 2018

    Chania

    Chania (pronounced Hanya) is the second largest city on the island of Crete.   The city is located on the northwestern side of the island.  The venetian harbor, the old port, is lined with narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants.  Outside of Chania are mountain villages that offer hiking and a variety of other outdoor activities.  Of our Greece Itinerar y, this was my favorite island and second favorite destination (after Meteora)!

    Getting to Chania

    (1) Ferry and Bus: There are many different types of ferries you can take depending on where you are departing from.  Since we were departing from Santorini, we used Hellenic Seaways (highspeed ferry) to go from Santorini to Heraklion.  From Heraklion, we took a bus to Chania.  

    • Departed Santorini at 1725.  Arrived Heraklion at 1945.  Scheduled arrival was 1850.  
    • Cost in April 2018 for Economy (69 Euro/pp): USD $84.47/pp. 
    • After arriving in Heraklion, there will be an approximate 500m (~7min) walk to Heraklion Bus Station A.  See “Public Bus Service Chania-Rethimnon S.A.“. 
    • From there take the bus to Chania Central Bus Station. 

    (2) Air:  Chania has an international airport.  However, depending on where you are departing from, it may be more cost effective to take the ferry.  

    Hellenic Seaways Ferry Tips

    • Be aware of potential delay.  The ferries can arrive at the final destination point at a later time than scheduled.  Plan your itineraries accordingly.  
    • Purchase tickets in advance if you are traveling during high season (especially on weekends and/or holidays) and for cheaper fares.  
    • There are assigned seats. 
    • Bring a portable battery charger.  There are limited outlets on the ferry.  You will be lucky if you find an available open one. 
    • WIFI is available for purchase at the reception desk. 
    • Bring snacks.  Water, coffee, and food are available on the ferry for purchase. 
    • We left our luggage in the loading dock and it was fine and safe. 

    Getting Around Chania

    (1) Bus: The “Public Bus Service Chania-Rethimnon S.A.” is very cost effective and efficient for getting around the island.  The timestables change depending on the season.  

    (2) Rent a Car/Scooter/ATV:  There are plenty of places to rent a car, scooter, and/or ATV.  Rentals from various companies may require an International Drivers License.  

    (3) Taxi:  There are taxis available on the island.  

    Where to Stay? 

    There are plenty of cost effective locations to stay in Chania.  We spent two nights in an AirBnB near the Chania Central Bus Station and two nights in the old town via AirBnB.  In old town, it was a bit noisy at night, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying some Raki and a bottle of wine on the balcony. 

    Things to See

    (1) Samaria Gorge:  One of the most popular activities on the island of Crete is to hikes through the Samaria Gorge.  Check out my blog post for my hike through Samaria Gorge! 

    (2) Elafonissi Beach:  Also known as the “Pink Sand Beach” and one of the more popular beach towns on the island.  The beach is located on the southwestern side of Crete.  You can either take a tour here or public bus (~1.5hrs from Chania).  Elafonisi “island”, a protected area, is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island.  Since the waters are shallow, you can walk to the island by foot from the beach. 

    (3) Visit Rethymno:  Also known as Rethimnon is a small coastal town similar to Chania with less crowds. 

    (4) Old Town of Chania:  Explore the waterfront and streets just behind. Walk along the harbour wall to the Venetian Lighthouse.

    (5) Chania Market:  An indoor market in a cross-shaped building and a great place to purchase some local foods.  In addition, there are also multiple stalls selling cheap souvenirs.  

    (6) Viewpoint of Old Town (Schiavo):  If you’re looking for a nice viewpoint of the old city, visit Schiavo.  I’ve pinned it in my Google Maps. 

    (7) Al Hammam Traditional Baths:  I’m impartial about this review.  I’ve been to a traditional hammam in Turkey and this place is far from traditional.  It is also on the pricier side for a “scrub” and the bath was not as authentic as I would have hoped.  Nonetheless, it was still a relaxing experience after a grueling day hike through Samaria Gorge.  Would I do it again?  Probably not, but I enjoyed my experience. 

    Places to Eat 

    As you visit the island of Crete, it is customary to have Cretan Raki at the end of the meal.  Throughout the island you will find multiple brands of Cretan homemade Raki.  

    (1) Bougatsa Jordan (Iordanis) (Apokoronou 2, Chania):  Bougatsa is a Greek breakfast pastry made of crispy, flaky phyllo dough wrapped around either a cheese or sweet custard filling.  The bougatsa at Iordanis is prepared with Chaniot myzithra cheese and sprinkled with powdered sugar.  It is extremely popular amongst the locals!  I shared one portion with my friend and paired it with a cup of Greek coffee! 

    (2) Tamam Restaurant (Zampeliou 49, Chania): “Traditional Greek food with some Eastern oriented influences by the Ottoman cuisine and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.” – Tamam Restaurant.  

    (3) To Maridaki (Daskalogianni 33, Chania):  Delicious seafood with a fresh and changing daily menu.  Reasonable prices for seafood.  Make reservations if possible! 

    (4) Kousina LTD (Daskalogianni 25, Chania):  Another seafood place next door.  We tried to eat here, but the line was out the door.  Make reservations if possible!  

    Places to Shop

    (1) To Meli (Kondilaki 45, Chania):  A wide variety of Cretan products.  They were one of the few shops in Chania that sold Fisika olive oil soaps!  They are made via all organic materials.  A little more on the expensive side, but great souvenirs.  

    (2) Elephant Store (Kondilaki 30, Chania):  Lots of great gifts, accessories, and apparel.  I bought some Helleo bar soaps here (also organic) in addition to some other knick knacks. 

    (3) Ambrosia Plus (Mpetolo (Betolo) 47-49, Chania):  We purchased some really nice and cheap turkish towels here (17 Euro each).  They are really soft and can be used as a scarf, blanket, or towel.  I’ve used it many times on planes, roadtrips, and even walking around town.  No complaints so far and great gifts if you have some luggage space. 

    (4) Casa Di Pietra Hotel and Gift Shop (Theotokopoulou 37, Chania):  Lots of cute souvenirs. 

    (5) Chania Market

    (6) Other things to buy:  We went to a beauty store on the corner of Isodion and Karaoli ke Dimitriou.  I bought some face masks (that were on sale) by Apivita.  We also went to the Abea store and bought some olive oil soap.  Here was my final stash (includes some freebies): 

    I’ve mapped all of my favorite restaurants, places to stay, and places to shop on Google Maps!  See Greece 2018 Google Map pins!  Happy travels.  🙂 

  • June 19, 2018

    Athens

    Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece.  We spent two full days (three nights) exploring Athens and getting acclimated to the time zone.  Following Athens, we took the 8:20am train from Athens Central Station to visit Meteora near Kalambaka.  

    Getting Around Athens

    Within Athens, you can travel via city buses, electric trolley-buses, metro, tram, and the suburban railway.  If you need directions to and from the Airport, Piraeus (Port), and/or Downtown Athens, review travel information on the Athens Transport website!  This site provides a lot of useful information regarding transportation in and around Athens. 

    Where to Stay? 

    We stayed approximately 15 min walking distance to the Syntagma station.  It was a good location, though we walked approximately 8 miles each day.  If you would prefer to do a little less walking, I would recommend staying in a hotel/AirBnB/hostel closer (but might be slightly more expensive). 

    We stayed in Athens for three nights before we headed to Meteora and one night after Meteora (before we went to catch the ferry to Santorini).  Our AirBnB was near the Akropoli Metro Station.  Since our ferry was departing at 7:20am from Piraeus, we decided to take a taxi to the port instead of the metro because the metro would require two transfers before getting onto the green line to Piraeus.  We didn’t want to risk missing the ferry so we opted for the taxi.  If you are planning to depart on an early ferry to the islands, I would recommend having your stay in Athens (the night before the ferry) somewhere on the green line or closer to the port.  NOTE: The taxi cost us 10 Euro.  For tips on using the ferry and Santorini, visit my Santorini post!  

    Things to See

    (1) Acropolis of Athens:  Also known as “The Acropolis” is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, “highest point, extremity”) and πόλις (polis, “city”).  It was an ancient citadel located in Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.  Go early or prior to closing as this site is extremely busy with tourists and school groups.  

    (2) Monastiraki Flea Market:  If you want to look for some cheap souvenirs: postcards, olive wood objects, soaps, olive oil, Greek sandals, miscellaneous items this would be the place for you. 

    (3) Lycabettus Hill:  A very popular place to watch the sunset!  You will not be watching it alone.  It requires a “slight” hike to get to the top, but well worth it.  Bring a bottle of wine and snacks with you and enjoy the sunset. 

    Places to Eat 

    (1) To Maupo Provato Press Cafe (Arrianou 31):  This place was recommended by our AirBnB host.  It was so good we decided to return for a second time!  It is recommended to make a reservation, however if you come at irregular European eating hours you might be able to get a table without a reservation.  Bread, tomato spread, and a shot of ouzo are served as complimentary apéritifs.  We ordered the seafood pasta and it was delicious! 

    (2) Mani Mani (Falirou 10): If you’re looking for a fancy dinner, I’d recommend this place. 

    (3) Avocado (Nikis 30): If you are in need of vegan and/or vegetarian options, Avocado is the place for you.  They use all organic and locally produced products. 

    (4) Tzitzikas kai Mermigas (Mitropoleos 12): Classic mezze and Mediterranean cuisine. 

    (5) Diporto (Sokratous 9): Greek Restaurant with only a daily menu that changes frequently. 

    Places to Shop

    (1) Forget Me Not (Adrianou 100):  Local artists selling handmade goods. 

    (2) The Apivita Experience Store (Solonos 6):  All natural made-in-Greece cosmetics store.  I love their face masks and they serve as great “made-in-Greece” souvenirs!  You can purchase their products at multiple locations but if you want to visit their flagship store I would go here. 

    (3) Korres Natural Products (Ermou 4):  All natural “made-in-Greece” cosmetics store.  

    (4) Monastiraki Flea Market

    I’ve mapped all of my favorite restaurants, places to stay, and places to shop on Google Maps!  See Greece 2018 Google Map pins!  Happy travels.  🙂 

  • June 19, 2018

    Santorini

    Santorini is probably the most famous of all of the Greek islands most known for their beautiful sunsets and blue roof cave houses.  Santorini, also known as “Thira”, is the southernmost island of the Cyclades.  The island is what remains after a massive volcanic eruption, which then created the current geological caldera you see today.  The last volcanic eruption was in 1950.  The island’s main port is “Athinios”.  The capital is “Fira”.  

    Getting to Santorini from Athens

    (1) Ferry (Piraeus to Thira): There are many different types of ferries you can take from Athens (Piraeus) to Santorini (Thira).  We used Blue Star Ferries to ferry from Piraeus to Santorini (with stops in Paros and Naxos).  

    • Departed Piraeus at 0725.  Arrived Santorini at 1530.  Scheduled arrival was 1450.  
    • Cost in April 2018 for Special Economy (25 Euro/pp): USD $39.54/pp – 34 Euro/pp after taxes/fees.  
    • Duration: 8 hours.  If you are limited with time, a high speed ferry or flying might be a more viable option. 
    • Tickets purchased online will have to be picked up at the Company’s Central Agencies or from the Port Agencies at the port of departure.  

    (2) Air:  You can fly to Santorini from Athens.  However, it was more cost effective to take the ferry.  

    Blue Star Ferry Tips

    • “Super Economy” tickets (cheapest) cannot be reserved online.  However, they can be reserved via phone (+0030 210 8919800) with a credit/debit card.  I ended up purchasing “Special Economy” tickets online.  
    • Be aware of potential delay.  The ferries can arrive at the final destination point at a later time than scheduled.  Plan your itineraries accordingly.  
    • Purchase tickets early if you are traveling during high season (especially on weekends and/or holidays) and for cheaper fares.  
    • The timetables changes all of the time depending on what time of year you are traveling so always check their website for the most updated timestables. 
    • Arrive early to the ferry to get good seat if you are in Economy.  The Blue Star Ferries can accommodate thousands of passengers (most of which are in the economy areas).  We went early and were able to score a booth in the corner next to a window.  
    • Bring a portable battery charger.  There are limited outlets on the ferry.  You will be lucky if you find an available open one. 
    • WIFI is available for purchase at the reception desk. 
    • Bring snacks.  Water, coffee, and food are available on the ferry for purchase. 
    • There are lockers for rent (1 Euro each) on the main deck.  The larger lockers fit my backpacking bag so I did not need to worry about it or lug it around the ferry.  NOTE:  They are kind of a pain to use and lock.  I asked for assistance with a ferry employee.   
    • Book your transportation in advance from the ferry port to your hotel/hostel stay.  There are thousands of passengers getting off the ferry, which makes the lines for the public bus very long.  Most hostels/hotels may offer a transportation service from the port.  There are also transportation services at the port, but they will charge much higher fees.  Be prepared to do some negotiating.  
    • For transportation back to Athinios Port from Fira, the timestable changes daily depending on the ferry schedule.  Go to the Fira Central Bus Station for the schedule.  Typically the bus will depart for Athinios Port approximately 1.5 hrs prior to the ferry departure.  

    Getting Around Santorini

    (1) Bus: The “KTEL Santorini Public Bus System” is very cost effective and efficient for getting around the island.  The timestables change depending on the season.  The final destination of the bus will be displayed on the front.  For those departing from the Fira Central Bus Station, you will pay for your ticket on the bus.  Ensure you have the appropriate cash.  

    (2) Rent a Car/Scooter/ATV:  There are plenty of places to rent a car, scooter, and/or ATV.  Rentals from various companies may require an International Drivers License.  The roads in Santorini seemed kind of hectic to me, so I would not recommend driving unless you are comfortable driving around places like this.  In addition, the bus system was very easy to use so we had no trouble. 

    (3) Taxi:  There are taxis available on the island.  

    Where to Stay? 

    Fira / Karterádos:  I would recommend staying at Pension Stella in Karterádos.  It is a 15min walk to Fira.  From Fira you can use the public bus system to go anywhere on the island.  If you do not want to do the 15min walk, there are plenty of options (hostels and hotels) in Fira.  

    Oia:  If you are interesting in staying in a “cave house” and would like to spend a little more on accommodations, then you might be interested in staying in Oia.  For our trip, we ended up spending two nights in Fira and two nights in Oia.  In Oia, we spent one night with a bottle of wine and a homecooked meal and just enjoyed the view. 

     

    There are other places to stay on the island that are much quieter such as Perissa or Imerovigli.  

    Things to See

    (1) Volcano and Caldera Excursion:  There are quite a few tour groups that have the same excursion and cost about 22-26 Euro/pp depending on whom you purchase it from.  The tour departs daily from the old port of Fira in the morning. 

    The tours stop at the volcano bay where groups can hike to the top of the volcano and active craters.  Next, the tour heads to the hot springs.  For lunch, the tour stops at Thirassia island where passengers can sunbathe, swim, and eat.  Finally, the boat stop at Oia to drop off passengers who wish to watch the sunset before heading back to old port Fira. 

    TIPS for the Excursion: 

    • The tours depart from the old port of Fira.  You can either walk or take the funicular down to the old port.  If you decide to walk, it is approximately ~588 steps down.  In addition, these same steps are used for those who would prefer transportation by donkey.  We walked down and it wasn’t too bad, but for those that are scared of animals or worried about stepping on donkey poop I would advise them to pay to take the funicular (6 Euro/pp). 
    • Wear hiking/walking shoes for the hike to the top of the volcano.  The terrain is rocky and better suited for those with appropriate shoes.  We wore sandals and were still able to make it to the top.  But it would have been much easier with walking shoes. 

    • Bring water.  There is water for purchase on the boat for a higher fee. 
    • If you plan to swim, bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and extra change of clothes. 
    • The swim to the hot springs is not difficult, however it is not recommended for children or unexperienced swimmers.  I do not swim very often and getting from the boat with the current was a bit tiring.  The water is cold.  As you swim towards the hot spring the water mixes with the current and get warmer as you swim towards the bay. 

    • Bring cash for eating on Thirassia Island. 

    (2) Perissa Beach:  Also known as the “Black Sand Beach” and one of the more popular beach towns on the island.  The beach was clean.  On the sand there are umbrellas you can rent on the high season (free with a drink purchase during the low season).  There are some eateries in the area or you can bring your own food for a picnic lunch. 

    (3) Visit a winery:  There is a small wine industry on Santorini.  The grapes are grown using a unique bush-training.  As the vines grow, they are woven into baskets with the grapes facing toward the inside of the ring to protect themselves from the wind and the sunlight.  In addition, these plants require less water and retrieve most of their moisture from dew.  You’ll probably see a lot of these “bushes” around Santorini and would probably not even realize they are grape vines!  A great winery to visit is “Santo Wines”, located near Athinios Port.  This is a great place to watch the sunset if you’re here during the April/May months!  I believe the buses to Perissa and Akrotiri stop here! 

    (4) Santorini Sunsets: Depending on what time of year you are going to Santorini can change the viewpoint on where to watch the sunset.  The most popular places to watch the sunset is in Oia.  We watched it from the westernmost point “Santorini Sunset Views” (on Google Maps).  The Byzantine castle ruins is a very popular location to watch the sunset as well. 

    Places to Eat 

    (1) Lucky’s Souvlakis (Δεκιγαλά, Fira):  If you are looking for a quick and delicious place for gyros or souvlakis, this is your place!  It is near central square near a lot of other eateries.  We went back here to get some gyros before our ferry to Crete.  Well worth it. 

    (2) Pelican Kipos (Fira): A little more pricier for some of the food in the area.  Nice garden eating area.  Food was not bad.  The waiter brought us some complimentary glasses of wine and dessert, which was a plus! 

    (3) Roka (m.Mpotsari 6, Οία):  Highly recommend.  This was one of our favorite fancy meals on our trip.  Prices were reasonable.  Make a reservation if possible.  We didn’t since we were eating on a weekday and much earlier than typical European dinner hours.  We had octopus with caramelized onions, the lamb shank, and shrimp with orzo.  All were excellent dishes! 

    (4) Lotza (Οία): We didn’t go here, but the place smelled delicious and looked great! 

    Places to Shop

    (1) Atlantis Books E.E. (Nomikos Street, Oía 847 02, Greece):  Beautiful small bookstore. 

    (2) Lots of small shops around Fira and Oía. 

    I’ve mapped all of my favorite restaurants, places to stay, and places to shop on Google Maps!  See Greece 2018 Google Map pins!  Happy travels.  🙂 

  • May 16, 2018

    Smith Rocks State Park (and Bend)

    Climbing

    We spent about a week climbing in Smith Rock State Park.  It was awesome.  A little “heady” for me since I hadn’t climbed vert in a while.  But it was beautiful and challenging in a good way.  I will definitely have to go back here now that I am fully finger injury free. 

     

    Camping

    Skull Hollow Campground:  Check the USDA Forest Service website for updated alerts and information regarding the campsite!  The campground features 1 wooden picnic table and 1 fire ring/grill per campsite.  There are approximately 28 first-come, first-served campsites available.  There are 2 outhouses and no drinking water.  There is also an on-site campground host.  

    As of 2018, the fees were $10 for individual sites (1 vehicle, 6 people) and $20 for double size sites (2 vehicles, 12 people).  Additional vehicles are an extra $5.  In addition there is a 14-day limit stay.  If you are planning to stay with a large group of individuals I’d recommend staying at the Skull Hollow Campground.  It is a little drive to Smith Rock, but cheaper for larger groups. 

    NOTE:  Outside the Skull Hollow campground, dispersed camping is no longer permitted. 

    Smith Rock State Park Campground (The Bivy):  Check the Smith Rock website for updated alerts and information regarding the campsite.  Just like the Skull Hollow campground, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Per the website, overnight camping in vehicles, campers, and/or trailers is not allowed which is why we ended up staying at the Skull Hollow campground.  When we went to visit our friends it seemed as though there were quite a few people sleeping in their vehicles so I’m not sure how strict they are about enforcing these rules.  

    The campground is pretty nice with hot water in the rest rooms.  There is a 14-day limit stay.  Fees for 2018 are $8/per person (prior to 2018 it was $5!), but includes the use of showers.

    Water Fill:  While visiting our friends at the Smith Rock campground, we did some cooking at the campground.  They have a communal sink you can use to wash your dishes.  The rest rooms also have hot water, which is a plus! 

    Showers:  We were here for a week and ended up showering at a friend’s place.  But if you are staying at the Smith Rock State Park Campground, showers are included with your fee.  If you are not staying at the Bivy, you can shower for a $2 fee. 

    Food and Drinks

    (1) Sparrow Bakery:  Highly recommend and one of my favorite places for a bacon breakfast sandwich (bacon, poached egg, arugula on a homemade croissant). Also try their fresh baked goods like the Ocean Roll. 

    (2) Beer:  There are so many places to visit for beer in Bend and outside of Bend.  Some of our favorites are Boneyard Beer.  They recently opened a taproom/pub with a wider range of hours so that should be much easier to visit compared to their old tasting room!  Another favorite was Cruz Fermentation Project.  The beer is good and they also serve food on-site which is a plus!  There’s so many places, you can’t really go wrong. 

    (2) Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats:  This place was recommended by one of our friends that lives in Bend.  Let’s just say, we were not in Bend for very long and we went back to this place twice to eat.  It’s really good and we also didn’t have very much Asian food while we were on the East Coast.  

    Rest Day Activities

    (1) Bend Ale Trail:  If you visit ten breweries and check in or get a stamp in your “passport”, you can redeem a free Silipint (made in Bend) from the Bend Visitor Center.  Space yourself as you want to be able to climb the following day and get a designated driver! 

    (2) Take a rest weekend in Portland:  From Smith Rock State Park, the drive to Portland can be done in under three hours.  There are so many great places to eat in Portland, why not take a rest weekend and eat your heart out around the city.  There are so many great places to eat within this city! 

    (3) Hike around Smith Rock State Park:  Other than climbing, there also quite a few hiking trails to explore in the park. 

    (4) Feed the baby llamas:  Do you like llamas?  There is a llama farm near the state park where you can pet and feed the baby llamas.  If that’s your thing, go to the store to purchase a bag of feed.  🙂 

    I really loved this city.  

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