Travel Blog Ep. 7
Best travel story, go. (Not a question but whatever. We do what we want)
This is a tough one. There are so many stories. I think, however, the "almost freezing in Bali" may be the best story. My best friend and I traveled from SFO to Bali, to stay at Uluwatu for a week. There were other people meeting us there, and we were traveling with her boyfriend. That is, we were traveling with him until he couldn't make the short connection in Singapore because his surfboard was taking too long to get from aircraft to aircraft. So, Chelsea and I soldiered on alone to the final destination and landed in the middle of the night. Seriously, at 2am. The spot where we were spending the week wasn't the type of place to let people check in at 4am, so we stayed across the street in a place that was fancy in the front and a Honduran prison in the back. We gazed upon our accommodations and decided that despite the stained sheets, the highly suspect mattress and the outdoor toilet that tilted 30 degrees to the left when you sat on it, it would be a fine place. Until we realized we couldn't turn off the AC, which was set to -2C (we guessed). Nor could we open the window, because then the hungry hoard of bugs would be invited inside to feast upon us. We spent the entire night (keep in mind, this is in Bali, a very, very warm and humid sub-tropical climate) huddled together under an emergency blanket, drinking what little alcohol we had acquired from duty free (Bali is a Muslim country so you're only allowed 1 bottle per person) in an attempt to fall asleep, whilst clad head to toe in attire completely inappropriate for the sub tropics. It was worth it, though, for when we left that quaint little Honduran prison and walked across the street in the morning, we were greeted by perhaps the most breathtaking wave and surf villa I have ever seen.
My favorite place to visit in the world is the ocean, specifically where there is clear water and fish to hunt. During the past 5 years, blue water has become a second home to me. Mexico has recently shown me some of my most beautiful moments of spearfishing. From yellowtail to yellowfin tunas and red snappers, the waters of Mexico are filled with amazing spearing opportunities. I love nothing more than dropping into the ocean, tens of miles out, and being transported into this beautiful and alien environment. To be able to freedive and exist in this underwater world is the most special thing to me, and hopefully, you get dinner while you're at it.
What’s your least favorite city and why? (Think of a place where you just didn’t feel satisfied after you left. Or it’s completely overrated)
Buffalo, honestly I thought the wings would be better but the best wings in the world are in Fort Collins.
Was there ever a time you felt unsafe or have gotten into a bad situation? How did it play out?
Well one time I got kidnapped in NYC. I got away, which was a very unlikely outcome. Basically I was too drunk waiting for a cab and a car pulled up in. Front of me and the dude standing next to me grabbed me and shoved me into the back seat of the car. I only got away bc they weren't pros and I had my cell phone on me. But stupid move on my part. Most important is to stay calm, and DO NOT let them find your cell phone. One star, do not recommend.
I prefer solo, or with my daughter, or a small, tested and trusted group. On the Bali trip, that I mentioned previously, there was a couple who showed up for the week, they had some sort of disorder where they 1) never stopped talking loudly to each other, even on long car rides with everyone else silent, 2) called each other "babe" about once every 1.5 minutes. If there ever was a need for Xanax, this was it. I had none. BUT, I do still have PTSD from the experience with the "babe" couple.
What is the one place you would say everyone should absolutely see at least once in their lifetime? What did you love about it?
What I think everyone should do at least once in their lifetime, is fly to Paris, stay a few nights, eat, walk and drink. Stay out late. Then, get on the train through the Alps, to Italy, you have to stop in Milan, unless things have changed, and get on the train to Tuscany. Go by yourself. End up in Firenze. Eat at Cammillo Trattoria, it does have tourists, but it also has locals and history. It is the first place I ate at when I got to Firenze by myself at 24 years old, and I ordered white beans and olive oil to start. I will never forget this plate as long as I live. I don't recall the second thing I had, but I remember the beans and olive oil. The fact that something so simple could taste so beautiful, has never been lost with me. Wander around Italy, stay in the oldest hotels you can find. Go to the Island of Sardinia. Enjoy life.
Have you ever had a life changing moment or epiphany while traveling?
My Mother has passed away, and now my daughter and I go on adventures. I've several times paused to think, how amazing, important and incredible it is that she and I can go on these adventures together. Even when we are driving in the middle of the night in a blizzard on mountain passes and it's slightly terrifying, or losing freediving fins to the sea gods, or having a trip just fall apart somehow, it's still the most wonderful thing in the world.
What city/country would you love to see next?
Upper Mongolia, hands down.
Where can people follow your adventures on social media?
Instagram: @jetclipperlark