In Part 1 of 2, Voluntourism in the Galapagos National Park, I shared how combining travel to another country and helping others at the same time is a great way to learn about someone else’s culture and use acquired skills to improve the quality of life of others.
In Part 2, I will share our daily schedule of what activities you can expect to engage in should you decide to volunteer with non-profit organizations: Jutan Sacha, Global Volunteers Network or, UBELONG.
Monday
7 a.m.: Breakfast with the group.
Filling plastic cups.
8-11:30 a.m.: Volunteers were split up into two groups. One group collected leaves to use for compost while the other group worked in the nursery filled plastic cups with soil in preparation for the planting of seedlings and coffee.
12 p.m.: Lunch with the group.
1-2 p.m.: Free time or siesta!
2-4 p.m.: Cut down mora as a group to make the area available for future planting.
4-6 p.m.: Free time!
6 p.m.: Dinner with the group.
Tuesday
7 a.m.: Breakfast with the group.
8-11:30 a.m.: Volunteers were split up into two groups. One group built and repaired fences while the other group collected fruit for the kitchen.
Volunteers repairing a fence with new barbed wire.
1-2 p.m.: Free time or siesta!
Siesta time in the hammock.
2-4 p.m.: The group cut down mora to make the area available for future planting. One note on dressing appropriately for cutting mora. Wear long sleeves and socks or else mora will give some love back in the form of cuts and scrapes.
4-6 p.m.: Free time!
6 p.m.: Dinner with the group.
Wednesday
7 a.m.: Breakfast with the group.
8-11:30 a.m.: Volunteers were split up into two groups. One group collected leaves to use for compost while the other group worked in the nursery filled plastic cups with soil in preparation for planting.
Collection of leaves to make compost.
12 p.m.: Lunch with the group.
1-2 p.m.: Free time or siesta!
2-4 p.m.: Cut down mora as a group to make area available
for future planting.
4-6 p.m.: Free time!
6 p.m.: Dinner with the group.
Thursday
7 a.m.: Breakfast with the group.
8-1 p.m: Volunteers can go on a tour to visit and learn about tortoises, swim at Puerto Chino and hike up to Crater Lake for some amazing views of the island. On a clear day, you can see Espanola and Santa Cruz island in the distance.
At the Natural Giant Tortoise Reserve.
1-2 p.m.: Free time!
2-4 p.m.: Group hike with educational lectures on the ecosystem and wildlife.
6 p.m.: Dinner with the group.
We made it to the Pacific ocean after an eco group hike from the biological reserve.
Friday
7 a.m.: Breakfast with the group.
8-12 p.m.: Light work in the nursery watering plants and repairing barbed wire fences to keep the cows out from going into the nursery and eating the plants. Volunteers depart throughout the day to go into town for the weekend.
Cows are so cute until they eat your days work of filling plastic cups of plants.Even though a door was built, apparently cows can fly and jump fences.
Saturday and Sunday
When we weren’t knee-deep in conservation work ridding the area of mora on San Cristobal Island Monday through Friday, we spent time in town getting up close with the sea lions and turtles.
Saturday and Sunday was our time to explore the island.
Some volunteers would leave Friday evening and take a taxi into Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and spend two nights in a cheap hostel and return Sunday evening for a group dinner.
Not bad for the all-day million dollar views and animal encounters.
Voluntourism is a win-win for an adventurous traveler combining traveling to another country while helping others at the same time.
It is a great way to learn about someone else’s culture and use acquired skills to improve the quality of life of others.
Voluntourism not only contributes to the local economy but also can save you money.
Travel to the Galapagos Islands suddenly becomes more affordable.
Volunteer packages typically include lodging, meals, and round-trip transportation to and from the airport.
Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve
My servant leadership calling led me to the Galapagos National Park on San Cristobal Island through Jutan Sacha, a non-government organization (NGO).
Other organizations involved in conservation work on San Cristobal Island are UBELONG and Global Volunteers.
Most organizations require volunteers to stay a minimum of a week up to a couple of months.
I went through Global Volunteers and spent two weeks at the biological reserve. The reserve is located in the rainforest of the highlands. Volunteers work Monday through Thursday.
Friday is generally used for a group hike in the morning before volunteers depart to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for the weekend and return Sunday evening.
Volunteer group on top of the mountain after a morning hike.
Conservation Challenges
Conservation efforts range from prepping cups with soil for seeding, planting trees, and cutting invasive species plants mora (similar to blackberries) with a machete introduced to the island.
As a result of the infestation, some birds have disappeared and have migrated to Santa Cruz. Without these birds, this has led to an increase in mosquitos.
By planting coffee or other plants where the mora once grew, the number of invasive plants is reduced. As the birds return, the number of mosquitos decreases. It would be easy to get rid of the mora in one day by spraying pesticides.
By doing so, you are introducing toxic chemicals to an already very fragile environment. There are no diseases like Zika on the island. The disease resides on the mainland of Ecuador.
Anything introduced to this environment can easily disrupt the ecology of this place.
Most of the species and plants are endemic meaning they only exist in Galapagos and nowhere else.
If you are thinking about taking a finch home as a pet, please don’t. The bird will die.
Who wants to breathe in smog and live in non-Galapagos paradise conditions?
Don’t worry, you can always come back and visit the finches in their natural habitat anytime you want.
How To Get To San Cristobal Island
You can catch a flight from Quito or Guayaquil. If you are flying out of Quito, the plane will stop in Guayaquil to pick up passengers.
Passengers will either wait in the transit area before getting back on the plane or stay on the plane and wait for passengers to board.
From there the plane will continue on to San Cristobal Island.
Don’t Leave Home Without Travel Insurance
In case something goes wrong during your trip, I recommend buying travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from World Nomads.
World Nomads provides travel insurance to travelers from over 140 countries and is backed by reputable insurers and 24-hour assistance providers.
You can click here to get a quote. Read the policy details to ensure that it’s right for you.
Upon arrival, visitors pay a $100 USD entrance fee to Galapagos National Park.
From there you can take a taxi to town or arrange a taxi ahead of time through one of the program coordinators to take you to Jatun Sacha where you will begin volunteer work the next day.
The sky is as blue as a baby bluebonnet, clouds as white and as fluffy as snow, the mountains are majestic.
This was my first impression on Quito from the airport to the city center where I would spend a couple of days exploring before continuing on to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos.
After I drop my luggage off in my room and unwind for a minute or two, the first thing I think about is food and trying something new.
For my first stop, I decided on a coffee shop in which I ordered chocolate cake and cappuccino with whipped cream. Never knew you could have a cappuccino with whipped cream.
Yummy goodness cost me only $4. Fast food places serve chicken, beans, and rice. For $3, the portions easily fill you up. I was so full that for dinner, I had a light snack.
VISIT SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND ON THE CHEAP
Skip The Hotel And Stay Local For Less
For lodging, I would skip the hotels and stay at a B&B. I stayed at Posada Del Maple B&B in the La Mariscal district. It’s situated in a quiet residential area among other hostels. A double bed with a balcony and breakfast cost me $32 per night.
If you are feeling adventurous, hop on the local bus. Just be forewarned, it might get a little crowded like an NYC subway. Bring a jacket with you.
Mornings are cool and afternoons can be hot as there is little cloud cover so the sun is rather intense. Going south of the equator, I now have permanent rosy cheeks.
A very crowded bus
Towards the evening, it cools down again. The locals are friendly and won’t hesitate to teach you Spanish. I would practice Spanish with my driver and teach him some English. If you know very little Spanish like me, the iTranslate app will help.
You can look up words, save them as favorites, and revisit them on the move. It’s a great way to quickly learn and practice Spanish on the run. If you are continuing onto the Galapagos, plan on arriving at the airport 2.5 hours before departure.
You will need to bring the credit card or paperwork showing that you purchased your ticket with that same credit card.
San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Tell me Lady Galapagos giant tortoise, what is your secret to looking so young?
The Galapagos is something out of a fairy tale storybook that doesn’t seem quite real until you are on the beach or in town and a sea lion wobbles past you. Or you see a large lizard chilling on a rock at the pier.
You don’t have to go far to encounter wildlife. From sea lions to lizards, finches, and tortoises, they are everywhere. You won’t ever want to step foot into a zoo again.
Upon arrival, I was told Galapagos was expensive. Well, it depends. If this has been your life long dream and you are going all out for this trip, this article may not be for you.
If you are worldly traveler, and don’t need to be like a herd of cattle and go on every single tour to have a good time, but show up as a visitor, engage with locals who know the best things to do and locations, you can easily create your own Galapagos experience on your terms.
Non-Profit Organization: Global Volunteers
I found the non-profit organization Global Volunteers. The organization partners up with the Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve to engage in nature conservation work to eradicate invasive species and reconstruct natural habitats by planting seeds.
For the price of staying two weeks, volunteering during the week and having weekends off, you’re helping an island in much-needed conservation efforts.
Tortoise Reserve
Seeing the challenges first hand with animals and humans trying to co-exist with one another is worth the trip and conservation.
I spent two weeks living in the rainforest and waking up to the sounds of animals as my alarm clock.
I didn’t wear a watch. We stayed in a bungalow with only screens on them. At night I slept under a net.
During the day we worked on the biological reserve and in the afternoon (after enjoying a brief siesta) we would go for a hike down to the Pacific ocean.
The weekends were free to explore San Cristobal or take a ferry to another Galapagos island.
Mora The Invasive Species
Invasive species are destroying the ecosystem. We used machetes to cut mora, a plant similar to a blackberry.
Mora cut down with a machete.
The plants were introduced by humans along with goats.
As you know blackberries spread like wildfire.
To make sure the plant doesn’t grow again, you have to cut it down to the root.
You could spray herbicide, but there is some wonderful about organic and bird-friendly coffee that grows in the mountains.
My vote is to keep the coffee organic and use the volunteers to get an arm workout cutting mora.
Close Animal Encounters
If you think taking a finch home with you as a pet is a good idea, the bird will die.
What tropical bird wants to live in Minnesota in the wintertime or go to a major city with smog?
Baby sea lion.
One thing I saw on the beach that annoyed me was a tourist jumping in front of a baby sea lion to take a selfie on the beach. Mama sea lion wasn’t having it.
The tourist was lucky she didn’t get bit. Since no one hunts the animals, sea lions are very comfortable with being in close proximity to humans.
If you go snorkeling, it’s guaranteed a group of sea lions will be swimming next to you without even trying. The babies are very curious creatures too.
Getting around the island is cheap and easy by taxi, water taxi or by renting a bike for the day.
There are two tours I can recommend that are worth the cost. Going to Kicker Rock ($80), hiring a taxi driver to bring you to La Galapagos, Puerto Chino and Crater Lake ($70 split between each person).
At Kicker Rock, you will go snorkeling and diving and see an abundance of sea life. I have to warn you, the water is murky, you may not see anything. Some of my friends did the tour and simply loved it. The boat ride to and from the pier is 2 hours.
ATM
Most of the mom and pop shops, hotels, and restaurants only accept cash due to the cost per credit card transaction which can be up to 28%. I found three ATMs in town. One is in Spanish and never worked for me. The other two are next to a mini-market. The one on the right accepts Visa.
Snorkeling
A great way to see wildlife up close is to swim with them. Renting snorkel gear is easy to find at many shops by the pier. $3 for a mask, $5 for fins, and $10 for a wetsuit. Or you can buy and bring your own snorkeling set.
I recommend going to the Chalo Tours office located one street behind the hotels and up the large set of stairs. The water can be a little chilly at first. When the sun is out with not a cloud in the sky, the water is a welcomed relief from the heat.
There are plenty of beaches to go swimming with sea lions and tortoises. If you are lucky, you might see some hammerhead sharks. I recommend the beaches past the Interpretation Center.
There are some trails behind it that will take you down to two beaches, hiking trails, and lookout points.
You will see sea lions and their babies taking a siesta on the beach or playing around in the ocean. Bring your Go Pro or waterproof camera.
Travel Foodies Unite
You can easily get a decent meal or snack from a local shop for less than $5. Go to the Mockingbird Café for the $5 lunch special consisting of rice, beans soup and either the catch of the day or meat.
Don’t skip the cup of Galapagos coffee for $2. For breakfast, I recommend the Hotel Miconia. They have a decent-sized breakfast for $8.25.
I decided to try a crepe with ice cream, a fruit milkshake, and coffee with milk.
If you are lucky, a finch may pull up a chair next to you and ask for a bite.
The food portions are enough to hold a person over until lunchtime. For some good views and people watching, I recommend going to the second floor for breakfast.
Galapagos Coffee
If you like Galapagos coffee, you can buy a bag of the whole beans from one of the tourist shops.
Be sure to look at the packaging. The island’s coffee production is small as coffee is considered rare and can be expensive.
The coffee plantation is near the highlands where it is produced locally. The coffee doesn’t have to travel far.
Do not spend more than $10 for a bag of whole bean coffee or $6 for ground coffee.
Beware Of Fake Coffee
They are easy to spot as they are in a coffee sack. If you buy it in a shop, ask for the price. You could go to one shop and get it for $10 or two shops down for $14. There are some in fancy packaging.
The real deal.
You will pay more for it and get less coffee. What to do when you run out of your coffee stash at home?
You have the option of flying back to South America to get more or order online through Tree Frogs Coffees.
Sorry, you will pay 3 times more, but it’s worth it. It’s the best coffee I have ever had.
Very little needs to be added to it. It’s good by itself and it’s good with a little maple syrup and heavy cream over ice.
Only 5,000 bags are allowed for worldwide exportation each year from Hacienda El Cafetal. I feel lucky I can order it. Next time I visit, I am bringing an empty suitcase to haul my coffee back.
2 For 1 Drinks
Passion Gin
A good drink is hard to come by and expensive. I found a hotel that made unique and interesting drinks called the Golden Bay.
The hotel does a happy hour from 10-6 two for one drinks for $10.
My three favorite drinks were the whiskey sour, passion gin and a ginger drink served with slices of ginger.
Island Hopping Via Ferry
If you want to see more of the Galapagos, from San Cristobal, you can continue on by ferry to the other islands like Isabela. The ferry to Santa Cruz departs daily at 7 a.m. from the pier.
It’s a two-hour trip. In the morning the water is less choppy. You can sit anywhere. On the way back, the boat ride can be bumpy.
You will want to sit towards the back by the motor. Once there, you have four hours to explore areas like the lava tubes.
Take the return ferry at 2 p.m. or stay overnight and take another ferry to Isabela and swim with the penguins. The cost of the ferry is $30 each way.
Hotels and Hostels
If you want to be in the center of everything in town on the cheap, for $15, the San Francisco hostel is a good choice.
For a private room and bathroom, $30. If you want to lounge a place with a pool, for $70 you can stay at the Miconia.
If you don’t mind being in the center of it all and want to enjoy a home-cooked meal and wonderful hospitality, for $25, you can stay at the Cucuve Eco Hostel.
Lounging by the ocean isn’t just for happy hour folks.
Breakfast is $5, well worth the splurge. The owner Alfredo can drive you in town for $1.50 or you can enjoy a good stretching of the legs and walk 30 minutes to town and see what the locals are up to.
If you want to do some island hopping, you can easily find a tour company offering last-minute Galapagos cruises to see three to four islands of the Galapagos for one week or more for less than $2,000.
It is cheaper than the well known commercial cruise ships which can set you back $5,000 or more.
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong. You can purchase travel insurance from World Nomads.
World Nomads provides travel insurance to travelers from over 140 countries and is backed by reputable insurers and 24-hour assistance providers.
You can click here to get a quote. Read the policy details to ensure that it’s right for you.
With summer approaching, drinks like tea and lemonade are on my list of favorites to make. Instead of enjoying them separately, why not combine them?
I love going to Starbucks to my venti passion tea lemonade unsweetened light on the ice drink. However, when traveling to rural areas, Starbucks is nowhere to be found.
No worries, it is possible to still enjoy the beloved tea lemonade three different ways.
Tea Lemonade
With summer approaching, drinks like tea and lemonade are on the list of favorite drinks to keep cool on a suuny day. Instead of enjoying them separately, combine them with my 3 easy homemade tea lemonade recipes!
We, especially women grow up becoming nurtures. Self-care many times takes low priority over caring for others.
Making time for self-care can be perceived as selfish. As the saying goes, “if you can’t take care of yourself, how can you have the energy to take care of others?”
The mind and emotions can mess with your mental health and well-being.
Carving out time for yourself even if it’s for an hour can re-energize the body and senses. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a spa day. Let the stress relief begin!
8 At Home Stress Relief Ideas
1. Portable Washing Basin
The multi-use tub can be used to wash dishes and clothes while camping. Even better, the collapsible water basin goes wherever you go and fits in a carry-on.
After a long day of hiking, why not soak your feet while listening to the chillwave radio on Pandora? Sip on your favorite tea to induce relaxation. Once done using it, can collapse it, store it away or hang it on the wall.
2. Back and Neck Acupressure Mat
Wind down the evening and get ready for bed with this sleep aid. Acupressure massage has been practiced for centuries to relieve pain, increase circulation, and cure insomnia.
The acupressure mat is good for pins and needles. Before indulging, put the back mat between yourself and the chair.
Sit on the wobble cushion, lay your head back on the neck pillow and enjoy an all body acupressure massage while your feet soak.
Used for hundreds of years to relieve pain, aid in stress release, and detoxify, the magnesium sulfate compound is great for maintaining foot health. Ballerina’s use it to soak their swollen feet after being on pointe.
One of the signs of magnesium deficiency is chronic migraines and pain. Soaking in an Epsom salt foot or bath for 20 minutes will do the trick to reduce swelling in painful feet and provide much-needed stress relief.
4. Bintivia Wobble Cushion
It may sound and look weird. The wobble cushion can be used to support the lumbar spine sitting at an office desk, working from home, on road trips, and during a foot soak. It has helped to reduce my low back pain.
5. Eye and Facial Mask
A spa day wouldn’t be complete without giving some face and eye love. The mask can reduce puffiness and sinus pressure. It can be frozen, chilled, or heated. If you experience migraine or tension headaches, this eye mask combined with the neck pillow can provide relief.
6. Go on a Sensory Journey
Epsom salts make a great exfoliating agent. Take a handful of Epsom or Himalayan salt, add 20-30 drops of AVEDA composition oil shampure, beautifying, stress-fix, or rosemary mint and massage feet for 30 seconds. Your hands will thank you. Silky smooth. Finish with a layer of AVEDA foot relief moisturizing creme.
7. Foot Massager Roller
After soaking your feet for 30 minutes, it’s time to get knots out with some reflexology. The dual foot massager is good for relieving plantar fasciitis, heel and arch pain.
8. Save that Bath Soak DIY for Later
Induce deep sleep by taking a luxurious Epsom and Himalayan salt bath. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts and a 2lbs bag of Himalayan bath salts. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and soak for 15-30 minutes.
Put a few pumps of AVEDA rosemary mint hand and body wash on a body brush and exfoliate the skin from head to toe. You will feel clean and tingly from the mint.
Self-care is essential to mental, emotional, physical health and well being. It’s key to living a quality of life with few if no ailments.
Finish with a mood-boosting beverage like a matcha green tea lemonade. Read my blog post on DIY Matcha Green Tea Two Ways. Enjoy your spa day, you’ve earned it.
I remember the days where it was cool to pack everything and the kitchen sink. Now with checked baggage fees, the culture has changed to stuffing all you can in that little carry-on and the race to get on the plane first.
One event changed my luggage behavior and becoming a carry-on bag minimalist in Ireland. A group of friends and I decided to go to Ireland for a couple of weeks.
Getting there wasn’t smooth sailing. We eventually got to Ireland and had a wonderful time.
Delayed Flight
Traveling from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, there is a 99% guarantee that your flight will be delayed. I know this from experience. Flying back from a military training exercise in Germany, my group had a 3-hour layover in Chicago.
Of all the times stopping over at O’Hare International Airport, that was the one time, I didn’t experience a flight delay. I think someone heard that I really wanted to get home.
Due to weather, the flight to Dublin, Ireland was delayed. As folks waited in line trying to reschedule their flights, we got on the phone with the airline to figure out what our options were.
We had already booked our lodging ahead of time. To fly out the next day, we would have to change two week’s worth of bookings. Not cool.
A flight was available, but we would have to fly to New Jersey and then get on another flight. A tip to those flying, if your flight gets delayed and you feel compelled to wait in the customer service line, that is cool do what you gotta do.
You can stand in line, but you better have your airline app open and be trying to switch your flights so you can get out of line as soon as possible.
Minimalist Packing Born
We flew on a different carrier non-stop to Ireland except my carry-on made it there and my two friends checked luggage didn’t. Their luggage decided to make a stop in New Jersey before continuing on to Dublin.
And this is why I switched to bringing just a carry-on when I travel. It’s not easy to pack for two weeks or more, but it’s doable. One thing I know about myself is I pack for just in case scenarios.
The clothes I pack, I end up not wearing them. I end up finding some mall and buying clothes. Now I only pack a couple of outfits that I can layer so there is room to bring a new wardrobe home. This is what I pack into my carry-on.
Bag Balm might have been made for cow udders, but this tube is good for healing cuts, softening skin, and makes a great night eye cream. Have two eye creams for day and night?
Ditch those and switch to this. You won’t regret it. If you use nasal sprays and get nose bleeds in dry climates and wintry months, putting some outside of the nostrils will do the trick.
2. Bamboo Travel Utensils
Ever find yourself without a fork when you are getting ready to eat a to-go meal because the cook forgot to pack it? You no longer have to worry about that. The set includes a fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks. The utensils can be reused over and over again.
3. Reusable Glass Straws
I can’t say how many times when I order coffee at a coffee shop and forget to grab a straw. The straws can be reused over and over again. The set comes with a brush to clean and a carrying case. No more excuses for not making that nutritious smoothie on the road.
Eating out can get expensive while on the road. Save up and pay for unique meals you can’t find at home. The rest, leave to the mini rick cooker.
It comes with a book of recipes you can make with little fuss like chicken noodle soup, pineapple fried rice, broccoli mac and cheese, and chocolate cake.
When packing in your carry-on, turn the cover inside the cooker and wrap clothes around it to secure in place. It’s for the just in case your carry-on doesn’t fit overhead of a smaller plane and has to go under with the checked luggage. This helps to avoid the glass top breaking.
5. Magic Bullet Blender
This blender might be tiny, but you can make easy recipes like creamy tomato soap and matcha tea lemonade drinks without breaking a sweat.
6. Sleep Eye Mask and Earplugs
Block out light and don’t get woken up by the pub-goers underneath you at the hostel. The earplugs are good for concerts when you have front row seats like electronic dance music.
Too tired to wash your face from a night out at the club? These wipes will ensure your complexion keeps that glow the next day and not wake up with raccoon eyes. No washing required.
8. Irish Wool Shawl
Blarney Woollen Mills has been around since 1823. All knitwear, sweaters, and wraps are 100% made in Ireland. Shawls can work as a blanket on planes or when rolled up, a comfy neck pillow.
9. AVEDA Essential and Composition Oils
Mix oils into your moisturizer to create a unique scent. Add a couple of drops in your Epsom salt bath for a sensory journey. For composition oils, I rotate between shampure, beautifying, and rosemary mint. For essential oils, I like mixing peppermint, eucalyptus, and orange together into a hot bath.
AVEDA is a Minnesota based company owned by Estee Lauder that sells beauty plant-based products. Anytime you walk into an AVEDA store, someone will always great you and offer some tea.
The tea is a fusion of licorice root and peppermint. Great for an upset stomach. At-home tip: take one tea bag, add hot water to a mason jar, let it steep overnight. You will have a tea brew worth bragging about.
11. AVEDA Travel Products
Some of my favorites travel-size products (meets TSA requirements) are: Be curly co-wash, scalp benefits shampoo and conditioner, damage remedy intensive restructuring treatment, dry remedy daily moisturizing oil, and texture tonic.
12. Portable Electric Kettle
A foldable electric kettle that doesn’t take up space and boils water fast in less than 30 seconds.
13. Compression Calf Sleeves
Do you suffer from shin splints, tight calves or plantar fasciitis? These are great for long hauls on the airplane and wearing while running or after. The socks are good to have also. Sometimes my heel pain comes from tight calves.
When that happens, I wear the compression calve sleeves. Sometimes it’s my feet and so I will wear the compression socks with the calve sleeves, but not separate. Sleeping with them aggravates my plantar fasciitis.
14. Elvis and Kresse Medium Wash Bag
You need something to carry all of those AVEDA travel-sized products with right? When you purchase an item from Elvis and Kresse, you help to support a company give back by donating 50% of profits back to charities.
The raw materials used to make accessories are decommissioned fire hoses from London’s Fire Brigade. If your products leak, the mess will stay in the wash bag.
The wash bag comes in large as well. I use the large one for when I am traveling for more than 2 weeks. You can personalize it with your initials.
Ever get to a country and realize the outlets are completely different from home? Never again. The all-in-one international power adapter covers 150+ countries.
19. Portable Laundry System
A foldable wash bag that can clean clothes in less than 3 minutes. I put a couple of laundry pods in a 4oz mason jar (in case they melt). When its time to do some laundry, I just pop one in and scrub away.
I bring a couple of bungee cords to hang my clothes. The cords work to keep items from moving in my carry on like my mini rice cooker.
20. Headache Ice Pack Relief Band
Last, but not least a cold pack for headaches. I suffer from migraine and sinus headaches. Before I put the relief band on, I rub AVEDA’s cooling balancing oil concentrate .24 oz roll-on stick on my temples and the back of my neck.
The aroma of peppermint calms me down. The roll-on stick can be used for relieving tension from muscles. Foot massage after walking all day, anyone?
21. Travel Yoga Mat
Take your yoga practice anywhere. I like to do Ashtanga yoga. I bring a laminated Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series sequence sheet to reference when I am doing my yoga practice.
Kino McGregor demonstrates these poses on her YouTube channel.
And there you have it. The list seems like a lot, but these items are so small, you will have plenty of room to bring home a new wardrobe or souvenir.
If you are looking to change your eating habits, want to learn how to cook simple meals, or try to get back on your feet after experiencing an illness or injury, one or both are worth a try.
Growing up, all the men and women in my family were great cooks. My paternal grandfather maintained a small garden in the yard growing watermelons, tomatoes, rhubarb, raspberries, and strawberries to name a few.
You would find me in the kitchen oohing and ahhing. I considered myself an excellent taste tester.
I had no interest in learning how to cook. Someone would start to try and show me something and my eyes would glaze over. It seemed too complicated to me.
Easy Food Recipes
The Travel Foodie
Everything was made from scratch. I loved to watch her cook and explain the process of creating a dish versus the women in my family saying, “I just do a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” I wasn’t ready to take the plunge just yet.
Minneapolis/St. Paul wasn’t always the melting pot of cuisine. Sometimes I would just travel just to enjoy unique foods. Early travel for me was about all about the food experience and checking the box of major cities I visited.
Times have changed. One of the most underrated cities is now my food mecca. I can go explore Eat Street and imagine myself somewhere else one bite at a time without haven’t to go across the pond.
The Fight to Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Chronic pain and fatigue made me too tired to cook and I would make frequent fast food stops. This lifestyle according to my nutritionist increased the amount of inflammation in my body. A co-worker introduced me to Home Chef.
I signed up for weekly delivery. Fresh ingredients, pre-measured, and easy to follow recipes are what I needed. After six months, I added Hello Fresh. I rotated between the two every other week.
My favorite meal to learn how to make was fish tacos. I have had some excellent fish tacos from small shacks near the ocean.
A fish taco isn’t just a fish taco. After making a couple of recipes, I began to experiment followed by simple breakfast food.
Becoming a cook in training has led to pressing pause on Home Chef and Hello Fresh. I am having too much time exploring DIY recipes on the All Recipes app.
The Path to DIY Breakfast Recipes
I like to eat a traditional breakfast as I suck at cooking breakfast items. Working in the cubical farm, I would either eat DIY breakfast recipes I found online in my car or in front of my work computer.
Some of those free continental breakfasts aren’t that great either. It’s sad my cooking can rival some of those places that shall remain nameless.
Thank goodness for Waffle House. It’s the only place I would drive a long way to eat at. I think the nearest one is 8-hours away.
I am convinced the best way you can honor yourself is to cook yourself a meal. One of the reasons I like visiting farmer’s markets is asking locals about how to cook an item.
I started to take my creations on the road with me. My hotel preference is a full kitchen or kitchenettes at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. This is what made me really start to enjoy cooking.
Two Items I Don’t Travel Without
I keep it simple with a carry-on and small handbag anytime I travel. It has helped me to avoid missing flights with tight connections. Depending on the destination, packing can be a challenge.
Two items I always bring with me is my Dash mini rice cooker and Magic bullet blender.
I bought both on Amazon. The recipe books are easy to follow. All you have to do is buy the ingredients.
I like to pack a ziplock sandwich bag of Carolina Gold rice I buy online from Carolina Plantation Rice.
A ziplock bag of hard red spring wheat berries I buy through Amazon from a 5th generation family-owned farm from Washington state.
A smaller bag containing sea salt, and other seasonings like nutritional yeast. I will pick up a vegetable or meat side dish from the local store or a food truck.
Easy Food Recipes
1. Carolina Plantation Rice
While watching a travel food episode filmed in South Carolina, I learned about heirloom rice called Carolina Gold.
I have tried a lot of varieties of rice around the world. hHands down, this one is my favorite.
One of the reasons why I enjoy cooking Carolina Gold rice is how aromatic it is.
You don’t have to add a lot to it. If you do, you will ruin the dish. I’m not joking.
The rice is not cheap, but what delicious entrée isn’t? We remember the meals that bring the greatest comfort made with love regardless of currency.
This isn’t your typical store brand rice. In my opinion, it’s worth every penny and worth a try.
The white rice will arrive in a cloth sack with cooking instructions.
The rice history of coastal South Carolina in the Americas dating back to the Colonial Period to the present day brings a deeper appreciation of the many hands who planted and harvested a delicate yet flavorful rice.
Due to the rich soil, climate, and water of the low country that is the reason for the distinct taste and flavor.
The taste of this long-grain rice can complement and easily compete with any cuisine.
Stir 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt into the wheatberries.
Add 2 cups of water.
Press the ‘Rice’ button. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the rice cooker switches to ‘Warm’.
Put a handful of wheat berries, blueberries, chopped almonds in a bowl.
Pour 1/4-1/2 a cup of nut milk over the wheat berries and fruit until slightly covered.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup on top.
3. Cold or Hot Quinoa Breakfast
Ingredients
1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water
1/2 teaspoon of sea or ground himalayan salt
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
1/4 cup of heavy cream
1/4 a cup of chopped almonds
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
Directions
Add 1 cup of quinoa to the rice cooker.
Stir 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt into the quinoa.
Add 2 cups of water.
Press the ‘Rice’ button. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the rice cooker switches to ‘Warm’. To enjoy cold the next day, leave the quinoa in the refrigerator to cool overnight.
To enjoy hot right away, add a couple of scoops of quinoa, a handful of dried cranberries, chopped almonds in a bowl.
Pour 1/4-1/2 a cup of heavy cream over the quinoa, dried cranberries, and almonds until slightly covered.
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of maple syrup on top.
4. Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients
1 avocado
1 cup of whole milk
1 tablespoon of buckwheat honey or maple syrup to taste
Pour into a glass. Don’t forget your glass smoothie straw. Bon appetit!
5. Tomato Sandwich
Ingredients
1 heirloom tomato
6 oz baguette
Mayonnaise (Hellman’s, Duke’s, or Blue Plate)
Salt
Pepper
Lemon infused extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Slice the heirloom tomato and put it into a bowl. I chose heirloom tomatoes for its natural saltiness. The recipe asks for salt and pepper and oil. Remember, a little goes a long way.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil over the tomato slices and stir with a spoon. Set aside.
Slice the baguette into thirds. Save the rest to enjoy later or another day.
Put a layer of mayonnaise and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on each baguette slice.
Add the heirloom tomato slices. Have napkins available or eat it over a sink. Bon appetit!
With all of this food, you are going to need a tasty green tea lemonade to complement your meal. Check out my post, DIY Matcha Green Tea 2 Ways for the recipe.
Experiencing chronic pain and fatigue every day can lower the quality of life. Routine things once enjoyed like travel, getting around, running, and cooking in luxury become difficult to maintain.
Routine and complex work tasks take longer to complete. You might be thinking about quitting your job.
A recent chronic illness diagnosis makes it hard to digest and well what is an invisible illness?
An invisible illness is an umbrella term for any medical condition that isn’t easily visible to others.
Not all chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic pain, fatigue, arthritis, diabetes, and others are not immediately apparent.
Explaining chronic pain to someone is difficult when you don’t understand what is happening to you. All you know is it just hurts all over and want it to stop.
It could be easy to ignore symptoms of pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, thyroid problems, and cognitive problems commonly called brain fog.
Considering these symptoms as not a big deal and think a glass of wine combined with pain killers will make the problem go away may work temporarily, but long-term, if not addressed by a health care professional, symptoms can worsen.
Understanding chronic pain from the start will help you understand you’re not alone and there are effective alternative treatments out there to help manage your symptoms.
I found a wonderful analogy to explain fibromyalgia/chronic pain to others that they can relate to.
My pain feels like my nerves are literally on fire followed by pins and needles feeling like I am being poked like a pin cushion.
Once I understood what my diagnosed conditions were, I made it a mission to learn how to explain chronic pain to others, how to stay positive with chronic pain, and how to live with the pain.
It’s not easy because I hate routine, but when I don’t stretch, skip an acupuncture treatment, my pain levels increase, and I can’t do the things I like to do, go for a walk, travel, and meet friends for coffee.
You Don’t Look Sick
If you’re still working, some of your co-workers may perceive you trying to gain sympathy or trying to get out of work to put your feet up.
As word gets around about your condition from either your boss or the office gossip queen (or king), co-workers’ attitudes change. A hostile working environment is soon created causing more stress.
Just because they can’t see you struggling internally, it doesn’t mean your symptoms of physical pain don’t exist.
Instead of focusing on your health and scheduling holistic treatments like massage, cupping therapy or acupuncture, you are worried about what is being said about you.
Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation
Ailments and injuries can continue to accumulate until there is no option except to either find a less physically demanding job or go into earlier retirement. Let alone the financial strain that occurs if one is not prepared for this drastic lifestyle change.
Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your boss and ask for a flexible schedule, change in hours, or a change in duties due to pain levels. You might be surprised in the outpouring of support and generosity received.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.
Federal employees and applicants are covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, instead of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The growing remote working options have made it possible for flexible scheduling so you can focus on reversing the damage caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
Working from home due to health issues can make adjusting to a new lifestyle enjoyable. How would you like to enjoy living pain-free?
Working remotely reduces the stress of a daily commute, wear and tear on your car, saves you money on gas, childcare, and buying new clothes for the office.
Now that I work from home, I have more time to work out and schedule weekly acupuncture treatments for headaches, hormone imbalances, and chronic pain.
As I am typing this, I am walking on my under desk treadmill. I repurposed a drawing desk to create my stand up desk during the day to combine work and a little exercise.
Adding a desk riser creates multiple standup opportunities rather than sitting in a chair that can be moved and used in the kitchen, in the living room, or in the bedroom.
Working remotely can allow you to prioritize self-care and put your energy towards hobbies you enjoy.
Having a support system around along with individuals who have similar chronic conditions can make you feel less alone.
Traveling and seeing the world is one thing, being able to volunteer to improve the quality of life of others is another. What are the possibilities of combining both and being a voluntourist?
Not only is it cheaper, but the amount of friends made and cultural experiences gained from giving your time to help others is something you can’t pay for on a group tour focused on going to the touristy places and making money.
Since I was a little girl, I have had a fascination with all things Egypt. The pyramids, artifacts, Valley of the Kings, King Tut, Cleopatra, the Nile, I could go on and on.
I still get excited when an announcement is made about a new discovery in the Valley of the Kings.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
I had become interested in volunteering and wanted to teach English. While researching certification programs, I came across an organization called TEFL International.
Locations are all over the world including the United States. Lucky for me, they had one in Egypt, the second-largest city of Alexandria (named after and founded by Alexander the Great).
Cost for the courses included seafront accommodations of shared apartments with access to a private beach in al-Agami, a suburb of Alexandria along with transportation to and from the school.
The trainers guide you on the process of planning, preparation, delivery of a lesson to actual students in a classroom setting and one on one. The feedback that was provided was very valuable.
Upon completion of the 4 – week course, I earned a TESOL certification which can be used to apply for entry-level jobs to teach English in a classroom setting or private one on one around the world.
Learning English Changes Lives
Through this experience, I learned the importance of how learning English improves career prospects. During a private lesson, I had one student who was going to school for Egyptology.
In order for her to be able to get a job at one of the archeological sites, she had to know and hold a conversation in English. I walked away knowing the intangible rewards of teaching English as a second language.
During my month-long stay in Alexandria, the weekend was spent hanging out with my classmates and sightseeing around Alexandria.
I loved that just a few blocks from my apartment. I could get fresh fruits and vegetables and work on my cooking skills.
Most places are within walking distance and transportation is cheap. My experience allowed me to see many of the tourist attractions.
Do some shopping for some unique souvenirs at the City Center Mall and Souq District.
Places I Recommend Visiting
Fort Qaitbey – a 15th-century fortress & naval museum. Viator offers an excellent group tour.
The Library of Alexandria – six specialized libraries, four museums, and ongoing exhibitions.
Pompey’s Pillar – the biggest memorial column in Egypt.
Kom al-Dikka – the only Roman amphitheater found in Egypt and observe ongoing excavations.
Montaza Palace – one of three Presidential palaces in Egypt.
Corniche of Alexandria – waterfront stroll along the eastern harbor of Alexandria.
During the months of Jan-Mar, the school offers a free trip to Sharm el-Sheikh. Seeing the pyramids, the Sphinx and Egyptian Museum was on my bucket list.
Instead of going to Sharm el-Sheikh, I arranged for a private tour of Alexandria and Cairo. I had a personal tour guide who went with me to the pyramids and the Sphinx.
The Sphinx and the Pyramids in Giza.
He spoke on the history of these wonderful structures. Afterward, I spent some time at the Egyptian Museum where the mask of King Tut is on display along with other collections of pharaonic antiquities before heading back to Alexandria.
Gotta Try The Street Food
Just like in the United States, there is lovely street food to try. Before diving in, I recommend waiting a couple of days for your body to adjust to the environment.
Even though I am not a liver fan, I had the best liver and onion sandwich along with some koshari.
It consists of rice topped with pasta, lentils, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce, garlic and a bit of thinly sliced fried onion.
It’s cheap, filling and delicious and was something I ate it pretty much every day and never got sick of it.
Another food to try is rice ice cream. I was a skeptic at first, but by the time I finished my ice cream, I became a believer.
Taking a break from a TEFL course to enjoy rice ice cream in Alexandria, Egypt.
Alexandria is the little quieter than Cairo, but I think this city is the best-kept secret of places to visit and her treasures like koshari. Of course, if you feel the need to go to Cairo, there are plenty of tours available to give you time to learn about Egypt’s history and contribute to the economy.
It’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something goes wrong. You can purchase travel insurance from World Nomads.
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You can click here to get a quote. Read the policy details to ensure that it’s right for you.
In part I of Off-Season Travel: Antigua, West Indies, You bought the plane ticket to the island, have the paperwork to make going through customs a breeze. Now it is time to have some fun and take in the island life. Time to explore!
Caribbean Sea Side or Atlantic Ocean Side?
The beaches are pristine. If you are trying to decide which hotel and part of the island to stay at, let me provide some information.
On the east side (Atlantic Ocean), it’s quieter with the buses running less frequently as most locals have a car. Currently, there is a seaweed problem with the beaches being covered by it.
Overlooking the rocky cliffs of Moon Bay
One beach I recommend is going to is Half Moon Bay. You may not be able to lay on the beach, but the water is warm and inviting.
Walk around the beach and watch the ocean waves crash into the rock formations.
Perfect for taking photos. On the west side (Caribbean Sea), no seaweed, clear and calm turquoise color beaches. If you ask a local, they will say to stick with the Caribbean side.
Public Transportation
Most buses are driven by drivers who purchase their own bus with it coming down to making money versus convenience. At bus stations, drivers don’t depart until the bus is completely full.
I sat on a bus in which we waited 30 minutes to depart. I had time on my hands and didn’t mind. Some of the locals expressed their dissatisfaction with waiting.
I got a kick out of folks looking at me weird. Most westerners ride in taxis with air conditioning. Let me remind you, think 1USD each way compared to 30USD. As long as you have tunes, headphones and a book, it’s worth the wait.
Day 1
Sugar Ridge Resort is located in Jolly Harbor. There is a grocery store called Epicurean Fine Foods within a 6-minute walk of the hotel. The resort is beautiful, with many menu options and activities. Anytime I travel, I always try to eat local food versus what I have at home.
If you want to mix up fine dining and local food, I recommend eating at Carmichael’s at the resort. Along the roads, locals serve local food on the cheap. Fruits and vegetables are more expensive at the grocery store.
The grocery store contains what you will find back at home. Some of the things you enjoy back at home, you will pay a lot more for them from being imported. There is a deli in which you can purchase hot food like chicken and hamburgers.
Something I found interesting is the use of Thousand Island dressing on burgers and shawarma. It reminded me of the McDonald’s Big Mac a little. Did McDonald’s get their secret sauce from Antigua?
Once settled, time for some sightseeing. The first tour I recommend is the island tour. The cost is 120USD, well worth it. This can be scheduled through the hotel or through the taxi driver you rode with.
Sir Viv Richards Stadium
This will help you to determine what other tours or places you would like to visit in more detail.
The island tour I did took me to St. John’s, Freetown, English Harbor, Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights, Jolly Harbor, and Sir Viv Richards Stadium built-in 2007 for the Cricket World Cup.
In speaking with a local, I expressed noticing what looked like abandoned houses around the island. He said that locals own their homes. Only-apartments you see are ones that are rented out for tourists.
You will see houses that look abandoned. Some residents choose to save up for a house. Residents begin construction, stop when funds run out, and start again when more funds are available.
Others may take out a loan from the bank. Don’t forget to schedule that 60 min massage. J Spa along with shops are closed on Sundays, but the taxis and buses are available.
Day 2
The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby beaches and to St. John’s from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. I went to Turner’s Beach.
There is a local restaurant that serves burgers and seafood. I recommend ordering the catch of the day.
Eating red snapper at the beach
I ordered the snapper and it was delicious costing me $24.
There is no skimming as you get a whole snapper, rice, vegetables, and salad.
Be adventurous and ask about their popular rum drinks. Try a different drink other than a rum and coke. At the beach, you can rent a jet ski, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and beach chairs.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture the turquoise colors of the Caribbean Sea. If it’s a clear day, in the distance you can see the island Montserrat.
Day 3
Since Tuesday was my check out day, I made Monday my spa day to use that $300 gift certificate. The spa has a great listing of services making it difficult to decide on.
I started with a 60-minute beautifying body wrap followed by a 90-minute massage.
The resort has AVEDA products available for purchase with a 40% discount and you earn Pure Privilege points. After my spa day, it was time to take a dip in the pool, relax, and read a book.
Day 4
One good thing about the resort is checking out isn’t until noon. Again you can take a taxi to your next destination or there is a bus stop outside of the hotel.
I decided to continue my journey onto the Five Islands. I found a budget hotel for less than $80 per night called Inn La Galleria.
Breakfast was included and filling. The hotel is within a 5-minute walk to the beach. The place was clean and the breakfast was good.
There is a bus stop a couple of blocks away that takes you back into St. John’s. I decided to check out the capital city.
Heritage Quay
First, stop Heritage Quay for some duty-free shopping and people watching.
This is where cruise ships dock for the day and its tourist central running around.
If you are just in the mood for some food and drinks I recommend chilling at the Beehive or Cheers. Just a couple blocks away are the Antigua and Barbuda Museum.
Day 5
Walk another 5 minutes and you will be at East Station. Take the 35 bus to the Ferry town and visit Half Moon Beach where it’s known for its pink sand.
Just be forewarned that the 35 bus doesn’t go all the way to the beach and you will have to walk about a mile.
To take the bus back to St. John’s you will need to walk back into the village to a bus stop or call for a taxi. The water is warm and clear, but you will see piles of seaweed.
If you are into photography, you can walk around the beach to the rocks and take photos of nearby rock formations and watch the waves slam into the rocks. There are a restaurant and a stand that sells beverages.
In my case, I did take a bus and the driver got me as close to the beach as possible.
Half Moon Bay
Buses run until 6 p.m., sometimes earlier on the east side of the island. Remember to have a transportation plan or else you may find yourself sleeping on the beach.
Once the sun goes down, St. John’s is night and day. Food places not open during the day open up. The city is bursting with activity. Check out an evening game of cricket and converse with the locals.
Roti is a must-try. Roti King opens at 5 p.m. and is located on St. Mary’s Street. If you are missing something American, there is a Burger King and a Subway.
I was feeling a craving for fries. My fast food of choice was chicken shawarma with fries. There is a cinema where you can catch a movie.
Day 6
As I continue around the island, today’s adventure consisted of visiting English Harbor. If you are into some history of Antigua, you should visit Nelson’s Dockyard.
Nelson’s Dockyard is named after Admiral Nelson. Here you can see ships, learn some early history, visit the museum, get some delicious baked goods and do some snorkeling.
Day 7
Skip the taxi to the airport and take the bus. 42 Coolidge will get you close to the airport. The walk to the airport is less than one mile. Cross the street and follow the sidewalk all the way to the airport terminal.
Not ready to go home? Here is a wild idea. Extend your vacation and flyover to South America.
Snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions on San Cristobal, Galapagos Island, Ecuador.
