Thursday, June 20, 2013

Back to Reality after Months of Fortune



After three months of each day being a Saturday, we are headed back to the Monday through Friday routine soon. These last few months have flown by in a blur--to be specific, 50,678 miles (that's twice the circumference of the world!).  If it weren't for this blog, if you asked us all that we've seen, we'd probably start our answer with, "Um, let me try to remember..." In less than three months, we have traveled to ten countries together, eight of which were new to us. We have crossed the globe, experienced new cultures, devoured a ton of great food, and savored every moment of this amazing opportunity.

Coming home after each trip only to remember that Granddad isn't around to hear of our adventures was the hardest part, especially since he would have celebrated his 90th birthday on June 15. However, it was very obvious that he was with us the whole time. Each time we made First or Business Class, that was Granddad. Each time a nice stranger would point us in the right direction, Granddad had a hand in that. Each time we got to sit together on a flight, well, that was probably Grandma, actually--she hated to see us separated. At every cafe where we overlooked some magnificent view while dining, Granddad was sitting right beside us.

We believe our Granddad would be happy knowing that we made the most out of his decades with United Airlines. He gave us the best gift anyone could ask for--a chance to leave the "real world" behind and actually go out and experience the real world. Forget stalking your phone and camping out in front of the TV, go see a castle, walk cobblestone streets with an ice cream cone, sit outside at a cafe with nothing to keep you entertained but conversation and people-watching. Life is not a spectator sport, and these few months have put us right onto the field.

So if you are curious as to our main take-away after traveling the globe, that's it. Go out and experience something, anything--domestic or international. Lastly, thank you to everyone who took the time to see where we were going and what we were up to! We didn't expect such a great response, and it's been amazing to see the number of hits our site has gotten. So thank you for "traveling" with us!

Until our next vacation,
Christina and Lisa





Monday, June 17, 2013

What We Learned in St. Martin/St. Maarten

  • Coors Light probably owns the island, as it is the most popular beer.
  • For a five day trip, one 1-oz can of sunscreen, one 1-oz bottle of sunscreen, and one 3-oz bottle of sunscreen is the perfect amount for two people.
  • Euros are equal to dollars in the town of Grand Case, if you're paying in cash.
  • The Dutch side of the island is Sint Maarten; the French side is Saint Martin.
  • All houses and buildings are made out of concrete to withstand the hurricane season.
  • Soccer and basketball are the most popular sports on the island, especially watching the NBA.
  • The French side of the island is less built up than the Dutch side. Nature lovers should stay on the French side, and shopaholics should stay on the Dutch. We obviously stayed on the French side.
  • There is not a clear border between the French and Dutch side.
  • There are butterflies and flies everywhere. Hummingbirds can also be seen a lot.
  • Pic du Paradise is an hour and a half hike up to the tallest point on the island, and almost an hour and a half hike back down.
  • It is very convenient to hire a driver; you can get almost anywhere in just 30 minutes. Even better, businesses are very helpful and will call your driver when needed.
  • Johnny Cakes are a treat in the island. They're essentially fried dough, and they are delicious.
  • The drinking water is safe, which is great because bottled water costs about five Euro each.
  • Gas is $1.75 per liter.
  • To buy a car, you get it shipped from the states. There is also no shipping charge.
  • It is a madhouse at the gates in the airport. They have enough seats for maybe one flight, while they have gates for five flights.
  • In the airport, after you clear the gate, you are bussed to your plane.
  • As an added bonus, Chris(topher) and I learned that we travel well together :).

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Day 71: St. Martin & Traveling

Our last hours in St. Martin were packed with a tasty breakfast and a quick dip in the pool. 

After reluctantly getting out of the water, we asked an attendant to take our photo. Little did we know what we were asking. He proceeded to take 20 photos of us, which resulted in an awkward, yet awesome, string of photos. A few of them are included, along with some more pictures of our hotel. Not to mention, a cactus that looks like it is wearing a fez.

That pretty much summed up our day, minus the sheer chaos of St. Maarten's airport. BUT we made it home safely!



Friday, June 14, 2013

Day 70: St. Martin & St. Maarten

Aujourd'hui (or "today," as the French say) was wonderful. Chris ran for three mornings in a row (two, running hills where butterflies stuck to him like glue). 

After a lovely breakfast, we kayaked in the cove against pretty strong currents, then swam in the pool to relax. On a side note, we also saved a baby iguana from being stuck in the 150 meter-long pool indefinitely. AND we saved a beach umbrella that the winds had carried into the pool. The latter was less rewarding.

This evening, we visited the Dutch side of the island, St. Maarten, for a sunset cruise. For three hours, we ate, we drank (some more than others), and we rode the currents. At our table, we enjoyed the catamaran cruise with a couple from Kentucky and a mother-daughter duo from New York. The daughter from New York, Lisa (thought of you, Lise!), unfortunately did not do well with waves. So while Chris and I were on the nets egging the waves on, she was resting her head on the table. Poor lady. 

The cruise was a great way to end our last full day in the beautiful Caribbean. Tomorrow, after some food and sun, we'll head back up to Chi-town to cheer on the Blackhawks!



Thursday, June 13, 2013

Day 69: Loterie Farm and Grand Case, St. Martin

For anyone who has ever hiked with me before, you know that I can get easily winded and one might also say easily irritable...


Today's hike up to Pic du Paradise was no exception. After an hour and a half of uphill hiking, wet rocks, and one wrong turn, I almost threw up the white flag. But then, we made it (finally!) to the top. The view was spectacular and crystal clear. The island looked stunning from the highest point on the land. Chris and I hugged, and then, it happened. The skies opened up in an instant and let out a torrential downpour. So all of our photos from the top are foggy. Well played, Mother Nature. 

The view truly was spectacular though, and our lunch at the bottom of the hill at Loterie Farm was some of the best food we've had yet on our trip. 

After our vigorous hike, we returned to the hotel for a dip in the hot tub and pool. Then we hit the road again to quaint Grand Case, where the main street is lined with restaurants for all palettes. We started at a local BBQ joint, then had amazing desserts (including rose ice cream) at a French restaurant.

Overall, a very busy but rewarding day for us, with lots of photos to share!






Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Day 68: Anse Marcel, St. Martin

We must be in the land of butterflies as they are everywhere here! They fly over the pool, greet us on our patio, and just make the hotel lovelier than it already is. Lizards are also in abundance scurrying around. I even saw one that looked like my old iguana!

The name of the game today was Soak Up the Sun. We started our day in the gym, then hit up the infinity pool, migrated to the beach, and toured the surrounding area. We swam, we read, we reapplied sunscreen. Oh, and we dined right on the beach for lunch and dinner. How's that for relaxing?

Tomorrow's activities will be quite the opposite, as we will hike two to three miles up to Pic du Paradis (aka, Paradise Peak). Yikes! Legs don't fail me now.

Lastly, thanks to the power of technology and the Internet, we are currently cheering on the Hawks while drinking wine and playing cards!




Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Day 67: Anse Marcel, St. Martin

Bonjour from St. Martin! The island where idiotic people hang on to a fence and try not to get blown away, while planes fly over head. Maybe you've seen the YouTube video. Fortunately, that seems to be the island's only downside :).

My boyfriend Chris and I arrived today at the half French, half Dutch island in the Caribbean. This island is the smallest land mass on Earth that is occupied by two different nations. And yes, it can be confusing that both of us are called Chris.

After flying over the beautiful turquoise blue water, we headed to our hotel, the Radisson Blu. Situated over a hill and right on a cove, the hotel is nicely secluded away from all the hustle and bustle - perfect for a little R & R.  The infinity pool and private beach look amazing, and we can't wait to dive in tomorrow!

We had dinner at the hotel, including a very unique pizza with Brie as one of the four cheeses. Food is one of the highlights of the island, which is just perfect for us :).



Monday, June 10, 2013

Days 63-66: Home Sweet Midwest

After a long day in the airport on June 7, Lisa and I finally made it home. Thank goodness too, as we had the 8th Annual Walk with Rachel on Saturday!

Over $8,000 was raised to benefit Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, all in memory of our dear friend Rachel, who passed away on February 23, 2004. 

Later, Lisa cheered on the Blackhawks with the family, while my boyfriend Chris and I headed to the far off land of Wisconsin for a Zac Brown Band concert. 

Today, Lisa and I have been quite productive around the house. The productivity ends for me tomorrow, however. The next five days will be filled with rest and relaxation as the beau and I travel to the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Pictures of beautiful beaches to come!



Friday, June 7, 2013

What We Learned in Costa Rica

- Stop signs are optional.
- There are 25,000 coffee producers in the country.
- Free housing is given to coffee plantation workers.
- Talk about loving coffee, they use the coffee root for rotisserie chicken.
- 64 percent of the population is Catholic.
- Nine percent of workers' paychecks go to the hospital.
- When you go to a pharmacy/drug store and ask for pills, they ask you how many pills you want. You don't walk away with a box of pills, when you may only need three or four pills.
- There are 112 volcanos in the country; 5 are active.
- Driving reminds Chris of dune-bashing in Dubai, without the comfort of knowing that it's done for entertainment purposes.
- No matter where we roam, the hand dryers made in Berkley, Illinois, remind us of home.
- We saw stores named "USA Part 2." We don't know what they are, but we're curious.
- They no longer tour the Arenal area to view the volcano at night, as two years have passed since any lava has flowed on the outside.
- Lisa can't help but say "Danke," no matter which country we're in.
- You have to pay to exit the country. Each person has to pay a departure tax of $29 before even getting to the airport's ticket counter.
- They'll accept both dollars and colones for currency.
- CAT is everywhere (Europe, too). As Bradley grads, I think we're wired to notice it more than most.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Day 62: Escanzu, Costa Rica

If yesterday was the epitome of endless sight-seeing, today was the yin to the yang.

After a wonderful, yet long, first day in Costa Rica, we awoke this morning feeling a bit sub par. Much of it, I'm sure, is simply due to the amazing, yet weakening, effect of constant travel. Not that we are complaining! Unfortunately, Chris took the brunt of it as her slight allergy to water (truth) didn't appreciate yesterday's long visit to the hot springs.

So, we toured the surrounding area, enjoying fresh juice and chatting it up with the helpful local pharmacists. Then, drugs in tow, we made our way back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. Now, yesterday's pools were hot, but doable. This icebox was impossible. It wasn't even deep enough to buck up and cannonball into. No, sir. So we sat. And read. And enjoyed the sun (perhaps a little too much for me, giving my Eastern European skin more credit than it was due).

Thankfully, we were able to enjoy the outdoors before the "rainy season" showed its true colors. We're going on eight hours straight now. All the more reason to cozy up with a good book.

If I have rediscovered one thing on this trip, it is my love of reading. I always knew I loved traveling, so that doesn't count. However, I never feel like I have time to read at home, or there's always something more active to do. Yet here, traveling, there is nothing better than getting lost in a good thriller. It's a beautiful way to rebalance the yin with the yang.

That's right, I brought it back for the closure. There's more to yin and yang than the jewelry (or pogs - heyo!) we rocked out in the early 90's.




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Day 61: Northern Part of Costa Rica

Soaking in natural hot springs while overlooking a volcano was a great introduction to Costa Rica!

By the time our full-day tour came to an end, we were on the road for 15 hours, touring the northern part of Costa Rica. The environment was lush, the roads were winding, and the narrow bridges looked ancient... all making the experience feel more authentic. :)

Our morning included touring towns as we made our way up the country. Lunch and dinner were enjoyed in the fresh air with the Arenal Volcano looming in the background. Of the 112 volcanos on the island, five are active, including Arenal.

Our afternoon was spent at the Baldi Hot Springs. We learned quickly that they don't call them hot for nothing. The springs were therapeutic and calming, but not what you (or even WE) would call refreshing. The temperatures ranged from "cool" (used loosely, basically warm), to hot, scalding, and even up to, "People go in this?!"

As luck would have it, we enjoyed almost every pool by ourselves for the first two hours. By the time the teeny boppers raided the springs, we had already found a nice place to kick our feet up and read.

While I tried to sleep on the three hour ride back to our hotel, the rocky terrain refused to lighten up. Neither did our driver, Marlo, who I believe to be a distant cousin of Mario Andretti. The dense fog only let in light from the oncoming headlights, as well as the silhouettes of the trees on the road. Throw in some rain and lightning, and you have a horror movie set. Lisa slept soundly on my shoulder throughout most of this, because life's not fair.

On that note, an exhaustive "Buenas noches" to all!










Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Day 60: Chicago to San Jose, Costa Rica

Hola from Costa Rica!

Not much to report, as today was simply dedicated to getting from O'Hare to Costa Rica. We did get to fly on United's Dreamliner though. Truthfully, it didn't wow us. It had higher ceilings, tinted green windows, and black marble countertops in the bathroom. Those are pretty much the highlights.

We did get a nice surprise in Houston's airport as we waited for our connection to San Jose - an impromptu reunion with one of my AIU colleagues, Dr. Greg Washington! Thank you, AIU, for holding the board meeting in Houston this week. Small world!

Other than that, we had a turbulent flight into Costa Rica, a rocky taxi ride, and regrets on not having brushed up on our Spanish. Lisa is reflecting back on her years of classes, and I'm trying to remember how to count to ten :).

Tomorrow, we'll be out all day touring the northern part of the island, namely a volcano and hot springs!


Monday, June 3, 2013

Days 55-59: Home!

Vivian: "I forgot where I was."
Edward: "Occupational hazard?"
- Pretty Woman, 1990

For the last two months, this quote has frequented my brain every morning when I wake up. This weekend was no exception.

After a memorable trip, Chris and I successfully made it home from Dubai. Our longest flight yet, we were airborne for 13.5 hours - in middle seats. Thank goodness for makeshift tray-table "pillows" and built-in TVs in every seat.

Handy tip for those traveling internationally: when walking to customs and passport control, always pass the escalator and take the stairs. No, not for health reasons - that's just an added bonus. The stairs are a lot faster; taking them will put you ahead of more people in line. Passport control is the DMV of the airport.

This weekend, Chris and I were both in the Midwest. She was at home, and I was in Michigan for a wedding.

Flight loads willing, our current plan is to leave for Costa Rica tomorrow!






What We Learned in the United Arab Emirates

- Everyone drives like they have a pregnant woman going into labor in their front seat. The speeding is terrifying.
- At first, we felt a great culture shock when we arrived at the airport. By the end though, we felt very comfortable.
- On each train, there is a "Women and Children Only" section, which women may choose to travel in. (There is not a car designated for "Only Men".)
- The Dubai Mall holds several Guinness World Records.
- All the astounding buildings and structures are adolescents! Most were built in the last ten years.
- Despite the conservative nature of the country, the beaches are far from conservative.
- Only the elite are allowed into the "world's only 7-star hotel." Tourists can't simply tour around.
- If you are out in public (mall, beach, anywhere), you will hear the Call to Prayer that is sung out to the country.
- Camels have their ankles lightly tied to prevent them from running (quickly!) away.
- Taxes are not pulled out of your paychecks.
- You can't wear shoes inside mosques.
- Ford Tahoes are converted to dune-bashers once the tires are deflated. By the way, dune-bashing is driving recklessly over sand dunes.
- The Islamic day of faith is Friday. Ergo, the work week over there is Sunday through Thursday.
- The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Day 54: Dubai, UAE

Camels! We started our day with camels. Eric was nice enough to arrange a dune-bashing morning for us. It involved many emotions: fear, exhilaration, relief, joy. Fear when your car is tipping almost 90 degrees forward or 45 degrees to the side; exhilaration when you realize it's fun and you're going to make it; relief when you actually land; and joy when you see a camel. Then, you repeat.

After our morning workout (aka, my right arm gripping the "holy hell" handle), we decided to put our feet up and relax - poolside! We read, swam, and beat the heat.

Evening activities involved drinks and dinner with our amazing hosts Eric, Laura, and Sprout (Chris even did shots!). We are currently at the airport crossing our fingers, hoping to make the flight home. Think good thoughts for us! Oh yes, and Go Hawks!






Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Day 53: Abu Dhabi & Dubai, UAE

Today we saw one of the most exquisite sights in all of our travels, the Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Dubai's neighboring emirate (their version of a state).

The mosque was stunning at every angle. There are inlaid precious stones on the columns, gold on top of the spires, and the whitest marble on the floors.

On mosque grounds, men and women must be fully clothed from head to toe, and women must cover their heads. As prepared tourists, we brought the scarves we had in Europe. Those less prepared were given abaya and hijabs to properly cover.

Our wonderful tour guide, whose English name is Issac, guided us through the mosque and educated us in Islamic architecture, culture, and religion.

This masterpiece was just completed in 2005. It is the largest mosque in the UAE and one of the tenth largest in the world. It also holds both the largest carpet and the largest chandelier of its kind in the world. 41,000 people can worship there at one time.

After our tour, the rest of the day was very relaxing: poolside reading, Lebanese food for lunch, the beach, and Mexican for dinner and drinks. No doubt we will sleep well tonight!










Monday, May 27, 2013

Day 52: Dubai, UAE

2,716.5 feet (or 828 meters) is how far we traveled today. Vertically, that is!

Our first stop of the day (after freshly pressed juice and doggie kisses) was Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world. This building is just a child, as construction started in January 2004 and it opened in January 2010. The spire of the Burj can be seen from an astounding 95 kilometres away. Lisa and I took in the view of the city after the surprisingly speedy elevator ride, and we were further reminded that we truly are in the middle of a desert. After your eyes scan Dubai, there's not a whole lot to see besides sand and water.

Close by, we also saw a water show outside of the Dubai mall, along with the world record holder for the "longest single panel aquarium."

Next, we saw the "only 7-star hotel in the world," the Burj Al Arab. While only the elite can actually go into the hotel, Eric, Lisa and I very much enjoyed our view from the beach. After a relaxing two hour swim in the Arabian Gulf, we headed to dinner at a delicious Italian restaurant.

The food was amazing, the sights were astounding, and we can't wait to see more tomorrow!


On an end note, here's more information on the world's tallest building:
- At the height of its construction, there were over 12,000 laborers working each day.
- All of the concrete that was used to make the building weighed as much as 100,000 elephants.
- It is home to the Armani Hotel.
- It has one of the fastest elevators, traveling 10 meters per second, along with the lengthiest single-run elevator, covering 140 floors.
- 20: The amount of times Lisa and I collectively swallowed to clear our ears during the elevator rides up and down.








Sunday, May 26, 2013

Days 50 and 51: Chicago to Dubai, UAE

Hello from Dubai!

After 20.5 hours of airport/flight time (including our longest flight of 13.5 hours), we finally made it to Dubai! It was a close call, as we thought for certain that our picture of a plane would be the closest we got to one today. Luckily, that was not the case.

We are very lucky to be staying with our friend Eric, his fiancée Laura, and their affectionate doggie Brussels Sprouts.

Tonight was very relaxing, as we cooked, downed a lot of wine and beer, and just enjoyed great conversation :). Tomorrow we head to the main attractions!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Days 48 and 49: Sweet Home Chicago... or Schaumburg :)

Tomorrow, we make our way to another new country, the United Arab Emirates. These last few days at home have flown by so quickly!

Yesterday, we celebrated our amazing mom's birthday with the Chicago classic, Lou Malnatis. But not until Lisa's flight from Seattle finally landed after being diverted to Rockford, thanks to the awesome storms.

Today, we did a few drive-by visits. First, we saw our cousin Katherine, her hubbie Dan, and the peanuts, Addyson and Maverick. Our next stop was Red Mango to load up on frozen yogurt and to catch up with our friend Katie.

Outside of repacking and falling asleep like a narcoleptic at 9:00 pm each night, I spent any spare time with my boyfriend Chris and his fat cuddly cat Camel.

Hard to believe that Lisa and I already leave for Dubai tomorrow. Flight loads willing, we will be seated next to each other for the 13.5 hour flight from Washington DC to Dubai. Cross your fingers for us!