Bulbs in Bloom

Happy Spring, Happy Travelers!

Here in Boston we are living the first half of the old April Showers prophecy. Misty mornings, sun showers at lunch and hard rains in the evening. Rain boots and ponchos abound - Aside from the perma-frizz, circa 1992 hairdo (side note: splatter paint, acid washes, and the neons of the 90's are creeping back into style)…it’s all okay by me. The morning commute is filled with activity: earthworms wriggling, birdies chirping, scents of wet earth and the first signs of life after the melt. Crocus, Lilies, Daffodils, and Snow Drops dot the landscape of city yards. Little green shoots spring upward through cracks in the sidewalk (A Tree Grows in Cambridge?). Window boxes begin to bloom. It's all so wonderfully alive.

I’ve got the first three inches of a sunflower stalk sprouting in my garden. Yes – I did just refer to the small table in the sunny corner of my living room as a garden. Green Thumb that I am not... I'm even working on coaxing some spicy little seedlings into existence…basil, dill, parsley and even a jalepeno pepper plant! If all goes well I may even tackle a tomato or two...mmmm the quintessential salsa makings...

I'm on a gardening kick in preparation for my next adventure....Amsterdam in May for the annual showing at the Keukenhof Gardens. It's tulips in bloom. Tulips as art. Tulips in a technocolor spectrum of hues. 2009 marks 60 years of Spring time bulb bachanalia...a mind staggering 7 million bulbs planted across 80 acres of floral carpeting, as well as indoor green houses, art exhibits and the famous flower float parade .

This year's theme centers around the ties between the Netherlands and the US...think New York, Hudson River, Flushing Meadows, Haarlem...There's even rumored to be a 24,000 bulb mosaic of Lady Liberty. I'm hoping for a natural portrait of Michele and Barack in petals and leaf!
You can check out all the offerings here:

http://www.keukenhof.nl/

It’s a cold but sunny Easter morning on the Cape. Good to be out of the city for the weekend. Clear blue sky and Ocean winds…. I've even seen a few wild bunnies dashing about. Off to hide and seek easter eggs, and send myself into peep fueled sugar coma. A day of pastels and powdered sugar – What better way to celebrate Spring?

Pura Vida

It seems that it has been a while since I’ve actually posted here. We could call my one month hiatus…. a period of decompression post tropical vacation…In truth I’ve been in hibernation – drinking hot cocoa and waiting out the last icy blasts of winter weather.

Happy to report that Spring has sprung people! Okay, so it’s still colder than a witches you know whatsky, but at least it’s official: Winter is OVER!

Although by now my tan has faded….the memory of Costa Rica sticks with me. My thoughts have thawed and my fingers are no longer frozen. I’m ready to go back and explore more of the country as a whole. Sneaking suspicion that the Nicoya peninsula was only my introduction to the wonders of Costa Rica. So much more to see – the carribean cost, Monteverde and the interior, Arenal and Poas, the list goes on….

Tamarindo all in all ended up being a fabulous (and relatively affordable) destination.

Okay…they don’t call it Tama-gringo for nothing…there are most definitely a lot of burn out surfer types, adventurous spring breakers, and aging ex-pats, but if you are into great weather, yummy food, happy people and fantastic nightlife…then you’ll find little to complain about.

The best thing is there is always something to do...and you can just as easily do absolutely nothing….whatever’s your pleasure amigo… The essence of the Pura Vida ideal.

Here’s my short list of must do’s:

- Rent a surfboard with a lesson
- Take a Spanish Class
- Canopy/Zipline
- Drink a cold Imperial/Sample a Smoothie
- Eat Casado
- Watch the Sunset
- Collect one of the crazy pretty shells that dot the Beach
- Soak it ALL in

Sometimes a Banana is more than just a Banana, Ana

Hello from Costa Rica! Enjoying life to the fullest so far. Eating wonderful, seasonal, fresh food, attempting to surf (mostly riding white caps) and speaking the spanish to the best of my abilities. Oh yes...and being whipped around the dance floor by a salsa master....mayhaps that is fodder for another post....

Today, just wanted to drop a quick line about the delicious culinary experience of Tamarindo beach. Every kind of food you want is here....from the most ooey gooey cheesey pizza at Mama's deli ---- to the uber fresh local sushi found at Wok and Roll (I recommend the mahi-mahi umaki - caught right offshore of the Nicoya Peninsula) --- to the comida tipica found at El Sabor de la Vida....Un Casado (rice, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, fried platanos, and a protein of your choosing * go for the fish*) costs around 2000colones (roughly $4USD) and will fill you up for two meals --- Also check out Joe's for the famous "nachos as big as your ass" and a cool cerveza after a long day on the beach. Im in relaxed, low maintenance, beach bum, foodie paradise!!

I probably shouldn't even get started on the fruit... It is so fresh, juicy, and inexpensive that I question my decision to ever purchase fruit out of season again. That seven dollar fruit cup (you know the one with the mushy cantelope, unripe honeydew, and floating grapes) that I bought enroute to the airport at au bon pain pales in comparison to the platter of mango-ey (not to mention strawberry, pineapple, kiwi, papaya) goodness I get here each morning.

So I repeat (with props to my amigo Freud and those clever devils at SNL) sometimes a banana is more than just a banana, Ana.

besitos - emilia

Beach Blanket Bingo

Another 20 degree day here in Bostonia – the Charles River is frozen solid. Mercifully the sun is shining (Vitamin D deficiencies on top of glacial temps is not a reality I am prepared to accept). Not doing a whole lot for the warmth factor, but at least it lifts the spirits an iota or two. I’ve been dutifully stalking weather.com all week ---- delighted to report it is 85 degrees and sunny in Costa Rica today!

Eluded the drudgery of this morning’s commute with thoughts of myself plunked down a beach with a beverage in hand and an unobstructed view of the local scenery (flora, fauna, waves, and of course hunky male specimen with surf boards).

The packing begins tonight (woop woop) – here’s a sampling of this Cape Codders must have beach bag items.

• Water x2 (opt.crystal lite on the go packs to add some flavor)
• Towel/ Sarong
• Sunglasses
• Beachy Read – As they are best read by candlelight in a drafty, overpriced apartment, I recommend leaving Tolstoy/Nietzche and their uplifting compatriots to the dark recesses of winter –– For something more beach worthy check out Jane Austen, Helen Fielding, Isabel Allende, Rebecca Wells etc…
• Sunblock!!! – skin cancer, sunspots, wrinkle bombs…TANOREXICS...do I need to say more?
• SPF lipbalm (tinted always a plus)
• Healthy Snack - one that won’t melt in the heat (nuts, crackers, pretzels)
• Small amount of Money - just a few dollars for a cold drink/ice cream cone
• Hair Elastics
• Extra supply of Tampons
• Pre-package Deodorant Wipes - great if you are on your way to socialize post sun bathing
  

  NOTE: Unless you have a faithful cabana boyto keep an eye on your items (you lucky duck), I say skip the jewels, ditch the cash, and leave the ipod at home. Unattended towels are targets for crimes of opportunity.

Central American Chic

Woke up this morning to bone chilling, teardrop freezing, utterly frigid temps. A balmy 8 degrees here in Boston today (and no, that does not factor in the wind chill… ahhh the wonders of winter in New England!).

In preparation for the commute to work I pulled on my long underwear, layered myself ad nauseaum, wrapped 2.3 scarves around my neck, and headed off into the Arctic morning air.

Channeling Randy from A Christmas Story ("I can't put my arms down!") I trudged through the snow and ice, a lumbering mass of winter gear…the small opening for my eyes, the only visible sign of human life amid hats, mittens, jackets....the ice man cometh?

I was suddenly struck with a pang of longing for any sense of fashion I once possessed. Gone are the crisp days of fall. Hand knit sweaters, cutesy leg warmers... cider and rosy cheeks have wretchedly been replaced by bulky down coats, polar fleece and a perpetual red running nose.

Sigh...I obviously do not meet winter with the finesse of a stylish snow bird cruising the aspen slopes....and no, I do not inspire the elegance of fur hatted, diamond encrusted, icy cool Russian heiress. I am layers if thermal and wool, hat matted hair, and tissues. Hibernation seems a viable option at times like these....clever, clever bears.

How does one lift the spirits? On this blustery Friday morning, I am comforted (and dare I say warmed) by fact that in a mere week I am lucky enough to be southward bound - catching a red eye flight towards blissful beaches of Costa Rica. I will survive the commute with thoughts of what is yet to come.....A packing list is forming with each booted step taken. Soon there will be exposed toes....bronzed skin.... coral and turquoise.... flowing light cotton....salt spritzed hair....fresh squeezed juice.

Central American Chic to beat the winter blues. Salivate over this my darlings (me thinks the icicle hanging from my lip may be drool)... courtesy of a stylish friend...a comrade in arms, braving the sub freezing temps of the Pacific North West:

http://www.intermixonline.com/category/shop+by+trend/resort09.do

Must Have Carry On Items

• Passport, Keys, Mobile Phone
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Mini Deodorant
• Face lotion
• Eyeliner/Mascara/Tinted Lip Balm
• Small Mirror
• Packet of Tissues
• Hand Sanitizer
• Books(2)(I like to bring a Novel + Travel Guide for the trip destination)
• Magazine
• IPOD
• Pen
• Gum/Mints/Cough drops
• Neck Pillow
• Warm layer (eg. Pashmina, hooded sweatshirt, light fleece)
• Advil, Sleeping Pills, Any prescriptions that you need on board
• For long flights – I also like an extra top to change into prior to disembarking – freshness is key, happy travelers.

Please try to leave the following at home (or at least pack away in your checked baggage): matches, box cutters, How to Build a Bomb Handbook, bottled water, prayer rugs /middle eastern garb, platform shoes containing shoe bombs, menacing looks.

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

There are a million new resources catering to the eco-tourism market. Think tree house hotels, volunteer vacations, or WOOFING (That’s working on Organic Farms.FYI) all of which are great options to wander outside the resort walls and into local culture. The Green age of traveling has opened wonderful possibilities which allow travelers to positively impact the communities and ecosystems that they are so blessed to visit. More on these options later.
For now….
mayhaps it is frigid cold winter, you have been saving up your vacation time since last year, and you are simply off to sit on the beach whilst sipping cool drinks and reading trashies. Put that lime in the coconut!

Or, perhaps it is Spring Break, you are tired from mid-terms, and your sorority sisters have dragged your pale behind to Cabo. Do I smell a bar crawl?

Perchance are we off to Disney World? Having intrigued your children with tales of a Magic Kingdom and mouse shaped ice cream on a stick.

Yes, it’s true, not every vacation is the model of Eco – chic. Sometimes Splash Mountain is the only waterfall you see, Epcot will be your only dose of international culture (it is a small world after all), and volunteering overseas involves raising your hand for a body shot contest. Kermit said it best…..”it’s not easy being green…”

FEAR NOT, you don't have to sacrifice creature comforts, alienate yourself from travelling companions, or go off into the jungle to be a green traveler. One of the easiest, most beneficial, and least time consuming ways to reduce your impact is to offset the carbon used by our flights. It is estimated that air travel produces almost as much CO2 emissions per passenger per mile as one passenger driving the same distance alone in a car

To view your carbon footprint for a given trip visit:

http://www.carbonfund.org/

You can calculate the impact of that weekend hop to Vegas or that flight across the world. You can donate to several different charities aimed at CO2 reduction - you can even plant the number of trees needed to offset the mileage of your trip. Green's a good color for you....

Hydration is Happiness

Essential to beat the heat, replenish energy, and keep the skin glowing (not to mention drown the sting from one too many beverages from the night before), staying hydrated while traveling is a must!

Finding a clean, safe source while abroad is the challenge.The old standard response was to buy bottled water – still a good choice if there are no other options (just make sure all bottled beverages have fully sealed caps. If seals are not intact, the bottles may have been refilled)

These days as landfills overflow with discarded plastic bottles – there are major style points to be gained for the use of eco-chic reusable water carriers. If you have access to filtered, boiled, or iodine disinfected water, be a conscientious traveler and take advantage of it!

http://www.thinkoutsidethebottle.org/?gclid=CNnSgYH2hJgCFQukHgod2HF_DA

Double points if reusable bottles also serve as prime real estate for touristy stickers you pick up along the way. Bragging rights ensue.

Shoes - My Five Essentials

Sturdy Sandals

You want something with a good sole, ample cushion, and comfortable straps. Versatile, lightweight, easy to pack, easy to clean….this sandal should be able to transition from day time strolls through the market to night time cocktails on the terrace. I’m partial to the Teva Flip Flop as they are quite comfy, quite affordable, and come in a variety of different designs

Dollar Store FlipFlops

Something for the hostel shower, the two block jaunt to the beach, the 1 am run to the convenience store. Cheap, portable, and utterly disposable. Come armed with one pair and buy others as needed. Big Fan of all 10 cent pairs coming in a multitude of rainbow hues.

Sneakers

As you will inevitably be covering ground in your travels, it’s always good to have a sturdy walking shoe. I usually pack running shoes to serve as my go to for busy sight seeing days spent traversing treacherous cobblestone streets and ancient uneven stair cases. (tripping, ankle rolling, stubbed toes, blistered soles best avoided by taking your nose out of the guidebook map and wearing proper footwear)

The High Heel

Height, color, style determined by your skill, precision, and personal preference. Should be sexy and versatile - ability to blend into nighttime scenes from Paris to Bangkok. NOTE - although well loved - Espadrilles not recommended due to weight and size ***rule may be bent for travelers on small islands off of the Mediterranean Coast….tres chic.

The Hiking Boot

Contingent upon activity level. I think they are a must for weekend jaunts into the jungle, daytime hikes up the volcano, and carrying your backpack with finesse. Lightweight, waterproof, must be accompanied by proper socks.