My First Big Island Experience

Last week I had the privilege of island hopping to what Hawaiians refer to as "Big Island". The real name is actually the Island of Hawai'i, which the state is named after and it's the largest by far of the 8 main islands that make up the most famous and cherished island chain in the world. Known for its active volcanos and delicious coffee, it's a delight for the millions of tourists who visit each year. And after a quick 40 minute flight, I got to be one of them for the long weekend.

We stayed in the charming and historic beach town known as Kailua-Kona on the west coast, which is the most popular city to visit and seemingly the most contemporary on the island. The main strip of hotels, boutiques, and restaurants are lined up along the turquoise waters of Kona Bay. The weather is almost always perfect, which explains why Hawaiian royalty used to escape here. There are some incredible beaches, such as Kua and Hapuna, just up the coastline. However, driving just a few minutes outside of town will remind you that you're on a volcano that is young and still constantly growing. Black soil and lava rocks make up much of the landscape on the island, a stark difference from the other Hawaiian islands that are mostly lush green and red clay dirt. You may even feel like you’re on another planet since the scenery is so unique. For this reason, many people prefer other islands over Big Island but I found it fascinating and beautiful.

The only other large town (which is still relatively tiny) on the island is Hilo, on the east coast. It takes a little less than two hours to drive across the island between the two cities, which is several times more than it would take to drive across the island I live on. Everyone warned me that Big Island is a LOT bigger and involves more driving than what I'm used to on Oahu, but nothing could prepare me for the 16+ hours I drove over the four days we visited. I didn't mind it for the most part, since I was among such gorgeous sights and in full explorer mode.

 

 

 

 

Walking around Hilo is like stepping back in time. It's a very sleepy little town, and far less modern than Kona. However, it seemed to be a lot more laid back and old fashioned. What I love was the abundance of hippies and natural lifestyle type stores and restaurants. We also encountered a fantastic farmers market, which not only had fresh produce but also lots of goodies like jewelry. We could have spent all day there, as we loved the vibes. However, we were not impressed with the food selection from what we could see. Also, this is not the best place for beaches. But if you’re a nature lover like me, it’s a treasure with luscious forests and waterfalls nearby. We got to check out Rainbow falls and Akaka falls, which were both super quick and easy so I highly recommend them.

 

 

 

Unfortunately for us, during the time of our visit the island was (and still is) dealing with an outbreak of Dengue fever. So one of the attractions I wanted to see most (the extremely sacred Waipio Valley) was closed. But since I definitely did not want to get eaten alive by mosquitos and infected by any disease, it was best. We still got to visit the breathtaking Waipio lookout to see the iconic view of the valley and cliffs right on the ocean, all while doused in bug spray of course. Hopefully next time I go, the efforts to get rid of Dengue on the island will have worked and I’ll be able to actually visit the valley. It’s definitely a must-see.

 

 

 

On the bright side, I got to do the coolest thing on the island, which is visit Volcanos National Park to see one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. It’s not what you’d probably expect of a volcano, but it was an amazing experience nonetheless. We could not get close to the caldera but we saw it from a distance, including the smoke and at night you can definitely see the lava glowing. Hawaiian legend for this revolves around Madame Pele, the goddess of fire. It was all pretty fascinating, and it was especially trippy standing on lava flow.

 

 

 

However, what topped this and became one of my favorite things I've ever done was going on top of Mauna Kea to watch the sunset from above the clouds, at an altitude of 10,000 feet. We wanted to go even higher to the summit, which would have been 14,000, feet but we got there just a little too late. Next time for sure, because this was such a dope experience, even despite the altitude sickness. The key is to get to the visitor center early (around 4) and give yourself a good amount of time to acclimate before heading to the summit. This is the tallest mountain in the world from the ocean floor (33,000 feet) and the most sacred place for native Hawaiians. You can certainly see why when you feel the powerful energy and look down at the clouds, as if you're in heaven. It was simply spiritual. After the sun sets, this is the best place in the entire world for stargazing. We could actually see other galaxies and millions of stars with the naked eye. Just incredible. I was in awe for days after this, and probably always will be!

 

 

Another highlight for me was of course centered around food. There are a plethora of great choices in the Kailua-Kona area, especially for carnivores like me since Big Island is known for its grass fed cattle, so beef is really fresh. The best meals were the ono (Hawaiian word for yummy) kalbi short rib omelet at Broke Da Mouth Grindz (which translates to amazingly delicious in Hawaiian pidgin), the roasted pork at 808 Grindz, and the guava ribs and chicken at Splashers. However, I must say favorite part were the many quaint little coffee shops on every corner that all sell irresistible Kona coffee. Since I gave up coffee about a year ago, it’s nice to indulge while on vacation and this is some of the best I’ve ever had, by far. So I may or may not have had 2-3 cups a day. This stuff is super expensive and a hot commodity most places, but a cup of 100% Kona coffee will only run you about $3 while in Kona, so don’t let the hotel rip you off.

 

 

Of course we were visiting during the Super Bowl, so we spent much of our last day at a sports bar watching the game and meeting other tourists from all over the world. After all the driving and running around we did, it was a nice way to end the weekend and get ready for our short journey back to Oahu. Plus, what better way to watch a game than with the ocean and palm trees right behind you?

 

 

Although many tourists opt to skip Big Island for the more popular attractions on Maui and Oahu, this island really has so much to offer and I truly enjoyed it. The pace is much slower and the people are even friendlier, so it is the true aloha spirit I always envisioned of Hawaii, which is not always so common these days in other busy parts of the state. While I am definitely a city girl, it’s always nice to escape to the country, breathe in fresh air, and relax. This short trip was just what I needed and an unforgettable experience. I’m already looking forward to returning again!

 

 

XOXO ❤️

Travel Budgeting 101

So you decided you want to take a trip somewhere amazing. Congratulations!

If you’re looking to plan the entire thing yourself like I always do, the first thing you should always do is set a budget. This allows you to figure out how much you need to save up and it can really make or break your experience.

The process I am about to share is my personal method for budget formulation. I have used it for countless trips and it has always been successful for me. I have never gone anywhere without enough money. In fact, I usually spend exactly what I set for my budget, or sometimes even come home with a little extra leftover.

Everything will really depend on a wide variety of factors, including where you’re going, the time of year, how much you have to spend, what activities you want to do, and whether you’re trying to be frugal or going all out. Also, this is all based on estimates so your actual expenses may be less or more.

To simplify what can become quite complicated, I am dedicating this post solely to budgeting. I will release several other posts to accompany this, such as booking flights, picking hotels, and ways to save money. This post is just to show you how I set a budget, what categories you need to consider, and what to research. Follow these steps to get an idea of how much your ideal trip will cost, and then there are ways to trim it down if need be, which will be listed at the end.

1) Pick a timeframe. Gathering this info first allows you to gage what time of year you should go. Google “best time of year to visit ___”. Thankfully, there are a plethora of sites that have everything outlined for you on any destination. You need to find out what the peak season is, since prices rise significantly then for most cities and you may want to avoid those months. You also want to consider weather, since it would be a waste of money to visit certain places during monsoon season when you may not be able to do much. In addition, certain events or holidays could drive costs up. If you’re going for a specific event, such as Essence Festival in New Orleans, you can pretty much expect costs to be significantly higher than normal due to everyone else and their mother going at the same time.

2) Set a tentative itinerary. A lot of people may argue that this part comes later, but I strongly believe it’s necessary to do this at the very beginning of your planning. That’s because it allows you to figure out the number of days/nights you’ll need for your trip, which directly determines your costs. Most places you go have certain “can’t miss” attractions or tourist things to do, and if you’re like me you’re all about getting in as much sightseeing as you can. So this will include activities, excursions, tours, shows, museums, and general exploration.

Google “top things to do in ___” and pick your must-see items, then others that you may or may not be able to squeeze in. Everyone sets their own pace for their trips, meaning how much you cram in or whether you prefer a leisurely pace to just “go with the flow”. If you’re going somewhere like Paris where there are endless attractions and museums to explore, it’s hard to fit everything in both time-wise and financially. So read as much as you can about each activity/attraction, as some will take a few hours and others will be all day ordeals.

As you’re looking up activities, jot down a tentative itinerary of items for each day and night, and also be sure to jot down price estimates for each activity while you’re at it. Many, such as parks or museums, may be free or have reduced prices on some days. Other activities such as sky-diving, a live show, or guided tour could cost you $100+. These items will most likely change or get moved around but it gives you a good idea to start with.

Be sure to also factor in travel time (generally you won’t be able to do too much the day you arrive and the day you depart, especially with jet lag), as well as some downtime so you don’t overdo it and exhaust yourself, and so you have some flexibility. You may want to plan an entire day just to lounge by the pool and enjoy your hotel’s amenities, or a free day to just roam around and shop.

Here is an example for visiting Honolulu:

Day 1:         Arrive 12PM, Check in, Hit Waikiki beach

Night 1:      Dinner @ hotel

Day 2:         Historic tour ($60)

Night 2:      Sunset Cruise ($50, dinner not included), Dinner

Day 3:         Sunrise hike (free), Museum ($5), Pool (free)

Night 3:      Live show ($25, includes dinner)

Day 4:         Dolphin excursion ($90)

Night 4:     Luau ($60, includes dinner)

Day 5:         Surf Lesson ($80)

Night 5:      Dinner

Day 6:         Shopping in town, Depart 4PM

This determined that I’ll need 6 days and 5 nights. Also, I’ll only need dinner for 3 nights, since 2 activities include dinner.

           3) Do a preliminary check on flights and hotels, since these will likely be the biggest expenses. Flights vary substantially, so I will be doing an entire post to go over that later. But you’ll need to monitor them for a while to get the best deal. Hotel rates on the other hand usually stay pretty consistent, so just get a general idea of the range that works for you (i.e. $100-130/night for 3 star accommodations). I like using websites like Kayak who will shop around for you and get you the best rates, and then Trip Advisor to see which hotels are rated the best (I will do another post on selecting hotels later too). Be sure to consider taxes and fees that will also apply, since most people miss this. Finalize some estimates for both categories (e.g. $850 for flight, and $200/night for hotel).

       4) Check out food options. Look online to see how much the average meal costs. Websites and guidebooks out there do a great job of letting you know the price range for a meal in any given city (e.g. $ = $5-15, $$ = $16-25, $$$ = $26-45, $$$$ = $46+). Generally, breakfast and lunch can be pretty cheap or may even be included at your hotel. But dinner will make up the majority of your food budget, unless it’s included in some of your evening activities (like the two meals in my step 3 example). Some folks try to really save in this area, but if you’re a foodie like me, you’d rather skimp in other areas so you can splurge on some good meals and try the best local restaurants. There are some places I’ve been, like Costa Rica, where I could get a huge plate of food for $5. But in general, if I’m in Spain, I am willing to pay for good paella and sangria. That is a major part of the experience for me personally. Staying away from tourist traps is a good idea, since I’ve seen $30 burgers in Times Square just a block away from a much more delicious burger for $10. Finalize some estimates for your daily food budget (e.g. $10/day for breakfast, $20/day for lunch, $30/day for dinner, total: $60/day).

      5) Check out ground transportation options. Look up average prices and compare fares for each method of transportation at your destination. This is harder to find than other categories you’ll research, but the info is definitely out there, especially in guidebooks. For most cities, trains and buses are the most efficient and cost-effective method for getting around. However, you can also research the cost of renting a car (which should include gas, parking at your hotel, and parking wherever you go) just to compare. Some places you go may not even have train systems to use so you’ll have no choice. But usually, public transportation saves you a ton of money, time, and hassle. In many cities you can even get a day or week pass for unlimited use, which I jump on whenever I can. Another option is taxis, which are easy but super expensive, so I only use them as a last resort. Finalize your estimate for daily transportation (typically $20-30 per day).

6) Check out airport transportation. Is the airport close to the city center or far away? In many cities I’ve been, such as London and Tokyo, it’s actually far away. Many people forget how much time and money this can involve, so be sure to consider the best way to get to and from the airport. It may cost you $40 a week to park at the airport in your home city, but if you can arrange for someone to drop you off, then it’s free. Once you arrive to your destination, you may be able to catch a free or reduced shuttle bus to your hotel, take the train, or may just be close enough to catch a quick taxi. In Tokyo, I was able to get a round-trip ticket on the Narita Express for about $33 round-trip and it took about an hour. So don’t forget to get an estimate for this expense.

      7) Decide how much you want to spend on souvenirs. This is another cost that could really set you back if you don’t plan for it. It’s really a personal preference. Some people like to shop for themselves and others, while others skip this completely. I used to buy souvenirs for everyone, and then I realized how little people actually appreciate them, and how most keychains and magnets get tossed. So now I don’t really buy for many, but there are a few items I seek because I like to bring them back as mementos for myself (magnets, picture frames). I typically budget $100-300 for souvenirs, depending on where I’m going and what items they’re known for.

      8) Decide how much to set for incidentals (optional). This is everything from souvenir photos, a daily latte, exchange rate conversion, ATM fees, etc. All of these things seem nominal, but they add up so I like to account for this and leave myself some cushion. And if I don't end up using it all, it can go towards a splurge meal, souvenirs, or I can just take it home with me. So I typically set about $20 a day in incidentals.

      9) Plug in your estimates into your categories. Here are my estimates for my example trip to Honolulu.

Flight: $850

Lodging: $200/night for 5 nights = $1000, plus $50 resort fee: $1050

Entertainment/Activities: $370

Food: $60/day for 6 days = $360, minus $60 for two dinners included: $300

Ground Transportation: $20/day for 6 days: $120

Airport Transportation: $40 for parking, free shuttle to hotel: $40

Incidentals: $20/day for 6 days: $120

Souvenirs: $200

Total: $3,050

Other things you may want to consider and put into your budget include:

-         Baggage fees

-         The cost of getting a passport if you don’t have one already

-         Visa or entrance/exit fees

-         Parking at hotel

-         The costs of buying things for your trip, such as travel sized toiletries, sunscreen, new outfits

Remember, the more research you do the more spot on your estimates will be, but when in doubt, round up. For me personally, it’s always better to overestimate and have a little extra than to feel restricted because I did not bring enough. When I travel, I really like to enjoy myself and see/do as much as I can, and budgeting has truly helped me make it possible. And the great thing is, the more you travel, the better you’ll get at doing this and creating really precise budgets that are close to, if not exactly, what you’ll actually spend. If you’re tight on cash, a budget allows you to set targets so you’ll know your limits, and to stay on track maybe you can skip on a $10 glass of wine or souvenir photo with your budget in mind. I learned the hard way whenever I tried to just wing it or said "all I'll need is $500" and ended up regretting it. So putting in this effort to plan and prepare a budget means I don’t have to worry about it later on when I’m actually on my trip and instead, I can truly enjoy my time!

If your budget total ends up being way out your league, there are many ways to reduce your costs that you may want to consider, such as:

-         Reduce the number of days/nights. If you cram more into less time, you may exhaust yourself but you’ll definitely save money. This is the best way to save.

-         Inviting other people to join you and split the cost of lodging. Sometimes you may even get group rates for activities. Solo travel is my favorite but it's more expensive.

-         Stay at a hostel. While this has a negative connotation for many, there are actually several high end options now at many destinations.

-         Specifically choose hotels that eliminate costs and come with freebies, such as ones with breakfast included or ones that provide transportation to/from the airport for free. Also, choosing a centrally located hotel where you can walk to most places helps to reduce ground transportation costs.

-         Plan trips to visit friends or family so you can stay with them for free. They're also a free tour guide that can show you around and possibly get you local rates or hook ups. 

-         When you arrive at your destination, go get some groceries so you can make sandwiches and have snacks instead of always eating out, which greatly cuts down on food costs.

-         Find out where there’s a swap meet or market to buy super cheap souvenirs.

-         Instead of buying tours, try to plan your own sight-seeing for free. Choose cheaper excursion, shop around, or try to get them using rewards programs for discounts. Always check for groupons at your destination.

-         Use airline points to redeem free flights (more on this in my upcoming airfare post!)

Ultimately, you can go as extravagant as you want or keep it simple in order to spend less. Either way, I advise you to never let money to be a deterrent. Even if you have to thug it out and sleep on someone’s couch, there is no pricetag for the incredible experience of seeing the world and exploring a new city/country. It's ALWAYS worth it! I urge you to use these budgeting techniques as a tool to plan, so you can save and make your dream trips happen one by one! Enjoy and good luck :)

XOXO ❤️

How Moving Far Away Became the Best Thing I Ever Did

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day I left everything and everyone behind, spread my wings, and moved to paradise. Looking back, it ended up being the best thing I could have ever done for myself. But even still, I'm not gonna act like I wasn't sobbing when I had to say goodbyes to my family, or nervous when I boarded that one way flight. And I admit, it hasn’t all been rainbows and sunshine. I honestly wasn’t ever really scared to make this move, as my intuition reassured me that it was the right decision. But for a while, there were many times I felt alone and isolated. It only took a couple months after moving before people seemed to forget about me, and to this day I don’t really speak to anyone from back home regularly besides my mom. I didn’t realize I would be essentially starting over, living an entirely new life all on my own. But miraculously, it all came together. I eventually made some incredible new friendships, I not only survived but I thrived amongst an entirely new culture that isn’t exactly welcoming to outsiders, I discovered my passion and purpose in life, I unlocked levels of my own consciousness that have blown me away, and I’ve had some unforgettable and life-changing experiences. But above all, I have really become genuinely happy, and undergone a revolutionary awakening.

I am not exaggerating in any way when I say that I am a completely different person from the girl who got off that plane last year. I do not mean this because my life now consists of beach days, aloha spirit, and an endless tan. The obvious perks of living here are phenomenal, but it goes much deeper for me. Hawaii has been the perfect place to find myself. I honestly attribute this to the magical energy here, which natives have always referred to as “mana”. It has been powerful, healing, and really connected me to nature and the universe in a way I never dreamed of. 

I didn’t realized how drastic this shift was until I went back home to Maryland for two weeks. The place where I was born and raised somehow looked and felt so strange. After being gone for eight months, amazingly nothing had really changed there and everyone still seemed to be carrying on exactly as they were before I left. Yet after my transformation, my previous life was almost unrecognizable.  It was great to see my friends and family, but I realized I could no longer relate to anyone from back home. I wondered, had I stayed, would I be in the same old rut too? Complacent with my 9-5 like everyone else, and never demanding more from my life or searching within for answers? East Coast Amanda used to be concerned with extremely trivial things like gossip, going out, drinking, chasing boys, rocking the hottest outfits, buying expensive things, making lots of money.  None of which matter at all to me anymore. These days, the kind of things on Hawaii Amanda’s mind are entrepreneurship, art, organic food and nutrition, sustainability, volunteering, native cultures, social activism, and most of all spirituality. What a difference. I now see the world with totally new eyes.

I always joke around that “moving to Hawaii turned me into a hippie” but in all honesty, it pretty much did. I am so at peace with myself, with my life, and with the world, that I find myself just smiling for no reason. This journey I’m on has been so liberating. It began years ago, but evolved to new heights here. Most of this is due to having to be totally self-reliant and spending so much time alone, which led to exploring and contemplating nature; focusing on my spiritual studies and research; and lots of inner work. This got me to the point where I no longer care about conforming to society’s norms, fitting in, or money and material things. I no longer have a huge ego to feed, which is quite an accomplishment for a prideful leo. A lot of people may judge me for still being single at 28, for going on solo vacations, for having lots of tattoos, for listening to heavy metal, for saying “fuck” a lot, for being into “new age” philosophy, for basically being a walking paradox. But for the first time in my life, I am so completely comfortable with who I am that I accept and love myself unconditionally, and that’s all that matters. It’s complete freedom.

Would any of this have happened if I had stayed in my little comfort zone in Maryland? It’s pretty doubtful. Had I not been thrust into a lot of solitude and reflection, I would not have heard the voice of my own soul and explored myself as I have over the past year. It took being in a new and foreign place 5000 miles away for me to get here. Along the way, I have had a ton of fun and adventures, and pushed myself to be fearless (such as swimming with sharks) and rediscovered my true passions (such as writing and helping others). I have come to appreciate how strong and brave I am, and now embrace my authentic self, instead of who the world convinced me I should be. I could not ask for anything more fulfilling.

I now like to tell people these ironic stories of how when I was a little kid, I saw this tiny little island chain on the map in the middle of the Pacific ocean and said, “who the heck would actually live there?” Or how when I initially got presented with the opportunity to take a job in Hawaii, I immediately wrote it off due to the cost of living. But my life now is proof that remarkable things come when you stop playing it safe and take some risks in life. I know most people are perfectly content to stay settled in their hometown for the rest of their lives, which is fine. But I discovered I am just not one of those people. I know I would have never been happy settling for the status quo. I would be perfectly content being a gypsy and moving around the world for the rest of my life, or maybe staying here. But I honestly don’t know if I could ever return home. The door is now open to unlimited possibilities.

 

“She crossed an ocean to follow her heart, and she found her soul.”

 

XOXO❤️

Why Travel is Good for the Soul

There are many things one can do to get in touch with their soul and progress as a person. Meditation, yoga, and prayer have been powerful tools for me personally. However, the most life-changing and transformative thing I’ve ever done is travel. When I started visiting different places around the world, it was all about fun and adventure, which will always be the case. But I started to realize it was changing me in ways that I never even imagined were possible and singlehandedly led to my spiritual evolution. Here is why it can do the same for you too!

It will expand your perspective. We tend to all live in our little bubbles. Our views are limited to our own reality; our experiences based on our lives. We are familiar and comfortable with where we are from and our own culture. But someone else from across the world has a completely different reality than yours. It’s easy to assume that life all over the planet is similar. I know for me, that was the case. As an American, I was conditioned to be arrogant with a nationalistic attitude. Many of us are convinced that our country is the most influential and that we have it all figured out. However, when you get out there and see firsthand how different life is in other places, any ethnocentric approach you possess will be challenged. It can really rock you to your core. You realize how little your city where you’re from actually is. You realize people all over the world live different ways, and they’re not necessarily wrong just because it’s not what you’re used to. In fact, in many cases you will find other customs more appealing. You may like the simplicity of the European lifestyle and their extremely efficient use of public transportation systems, or how Japanese show so much respect for where they live and refrain from littering. There are in fact many things that other countries do better than Americans. And then it hits you. It’s not even about who’s better. Slowly, you experience a paradigm shift. Your viewpoint will drastically change to a worldwide angle. You begin to see that your home country is just one of many on this huge planet we share, and each of us is in this together. Your way is not the only way, and the universe actually does not revolve around you and your bubble. My favorite a-ha moment when it comes to this was when I was in Paris. I was talking to a Muslim guy from Tunisia who was making me a sandwich at a deli next to my hotel. He was telling me how bad Muslims have it there, and how they’re discriminated against and treated as unwelcome. Then he looked me in my eyes and genuinely asked, “Do you all have racism in America?” I was floored. What an incredible thing perspective can be.

It humbles you. As you explore the world, you will empathize with different groups of people and see from their point of view. Each country and culture has so much to offer. There is not a single place I’ve been that is better in pictures or on TV. Everything is far more amazing and stimulating in person. There is nothing to replace actually experiencing a place it its entirety, with all the sights, smells, sounds, and really being immersed in its culture. If you’re open-minded, it will fascinate, dazzle, and enlighten you. You will fall in love with the people, the architecture, the language, the food, the music, the energy. It gives direct access to humanity. Despite our differences, we all share the same planet. By seeing all the world has to offer, you’ll connect with it and all of its inhabitants. That is how you truly appreciate your own membership in this human race.

It will push you out of your comfort zone. New environments will challenge you and force you to try new things. Being somewhere unfamiliar and feeling uncomfortable makes you to learn more about yourself than you ever will at home. This is where you find out what you’re really made of and how adaptive you are. Do you have what it takes to survive in a place without speaking the language, without understanding the norms, without knowing anyone? You may even surprise yourself. This helps you grow stronger and more resilient, and causes you to evolve into a more cultured, worldly person. You can always tell people who have been around and seen a few things, from those whose outlooks are limited to their own surroundings. It’s such an admirable trait to be more wise, experienced, sophisticated, and well-traveled.

It will make you appreciate things differently. As much as this is about expanding your horizon, it can also do a lot to change the way you look at your own life. You may find a bunch of things you like better in other countries, but at the end of the day, there’s no place like home. You will gain new respect for things you didn’t even realize you took for granted about your home country, like the convenience, the comfort food, or having family close by. You’ll also have more appreciation for how good you have it, especially when you visit less fortunate countries. Your problems don't matter anymore. Just from witnessing the struggles of others, you can be healed.

It will uplift you. One of the most beautiful lessons for me as a world traveler has been to witness certain universal values inherent in all people regardless of boundaries that separate us. Love, compassion, family, and spiritual purpose always prevail, regardless of cultural differences. This is what really matters most to all of us human beings no matter where you go. It transfers across any religion or border. Sometimes when you visit countries that have the least [as far as material possessions], they still appear to be happier than those of us from wealthier countries. And they are. Their lives are not complicated by technology and consumed with greed. They’re happy just to have what they need and to be together with their loved ones. It’s so incredible and refreshing to witness. It makes you look within and question your own existence in the grand scheme of things.

It will inspire you. Traveling is not about escaping your life, but rather escaping the soul-numbing routine many of us have been cast into; and cultivating a life of passion and purpose. When you see how other people live and how other parts of the world operate, you'll be driven to find and live your own mission in life. Travel is not about looking elsewhere for inspiration; but rather looking within. When you realize you're merely one soul wandering this great earth among billions of others, you'll feel more urgency to make your moments count and take advantage of every blessing. It’s hard to grasp the immensity of the world. Yet despite this, you will know for sure that you serve a distinct purpose and significance among it all. We all do.

It will awaken your spirit. I like to think of travelling as soul searching in a way. I have never heard my soul speak to me and guide me more than when I was traveling abroad. Somehow you just instinctively ditch your ways and wander. Your spirit will flourish the more you rely on your intuition, the more compassion you gain on each journey, the more you find yourself, the more you think outside the box, the more you gain gratitude, the more your awareness expands and your consciousness develops. Taking a trip allows you to slow down and listen to your inner being. It can be exciting and thrilling, but there are also opportunities for reflection when you’re facing a majestic mountain, an ocean view, or one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For me, it is the moments when I see a beautiful sight and am moved to tears when I feel the undeniable presence of my soul and cannot deny its existence. Even if it doesn’t induce waterworks for you, it’s still nourishing to your spiritual being and beneficial to your spiritual path and personal growth.  You will feel more alive and connected to the universe than ever before.

XOXO ❤️

My First Tokyo Experience

                Japan. A country that’s made such a profound impact on the rest of the world, from technology and cars, food, and cultural phenomena such as geishas, sumo wrestling, karate and samurais, anime and gaming, and so many other cherished obsessions around the world. For me, it’s always been a place of wonder and fascination.

            Since I now live in Hawaii, this was a natural choice for my first Asian vacation, although I feel like a traitor since I’m 1/4 Korean. But hey, a large majority of tourists and Asian residents here in Hawaii are Japanese, so there are a plethora of affordable nonstop flights. Plus, I figured Japan is Westernized enough that it’s a good cherry popper for visiting Asia, rather than other places I also want to go such as China, Thailand and India, which would induce much higher culture shock without warming up first.

            Even still, Japan was a lot to get used to and take in. It’s overwhelming and outrageous for us Americans in so many ways, but it was thrilling and incredible at the same time. The American influence in Japan is heavy and can be felt everywhere you go. The one thing that I definitely did not expect to be so and and definitely struggled with the most was the language barrier, which made things difficult at times. Since so much is written in English alongside Japanese, you assume people know English, but they’re shy about speaking it. As Americans, we tend to go out there and expect everything is catered to us and made easy. Japan was Americanized just enough for the naïve to survive, but foreign enough to really push you out of your comfort zone and make things interesting.

            My first impression of Japan was that everything I’d heard about it being immaculately clean was absolutely true. Even train stations and public restrooms were in much better condition than anywhere else I’ve been by far. I was really impressed. Another thing that proved itself to be true was that it was incredibly safe. I never once felt like I was in any danger. During my trip, I learned that this cleanliness and safety is due to the Japanese spending a considerable amount of time teaching children about CHARACTER in school. They learn the importance of integrity even before math and reading. So when they find a wad of cash or a wallet, they turn it in every time. And, as I witnessed, if they drop something on the ground, they are scolded to pick it up immediately. They do NOT litter, as it’s considered disrespectful (as it should be). This is a huge pet peeve of mine in the States and other countries where litter, spit, gum, and even urine line every street, so it was another thing that I loved seeing. They are definitely so ahead of Americans in ways like these.

            Tokyo is a city that you can truly explore on your own if you’re willing to do a bit of research and figure out the huge subway system that is extremely efficient and punctual. We took the trains everywhere and it involved a lot of walking, stairs, and crowds; but it was the best way to really see Japanese people firsthand and get the real Tokyo experience. However, it's best to avoid rush hour, as it gets unbelievably crowded, as you may have seen on an infamous Youtube/Facebook video where people are stuffed in a subway car like sardines. Once you get the hang of the different lines and stops [and learn to utilize great subway routing apps like Hyperdia], you'll be a pro. Definitely one of the best public transportation system I’ve used. Also if you ever travel here, keep in mind that the main Narita airport is about 2 hours away by car or train. The best option is the Narita Express train, which will cost a little more at 4000 Yen or $32 roundtrip, but it gets you to central Tokyo in under an hour.

On our first full day, we headed to the Disney area right outside of Tokyo since we wanted to visit Disney Sea, which has different themes revolving around different seas or bodies of water. It’s the only one in the world, so we went on a weekday to avoid weekend madness. It was my first time at a Disney park, so I got myself some Minnie ears and had fun. The next day, we ventured about an hour away via the subway to Kamakura, where I got to see a huge Buddha and then a gorgeous temple honoring my favorite deity, Guanyin, at the Hase Dera temple. This was one of the most beautiful and sacred places I got to see on this trip. After this, we visited the insanely busy Shibuya Crossing. When you see Tokyo on TV and in movies and there’s mobs of people crossing streets, this is what they’re showing you. It’s even more hectic in person. Finally, we headed to the Roppongi area, where I got to witness a gorgeous sunset on the rooftop of the 55 story Mori building. I could see the entire city including a great view of the Tokyo Tower, and in the reddish orange horizon, I could even see Mount Fuji! It was breathtaking and I could not believe my eyes. Simply unforgettable. I cannot recommend this “Tokyo City View” attraction enough.

Another highlight for me was visiting Senso-Ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo built it 645. It also consisted of a chaotic marketplace, pagodas, and beautiful gardens all before the magnificent shrine. There was an overwhelming amount of tourists, but that's all a part of the experience. This is an absolute must in Japan. Also, we visited the anime district Akihabara, known as “electric town” to witness the notorious flashing lights, big screens, and people dressed up as cartoon characters everywhere. I was in search of certain anime items for my nephews, which I never ended up finding, but oh well, I tried. What an experience. Anime is a huge deal here, so it's yet another incredibly busy area. Not too far from here, we headed to see the Emperor of Tokyo’s home, Imperial Palace. It’s tucked away so you can’t see much of it, but there’s a very iconic bridge leading to it where hundreds of people are trying to get a picture at any given time. This area is downtown Tokyo, and the fall foliage was just starting to come in so I really enjoyed seeing the colors. Also made a quick stop in the Ginza district just to check out this well-known upscale and high-end shopping area, which reminded me of Fifth Avenue. Speaking of which, much of Tokyo will remind you of an Asian version of New York City... well besides the occasional old world remnants, like a random pagoda amongst skyscrapers. Many areas (especially Shibuya and Shinjuku) reminded me of Times Square, though many times even more chaotic somehow.

One thing I was determined to do on this trip was to make it down to the Harajuku station. I have been obsessed with this area  and Japanese street fashion since Gwen Stefani introduced it to the American mainstream over a decade ago. It's basically a shopping mecca where young adults and teens frequent, often dressing in the outlandish outfits that Tokyo is famous around the world for. I was SO thrilled that I got to see some girls dressed in "Lolita" and "kawaii" styles walking around the main strip, which is lined with girly and pastel colored boutiques. I am swooning just at the memory of it.

Another bustling area of bright lights and action was Shinjuku. Here you’ll find more shopping, theme restaurants, and also seedy establishments, such as tiny bars where “salary men” go after work to “chat” with pretty women. Our whole reason for being here was to see the craziest production I’ll ever witness in my lifetime at the famous “Robot Restaurant”. Here, scantily clad Japanese girls will giggle, sing, dance, and fight clowns, robots, monsters, and even a giant shark, all among laser lights, glowsticks, fog, and explosions. It’s basically a live anime, or for some, a real-life nightmare. Total and complete ridiculousness, and a guaranteed good time. I cannot imagine visiting Tokyo and NOT seeing this!

On our last day, I had several hours before our 7PM flight, so I took the train to an area called Komagome to visit a gorgeous park, Rikugien, which is actually a garden of poetry. Fall colors made this a gorgeous hike, and you can even climb an easy trail to a great view of the park from the top of a hill. I know landscape gardens are such a big deal in Japanese culture, so I did not want to leave Tokyo without visiting one. Next, I headed back to the Harajuku station, since this was my favorite area by far, to shop and check out the sights again. I also visited the last attraction I was determined to see, the Meiji Jingu shrine. This consisted of a long walk in the forest to a very lovely and historic shrine.

Overall, I had a great and eye opening trip as expected. Tokyo is the most populous city in the world with almost 38 million people, all of whom seem to be in a big hurry. While those who work in the service industry are extremely professional, gracious, and polite, in general most of the population would come off as rude to many Americans. They hardly ever smile or show any emotion, they don’t cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough (which explains why so many wear masks), and they’ll walk right into you without an apology. But at the same time, this is a culture that deeply values respect, humility, and modesty. No one will point or stare at you, even though you stand out because you’re completely different. From what I could see, they seem to welcome foreigners, especially Americans. I thoroughly enjoyed the extremeness of it all. Safe to say, you can certainly add Tokyo to the growing list of cities I fell in love with.

XOXO ❤️