Heather Was Here

Eight countries in 2011, What will the new year bring me?

2012-01-24T17:58:00.001-06:00

In 2011 I had a good year for travel. I went to a bunch of places I've never been. I went to a couple places I have been. Its ok to have favorite places that you know like the back of your hand. I went to Cabo San Lucas a couple times. Went back to Madrid. But enough about the oldies but goodies, I went to Portugal for the first time! Porto to be exact.

Porto, Portugal

Flew into Madrid first then connected to Porto. Porto is a small town on the beach with a beautiful river running through it. Its know for its port wine. The people where amazing. the food was delicious! And the beach was gorgeous!

I love the old world feel of Porto. The old tile buildings are so beautiful!! Such a treat. I can't wait to go back one day and explore more of Portugal.

My European whirl wind Vacation

I went to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels this past fall. I didn't really write much about it because I got lazy! But that doesn't mean I didn't Love this trip. I have to say I have never been one to be a freak about Paris. Like I have never wanted to really go there. I felt it was cliche and something every girl in french class dreamed of going. to me I thought "Paris? how cool could it be?" Well I will tell you what.... I fell in love with Paris. It is intoxicating. It seeps into your veins and I couldn't help but love it. You see all the famous buildings and landmarks that you only see in movies and read about in romance novels. To be up close in the presents of the Eiffel tower and the Arc de Triomphe where the Nazis walked under when they took over Paris. Its crazy! All the history, you feel like you already know the city before going. When I saw the Eiffel tower for the first time I teared up. Yep. I did. It's more magical in real life then any photo could show you.

Amsterdam

I also went to Amsterdam. I didn't know what to expect when I got to The Netherlands. All I really knew about Amsterdam was what I read about in the Anne Frank Diary. First off Amsterdam is most defiantly the city of bikes! Bikes EVERYWHERE!!! I'm a bike lover and I found this to be pretty cool! you can rent bikes all over. The funny thing is since everyone bikes, you find random bikes left by the bars at 6am just totally destroyed because they got to drunk to take it home.
Anywho, Amsterdam is made up of many canals that connect the city together. At every turn you're going to waking over a bridge. The city also has some great art museums. The famous Van Gogh museum is there. Of course the Anne frank Museum is there. I had to make a stop there for sure! I was a big fan of the book growing up and going there was very emotional. The wait in line was only about 30 minutes. Not back and well worth the wait.

I can't end my post without talking about the food! Basically the fries. They have food stands all over with fresh fries that you can get any sauce on. Mayo was my favorite!!!
Also the Waffles!!!!! OMG my favorite food every. there is no describing the wonderful sweet taste you get when you bit into one of these puppies! Just promise me you will go and try a waffle?? Way better then the ones in Belgium. Same idea, just better somehow.

In front of the Anne Frank Museum

Brussels, Belgium

I also spent two days in Brussels. Small city, not much to see. Nice. Yummy chocolate, and waffles. Cute men. That's all I really have to say.

I can't wait for what 2012 has to offer! I really wish and hope to go to Manchu Picchu and Singapore. Also Cambodia. As always, I'll keep you posted if Heather was Here!

Big Ben at dawn ,Harrods, The London Eye surrounded by Christmas lights, Santa's taking over Piccadilly Circus. London for 24hrs!

2011-12-13T14:11:00.003-06:00

Me and My mom went to London two days ago for 24hrs. Yep I said it, 24hrs. Got off work Friday met my mom at the airport and left two hours later for Londontown. Got into London at 4:45am. Coming up from the tube and seeing Big Ben as the sun was just crawling up the sky was magical. Of course I couldn't help but think of Peter Pan as the big clock rung out.

You can fit a lot in to 24hrs. Yes I was very tired but you get adrenaline going when you say OMG just a little while ago I was in Chicago and now in in London!!! This beautiful city full of history and wonderful music. I had to get a espresso in the afternoon. I was dying quick! but after that quick shot of espresso I was pumped and ready for more.

Harrods
We went to Harrods starting first thing in the morning. Harrods was a must see for Mom and me. Harrods is a department store unlike any other. Yes you could try to compare it to Macy's here in the US. But its not. It has like 5 floors of everything from socks to fresh hummus. They have million dollar jewelry and a whole floor of chocolates and tea. The woman's clothing floor, yeah, its not like clothes your going to find at JCpennys. It's fabulous displays of beautiful mannequins laying on couches in fur coats and wearing a $5,000 Dolce and Gabbana gown. But don't be worried that it a bunch of rich British woman using a 100 pound note to wipe their noses. Its everyone from all walks of life.
My favorite part of Harrods would have to be the Food floor. The glass cases full of food from around the world. Asian, Mediterranean, Indian, French, English. EVERYTHING! The bread and pastries are nothing you can find in America. rows of breads and cakes. But of course my favorite is the cheese case. I could eat cheese and bread all day everyday. I got Manchego cheese and fresh french bread. YUMMY!

Me eating my cheese and bread on the steps outside Harrods.

Harrods started in 1825 after different building and a fire in the late 1800's they have been in the same building since 1849. And you can see the history and old world feel of the building when shopping. I love that they keep the old shop look.

Santa Flash Mob!

When we came up from the tube at the Piccadilly Circle stop we found all these guys. Wall to wall Santa's!! I Had no idea what was going on but it was great!! Santa's singing, Santa's playing, Santa's giving candy. There was even a Santa conga line!!!

I have since learned that it was Santacon! Here is a link to what its all about
http://www.santacon.co.uk/

I have lots more to write about, but I can't fit it all into this post :).
More to come about waffles and London by night!
Lots of Love
Heather :)

The soundtrack to my European vacation 2011

2011-10-24T17:22:00.000-05:00

Every time I take a vacation I try to have a personal soundtrack/ playlist for my ipod. For Mexico for example, I always have Mexican techno. It's a must. For Spain I had lots of Gypsy Kings. I love music, and when I hear certain songs after a trip I have taken, I think back on those wonderful adventures I have taken. So here is my personal playlist:

Amsterdam

For Amsterdam I didn't really have songs in mind for my playlist, these are great songs I found once there. The clubs love all these songs!

Dj Antoine vs Timati feat. Kalenna - Welcome to St. Tropez
Sak Noel - Loca People
Don Omar- Danza Kuduro
Alex Gaudino Feat. Christal Waters - Destination Calabria
Lou Bega- Mambo # 5
Gypsy & The Cat - Jona Vark

Paris

Now for Paris I had a playlist already made. Here it is

U2-City of blinding lights
Carla Bruni-Quelqu'un m'a dit
Mumm-Ra- She's got you high
Doves-There goes the fear
The Temper Trap-Sweet Disposition
Regina Spektor-Hero

As you can see a lot of these songs came from the "500 days of summer" Soundtrack. But hey, why fix something that ain't broke! :)

Brussels, Belgium

Basically anything and everything Inna!

Inna-Sun is up
Inna- Un Momento
Inna- Amazing

Hope you guys like these playlists! I wanna hear from you guys- What would you put on a playlist made especially for your vacation?? Any songs I left out for these locations??

<3 Heather :)

The difference between Foreign men and American men...

2011-10-16T21:35:00.001-05:00

In all my travels, I always notice one thing.... the men. They are so different then the American men I am used to.When I travel the men in countries other then America treat me sooo different.
Now let me explain. I am not writing this to make Americans angry. I love America, land of the free, home of the brave. But I feel like American men could take lesson from the foreigners.

1. Foreign men aren't afraid to say "Hello" and smile.

If a foreign guy thinks a girl is hot, beautiful, fun whatever, he will stop, Smile and say hello. It's that simple. It freaks me out every time this happens to me. I am totally not used to men stopping to say hello to me. Men walking past me just stop and say "Hola," Bon jour," "hello." It's a crazy concept right? In America maybe twice in my life I have had a man just say "hello" to start a conversation with me. American men have to think up a plan to get you into a conversation. It's all a game for American men. FYI a Smile goes a long way.

2. After first meeting you, Foreign men aren't afraid to tell you your beautiful.
Yes maybe they are totally trying to get in your pants, but hey this is a good tactic. They start off on the right foot. American men would be like "hey nice jugs" or "hey you don't look too fat." Thats as complimentary as American men will get. Foreign men will stop me on the street and just tell me "you are beautiful!" Just to let you know. I mean what American man would take time out of their busy day to let you know "hey, I notice your beauty, thank you." American men are very afraid to give a girl a ego boost. Foreign men love to give girls ego boosts.

3. Foreign men don't care if they strike out, at least they tried.
Yes the men overseas that have talked to me most of the time, I'm thinking "leave me alone' But it's points for them for trying to talk to me. American men would rather never try and see if a girl would talk to them, to save their ego. God forbid a girl say "excuses me" and walk away from you. Who cares boys, Try!! more times then none a girl will talk to you!!!

Now I could go on, and on. But here is the real deal, American men are always trying to play some game. Make some plan to get you to talk to them, to get you to sleep with them. They save the "good stuff" for the easy ones they can get in bed with. But maybe just maybe American men can try to say "hello" to a pretty girl on the street. Try to start a conversation with a girl and not worry if they strike out. Tell a girl she is beautiful and not worry about "taking the power away" or giving her a ego boost. Whenever I travel out of America, I feel beautiful. Why because the men love women and they are not afraid to let you know, yeah sometimes its creepy but Foreign men love to make women feel sexy. So American men please can you guys work on this?? Its OK to make a girl feel sexy!

P.S I know that not all American men are like this. And not all Foreign men are Rico Suave, but more times then none, yes American men are d-bags and Foreign men know how to work it.

Jamon, Mcdonalds, Chocolate, And Bunuelos!

2011-04-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

Going to Madrid the first time I had no idea what to expect of the food. I knew they did the whole Tapas thing, But I had no idea what, "Tapas" even meant. I will admit I am a little naive and thought that Spanish food would be similar to Mexican cooking. And it's in no way the same. In the grocery stores there, they have a special section for "mexican cusine" filled with re fried beans, tortillas, and tacos.
The first night we went in search of some Spanish treats. After going around Puerta de Sol and looking at numerous restaurants a cafes, we tried the first Tapas bar. We had no clue what to do. I did read in my Spain guide book I brought that Tapas is small portions of different foods. Like a appetizer. You sit at the bar and wait for the tapas to be brought out. Some bars have free tapas treat if you buy a drink. Others you pay maybe a Euro per treat. Well... I did not understand how to even ask to get a tapas. Its like a secret code, and you have to just know. Don't ask. The locals did not want to help you figure out the Tapas way of life. if you don't know how to even start, just leave. So, after going in two different bars and failing miserably with e tapas circus. We ended up at the cafe/ semi fast food. I got bad/overpriced pasta. After the first night I was so discouraged about the food in Madrid. I started thinking that I might be living off bread and water. You can't go wrong with bread and water, no mater what country your in. But after a good nights rest we stared out on a new foot.
McDonald's
By our hotel there was a McDonald's. I know people probably think that your In a foreign country, why go to McDonald's?? Well I love visiting McDonald in other countries. Everyone is so different. So for breakfast we tried it out. While using my Mexican Spanish ,ordered a egg mcmuffin and Cafe con Leche. They also have a amazing sausage mcmuffin. The sausage has a chorizo type flavor. I loved there breakfast!! Very yummy and the egg is made fresh! Not a weird premade egg circle that I normally expect when I got to McDonald.
Another crazy Spanish McDonald's tradition I found was they serve beer there! On tap! Very random I know. I would sit there looking at the people with white cups and a beer logo on it and I was like "OMG is McDonald's serving beer now??" Oh yeah go to Mac D's and get wasted! That's my kinda night!

Panadería off Calle de Ventura Rodríguez By Hotel Mercure plaza de Espana

Just ten feet from Our hotel was the cutest neighborhood bakery. Its only big enough for two customers to fit in at a time. They had the best pastry treats and breads! Little Bunuelos (Bunuelos are doughnut like treats that are round and normally filled with chocolate/vuinella or cafe cream.) and churros. You can also get a huge water bottle for one Euro! Great deal. I would go every morning and load up on water and sweet carb filled treats!

San Miguel Market

This is the hot spot to go for tapas! It's like a food court in the way it has different carts/stands set up with food. It's indoors and very nice. A upscale food court. You wait in line, or take a number and jump to it when your called. They have everything from Olives to Mexican tapas. My favorites were the cheese or Queso stand with cheese from Spain and all over Europe. You pick out your favorite cheese and you get a slice of Delicious bread. YES PLEASE! I also love the sugar cart as I call it filled with Bunuelos, Ice cream, Churros and of course... the Chocolate Drink. you get this hot chocolate wannabe drink and order a churro to dip in and your set. The Chocolate drink is pure melted chocolate. that you drink.. straight. Its super sweet and strong at first but so very good! I also had to get a couple quiches while I was there to. I went back to this market every afternoon. Hey, you find something you like why not stick with it. Finding a table is a game that after a couple hours I mastered. There are only long five tables. And people are like vultures waiting for a seat to be open. You have to stand watch for one seat to open. And most likely you will sit with other people. Which is nice sometimes. Meet new people! This is defiantly a place I dream about at night. That creamy cheese and bread and sugary treats!!! Ok I'm hungry now!

Thai Restaurant by Plaza De Espana

I love This place!! The Atmosphere, the food, the people. Everything was perfect!

A special place in my heart.. Madrid, España!

2011-04-01T01:42:00.001-05:00

I went to Madrid in October of 2010. I spent a week there. I also did a day trip to Segovia. Madrid is different then I expected. It's full of culture, hip people and great food. Madrid has a calm feeling about it. I always feel like cites have their own moods. Their own feelings and heart. Madrid mood was calm, cool, and collected. Not too much effort to be hip, it just is.
It is also oddly enough, a romantic city. Everyone in Madrid is either in love or in the process of being in love or thinking about making love. Everyone was a couple. Holding hands, kissing. And no one cares about PDA being awkward. They are all for it. It's kind of charming in a way. The way these couples look at each other while walking to work, its heart warming.

The other surprising thing about Madrid was how they perceive fashion. All the girls wear black legging or tights with boots and jackets. EVERY FEMALE. It's almost a must if you to go to Madrid in the fall you must wear this outfit. Women there are not over accessorized, or trying to hard. It's effortless.

My Must sees Madrid!

Parque De Retiro

Retiro Park is a huge park in Madrid. It has a large lake. You can rent boats and have a fine afternoon paddling around with the family. There are people doing magic tricks in the streets, wannabe Mickey Mouse’s dressed up to get pictures with, and popcorn and candy vendors. I went on a Sunday, which was also Columbus Day. One surprising thing about Spain is that Columbus Day is a national holiday. Most businesses are closed. Which was weird because in America you don't even realize it Columbus Day till like the day is over and you go on Google and the homepage tells you! We decided to go to the Park that afternoon since everything was closed. Which was clearly everyone else’s idea as well. It was packed! It's the hot spot for families who wanted to escape to a wooded, green paradise in the concrete jungle of Madrid. It was such a peaceful escape, just sitting on the steps under the equestrian statue of King Alfonso XII. Being with the locals. Just watching how the locals interact with each other. And of course in Madrid fashion, seeing lots of couples renting row boats or holding hands while sitting in silence watching the sunset. I got a popcorn and coke, wonderful little afternoon park snack. There is also lots of monuments and historical buildings to look at. The park was originally created for the royal family, and you can tell that in all the beautiful statues and architecture made for royalty. I would 100% love to spend many more afternoons riding a bike or reading a book in this "parque." A nice change to my normal travel style. Just spending a afternoon not rushed to look at the next "must see" from TripAdvisor, but just "being."

Collecting rocks!

Chicos Playing a game!

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

2011-03-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

I'm talking a break from my on going writings about Cabo. I want to talk about something I have recently been trying to work on and add to my everyday life. One of my favorite quotes I keep posted up in my bedroom is "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" When I travel I feel like I can do anything. I am untouchable. I can talk to a complete stranger and not worry if they are going to like me or not. I can try new foods and try new activities. I don't know if anyone else is this way but, for me when I am at home I am nervous and shy and worried if I talk to someone new at the bar or mall I might see them again and they might not like me and it will be awkward. Yeah I'm thinking all that. At home in your safe place, you get lazy and don't want to go outside you comfort zone. At home you get in the everyday grind and you go to work, eat, sleep, repeat. You forget that ,there is a whole world out there with different people and different food and way of life. I believe that why most people don't travel more is because of fear. Fear that they won't know how to act or where to go once there, or fear of the outcome.

Yes for some people they can live life not worrying about what someone will think if they laugh real loud or dance like a jack ass. Some people can go sky diving at the drop of a hat. They don't care about "failing." When I travel I am superwoman. I am calm and happy. I want to learn to translate this into my everyday life.
I recently went on a vacation alone. Yes. ALONE. Finally I did it. I knew that I would have to talk to people and step outside my comfort zone of being shy, to make friends and have a good time. I met the most amazing people. I had fun and was myself. I did all this as myself. I would never be this way at home.
I Love "Vacation Heather." She isn't Worried about how to act or whats acceptable. She doesn't worry about work or money. I want to help others step outside of there comfort zones. If we can be our "Vacation" self everyday, just think how amazing life would be. So fun, so calm. So I say from here on out "Vacation Heather" will be Heather 24/7. You should try it too. Go on what's that worst that could happen. Just like the quote said, let's live like we could not fail.

Yeah.... this is me. On Vacation. I look so stupid, But... I DON'T CARE. I am having fun. This is me.

So what?

Bring on Cabo San Lucas: Part Dos!

2011-03-14T13:38:00.001-05:00

Cabo is popular for a couple of reasons. Fishing for Marlins, whale watching, the famous archway, and the nightlife(my favorite part.) Now I have never fished,or whale watched in Cabo so I will write about what I know. Lovers beach and nightlife!
Lover's Beach
In the middle of the large rocks by the Archway or Lands end is Lover's beach. I took a water taxi to lovers beach. Which is only $12 round trip. I have also set up a glass bottom boat ride through my hotel. It was twenty dollars and you are taken to the marina by a bus that picks up people at other hotel and drop's off at the marina. Then you get the Boat and it takes about twenty minutes to get to the beach. This all includes a mini tour of the Archway, "Scooby Doo" rock and the sea lions. Which is a nice way to see everything, I think. When you arrive at Lover's Beach you have to Jump off the boat into the choppy waters and hope that you don't fall on your ass like a idiot. The waves in Cabo are very very big, and the good thing is there are locals waiting to help you off the boat and with your bags. Don't worry, they are just wanting a dollar or two for helping. TAKE IT. Believe me let them help you off the boat so you don't fall under the boat or something. They are good people they are not trying to steal your bags or something. The Glass bottom boat and water taxi are both small boats. If it's your first time I say to the glass bottom boat tour.The water is clear and the fish you can see are beautiful. It's worth it. Once on Lover's beach both boat rides will pick you up at what ever time, every hour they run, so you can stay for a hour or 5 if you want. It's a pretty quiet beach. Beautiful place to take pictures. Locals love to come here too, when they get the chance.

Lover's Beach

There are also activities like zip line, four wheeling through the dessert, Para sailing, and jet skiing. Personally the best way to set this up is through your activities company at the hotel. Its safer and normally a reasonable price.

Forget Cancun, Bring on Cabo San Lucas!

2011-03-08T11:30:00.002-06:00

My first time I went to Cabo San Lucas was in February 2010. Now this was not a intentional trip, I was supposed to end up in Seoul, S. Korea. But as a Flight Attendant and always being on Standby I had to be prepared for anything. The flight to Seoul was oversold so that was a no go. So we looked into what flights were open. It was Cabo san Lucas or Puerto Vallarta. We chose Cabo. After this one three day trip I was HOOKED! I have since been back 4 times and counting.

Getting Around
When you arrive by air its just like any other vacation spot in Mexico. Going thru the gauntlet as I call it. You come out with your bags and have no clue where to go or what to do. you have twenty men yelling and calling to you and it can be very over whelming. But it doesn't have to be. you can set up a transportation service before hand if you used a vacation company such as Funjet or Apple vacations you can set up a shuttle service to your hotel. Or you can go to Best Day travel and reserve a shuttle to your hotel. These prices vary form $16-$19 one way.
When I go, I have used the EcoBaja tours bus. It is $16 and it drops off at many different hotels. Now this form of transportation to your hotel does take a bit longer but its cheaper then taking a taxi. Also the EcoBaja tours bus you can pick up right as you get into Cabo. No need to get prearranged service. You can also take a taxi.

Once at your hotel depending on how far you are from the downtown area of Cabo San Lucas you will most likely have to take a taxi into town. There is also a public Bus that is around $2.00 per trip. I have never used the bus but I have heard its safe. But most tourist use the taxis. The normal price to the downtown area is $12.00. Heather Tip* Most everywhere in Cabo expects US dollars.

Welcome World travelers and future World travelers!

2011-03-02T00:38:00.001-06:00

Greetings everyone!
I created this blog for every type of traveler out there. The Dreamer, the expert, and the "Once a year vacation" kinda person. Seeing the world is something very important to me. Every different city, country,and Continent offers new and wonderful surprises. Different cultures, I believe, can teach you new things about yourself and about the people around you.
I am a Flight Attendant for a US carrier that shall remain nameless.. All I will say is that I work for the express side. I go all over the US and parts of Canada. But even though I don't work overseas, I get AMAZING Flight benefits! So I will be posting fun little snip-its about different Trips in the US and all over the world in months to come. Also I will be posting pictures and airport tutorials.

Adios!
<3 Heather