The Wanderer: Part II

The past few weeks have been insanely busy getting ready for life on the road this summer. We moved into the CEO house in Pacifica which has been a whirlwind adjustment (in a good way). I haven't lived in a house or this close to the beach since I was 18...I also haven't lived this far outside a city where I can have anything I want on demand 24/7! Nonetheless it has been awesome and every day there is something new and exciting going on. The best part- I am officially a licensed commercial driver!!! YES, I passed my commercial driving test about a week ago and to say it was stressful is putting it lightly. So, as I prepare for my first trip assignment I figured I would finish updating you on my training trip, the Wanderer.....

After Zion we were headed to Bryce for some more hiking and even more incredible views. Bryce really is a one of a kind park with its' rock formations called "hoodoos" that have been naturally shaped into the canyon by erosion. The hoodoos create for an amazing unique landscape you will only find here.

Our next stop was Lake Powell- part of Glen Canyon Dam National Park. The lake was awesome but the weather not so much...it was freezing! We had two nights here which included a birthday toga party for our friend Dan. The toga we picked out for him was a particularly special "Frozen" themed toga!

Dan in his Frozen toga

Campfire and toga partying

On our way out of Lake Powell we were surprised with a tour of Antelope Canyon, a one of a kind slot canyon on the Navajo land near Page, Arizona. The canyon was formed by erosion of Navajo sandstone due to flash flooding and truly is a remarkable sight.

Entering Antelope Canyon

Nelle and I inside the canyon

We were then off to Monument Valley for the night. Honestly, I had never heard of Monument Valley before starting this job but once we arrived it looked so familiar- just out of a movie! The valley lies in the Navajo Nation Reservation so we have local Navajo guides for our time there. Our tour included a two hour jeep ride through the various sandstone buttes, a traditional Navajo dinner and show, and an overnight stay in a Navajo home called a hogan. While at first I was skeptical about the whole tour, it really was a unique insight into the Navajo Reservation and I would highly recommend it to any of my travelers.

Monument Valley

The gang climbing on some rocks

Recognize this from Forest Gump anyone?

After an incredible sunrise in Monument Valley we were off to one of the natural wonders of the world, The Grand Canyon. Part of our G tradition is to blindfold those who had never been here and allow them to experience "the great reveal." While I don't love being blindfolded, it was so worth it for that moment I saw the Grand Canyon for the very first time. I stood there looking over the endless canyon thinking to myself, I can't believe this is my life, this is my job, this is the view from my office!

Looking over the Grand Canyon for the first time!

Sunset view from the rim

Following our night in the Grand Canyon we were off to Lake Havasu for some relaxation and sunshine. We cruised along the historic Route 66 and got to our campsite right on the lake in time for a sunset BBQ and another toga party!

Toga party round two!

From Lake Havasu we were off to the city of angels with a stop in Joshua Tree for some afternoon hiking/bouldering. Joshua Tree National Park is in the Mojave desert and known for its famous Joshua Trees and rock filled landscape- perfect for climbing and bouldering.

Entering Joshua Tree

Climbing in Joshua Tree

I don't have any pictures of LA because naturally I was un-phased by Hollywood. However, on our way out of LA we drove the coast up to Shell Beach and had a great beachside picnic before continuing on to Big Sur for the night.

Hanging out in Shell Beach

Alas, it was our final day on the road, our last drive from Big Sur back to San Fran. We made a few stops along the way- one last hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and a quick dip in the ocean in Monterey. Finally, we saw the Golden Gate Bridge-we were home. We explored Fisherman's Wharf and then it was time for our last surprise, a sunset cruise around the Bay. What an incredible way to end our trip!

Hiking Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

The whole gang cruising by the Golden Gate Bridge

Boat selfie!

So much love for my wanderer crew!

The Wanderer training program was one of the most incredible trips I have experienced. It challenged all of us mentally, physically and emotionally, but we came out of it with a unique bond only G CEOS can really understand. It is amazing how close a group of strangers can become in just a few weeks. We may all come from different walks of life but our passion for travel and adventure brought us here to G Adventures and the nomadic lifestyle we chose to lead. Cheers to Sarah, Harold, Carson, Grace and Aimee for making it through the journey with me and to Dan and Nelle for being the most patient humans I have ever met. We did it! Couldn't be more excited for the adventures ahead!

Life on the Road Begins

So here I am on a bus from Joshua Tree to LA and finally had a non-car sick moment to update you on my travels. I cannot believe this week will mark 1 month since I left NYC- my life has changed so drastically and I have been more places and met so many more people than I would have ever imagined. It all started when I arrived in San Francisco Monday April 6th around 11am. I had a few hours to kill before our welcome BBQ so I decided to explore San Francisco. The city is beautiful but extremely hilly so while things may seem close on a map, they are probably much further when you add in those uphill hikes. At this point I was pretty anxious, did not know where to go or what to do for 5 hours so...what else to do but find the nearest Soul Cycle!! Little did I know my days were about to be jam packed and I would barely have time to sleep let alone catch even a rooster ride. After soul I headed down to try and get a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Standing there looking up across at the bridge reminded me of the first time I stood in Times Square or the first time I looked up at the Duomo. It was never the places, but more what they symbolized to me- a new beginning, new adventure, and so many unknowns in between. There I stood, just as I have before every journey as I headed into the unknown.

On my first night in San Francisco G Adventures hosted a welcome BBQ where I met our training group, the previous training group and everyone in the company. It was a great first night and I knew right away I would fit in here. I thought back to when I started at FCUSA, how nervous I was in beginning, but also how that turned into lifelong friendships, amazing memories, and having no boundaries between my work life and personal life- but I loved it. Over the next 4 days we spent our time in training, passing our CDL tests and having physicals done. It was all in preparation for our first trip, the Wild West Wanderer training trip. We left San Francisco on Saturday morning and hit the road for our adventure. Our first stop was Yosemite where we went cliff jumping at Rainbow Pools and hiking up to Vernal Falls. I hadn't been to Yosemite in a few years so it was great to get back there and re-discover the beauty of the park.

Group shot on our way out of San Francisco.

Hiking Vernal Falls with my new buddies, Grace and Nelle.

After Yosemite we headed toward Las Vegas with a quick overnight at Lake Isabella and a stop at Death Valley National Park. It was about 90 degrees in Death Valley and I was told that was the coldest I would ever experience it....scary thoughts!

Looking over Zabriskie Point in Death Valley

Badwater Basin, Death Valley

After lunch and a few photo ops in Death Valley we drove into Vegas for a night full of surprises. I have been to Vegas several times and done the whole bottle service/tables/clubbing thing back in my promoter days, so I was excited to experience Vegas in a different light. First, we were surprised with a helicopter ride over the strip!! I mean come on, when was the last time your employer told you "surprise we are taking a helicopter ride over the Las Vegas Strip!" It was amazing, and after the helicopter we were greeted with a party bus to take us around town! We had an absolute blast that night...I mean who can say no to Vegas?!

So pumped for our helicopter flight!

The whole gang ready for the party bus. 

With my friend Nelle on the party bus.
After 2 nights of camping it was great to get dressy again in Vegas.

The morning after Vegas was naturally another early start, but unfortunately we encountered a few minor technical difficulties when we went to head out of town. Thankfully, everything was taken care of by 11am and we were off to Zion National Park, all praying we would make it there in time to hike the famous Angels Landing. We made it there around 4pm and headed straight to the trail, although I was slightly hesitant when I read about the switchbacks and straight up climbs. The hike was ridiculously intense but so incredible at the same time. This hike was something so beyond my comfort zone that made me feel so alive and appreciative for this experience. Standing there at the top, over-looking Zion was simply breathtaking and a moment I will never forget. Hiking Angels Landing was by far one of the highlights of the trip this far and the pictures don't even do it justice.

Nelle and I taking a quick photo break.

Made it to the top

I am still on the road and about to arrive in LA, so stay tuned for the next adventures on my next wifi equipped drive!

The End of an Era

I never thought the day would come that I would land at LAX with everything I owned packed into the same suitcases I left LA for NYC with 7 years ago. But 2 weeks ago that happened, and it was the hardest, most emotional thing I have ever had to do. I have the habit of leaving- I remember the pit in my stomach, the anxiety, the tears and everything else that came when I left London, then Boston, then LA, then Florence and now NYC. Yet, no move has compared to this one. My last days in NYC were so surreal, it almost didn't feel real....it still doesn't. Honestly, it feels like I am on a leave of absence from NYC, on a long vacation, or just taking a break. It is not goodbye, just see you later.

My last shot of the Manhattan skyline.

The hardest part about leaving was saying goodbye to my friends, these beautiful people who have been there for me through everything over the past 7 years. They have become my family and the thought of them not being a cab ride away was the scariest part of leaving. In my last weeks I spent every waking moment with them; laughing, crying, and reminiscing on every adventure we had, every apartment we lived in, every heartbreak we endured, every trip we took and every single memory we shared. I am not going to lie, it hasn't gotten any easier...I have found myself randomly crying at a picture, a Facetime, or even a song that reminds me of them. The Friday and Saturday before I left there were so many parties, so many laughs and so many tears. It was not until Sunday night, my last night in NYC that it really hit me that I was leaving. I remember sitting at the dinner table at Otto with my 6 best friends, looking at them thinking I will always remember this moment. I was surrounded by people who genuinely love and care about me....friends who will do anything for me, friends who I know will be in my life forever.

My last dinner in NYC with my besties.

All my girls at my farewell party Saturday night.

So by now I bet you are wondering why in the world I would chose to leave my friends, my entire life, and the city I love most in the world? Well, back in February I was offered a position with G Adventures, an eco-tourism focused company geared toward active travel and young adults. It was a dream job opportunity- to travel, to inspire others while traveling and to blog about all of my adventures. As much as I loved NYC, my job at FCUSA, my friends and the life I had built, this was a life changing opportunity that I knew in my heart I had to take. I cannot believe the day is here, tomorrow I leave for San Francisco where I will begin my 3 week intensive training program with G Adventures. I am full of emotions, excited and anxious at the same time. I am about to face the unknown head on.


Ever since I took this job I have spent a great deal of time contemplating my life in NYC and how much I have grown from the naive girl who landed in the big city 7 years ago. Unless you have lived through it, you will never understand what it is like to live in NYC at the age of 18, to grow up there, to find yourself and to struggle to make it in the big city. I thought about everything NYC has taught me and how strong it has made me. I decided to compile a list of the top ten things I have learned over seven years. These are simply my thoughts as I reflect on my own experiences so take them as you will....

10 Things I Have Learned to Make it in New York City:

1. Find friends that will support you, inspire you and bring out the best version of yourself. In a city that will push you to your limit you need a group of friends who will lift you up when you are down, support you through hard times and celebrate your successes. I am so blessed to have found such incredible friends who have been my rock in NYC.

2. Realize that we are not invisible, bad things happen to good people. Addiction is real and can effect any one of us. You hear the words "don't do drugs" your entire life and think it will never happen to you. Two years ago I lost one of my very closest friends to the worst drug imaginable. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and think about what I could have done or said. I will forever think about those late nights at the clubs, the lifestyle we lived in Italy and all the what ifs that come with such a tragedy. 

3. Do something alone- take a trip, have a meal, go on a walk. After I graduated college and was back in Italy I decided to be spontaneous and take off. I headed to Berlin first, completely on my own. Initially, I was nervous but after my first morning on my own I felt like a new person- a completely independent woman. I could do what I wanted when I wanted and nothing was more liberating than the feeling of independence I gained from that trip.

Lennon Wall, Prague

4. Find a job that you love. When you love what you do  you will be successful at it. I didn't think I wanted a corporate job, I didn't want to wear the uniform and sit at a desk all day. Yet, a month in to working at Liberty Travel I was top novice, absolutely loving my new career endeavor. Every morning I enjoyed going into work and ultimately happiness in what you do every day of your life is all you need.

5. Set goals. When I started working at Liberty Travel I had two goals- become a Team Leader (manager) and make it our Global Ball (read more about that in my trip to Asia blog). Within the first year I hit both goals and that feeling of being successful at what I do was completely overwhelming and exciting. I had never been so proud of what I had accomplished.

NYCHS at FCUSA Global Ball 2014

6. Find an exercise routine that makes you happy. When I was in college I fell in love with Yoga to the People, a free yoga studio (donation based) for students. It not only provided me an exercise outlet, but would also calm my mind. Flash forward to today....it is not secret that I have an obsession with Soul Cycle. I will admit it might not be for everyone, but it is for me and that is all that matters. It mentally and physically challenges me and has made me an overall stronger person. I find peace when I am on the bike at Soul Cycle, so I urge you to find that exercise helps you clear your mind for an hour of the day.

7. Remind yourself why you came to NYC. Sometimes, on those tough days when your landlord decides to raise your rent, or the subway breaks down on your way to work...remember why you love NYC. Take a walk around Central Park, take in the views at the Top of the Rock, or just sit in the village and have the best cup of coffee in the world.

8. Never get too comfortable. I didn't leave NYC because I was unhappy, I was just too comfortable. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone so when you remain in that comfort zone life begins to pass you by. I began to notice my life had become a routine and I needed to make a change, no matter how difficult that change would be. Try something new, take a risk, and leave your comfort zone.



9. Do things that make you happy. It is all about the little things in NYC. Sometimes I found myself hating the city so much, thinking about how much easier life would be if I just moved back to California. I had to find little things, ordering take out pizzas from Otto, having prosecco on the rooftop of Eataly, picnics in the north woods of Central Park, brunching with my friends, sitting in a cafe writing this blog...I found that certain simple activities always had a way of making me happy.

10. Travel as much as you can. I guess this one is pretty obvious, but travel will change your life...so travel as much as you, as far as you can. Stop spending money on material items and just go somewhere. It will open your eyes to the world, I promise.

Tomorrow I embark on a new journey, and exciting new life on the road. I will be traveling from now until October so stay tuned for stories from my adventures as I travel across the USA and Canada as a true professional nomad!

Curacao Bound- Living the Island Life

Lets face it, Curacao is not the most well-known island. In fact, over the past few months I can't tell you how many people have asked me where Curacao even was. So here it is- Curacao is a tiny Dutch island in the southern Caribbean right off the coast of Venezuela, you can even see Venezuela from the shore. A few months back I won free nights at Sunscape Curacao courtesy of AM Resorts so my three besties and I decided to plan a girls trip! 

Off to the islands!

If you are ever looking to travel to Curacao Jetblue now offers non-stop flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays from JFK-->CUR which is about 4 hours. We arrived to the island around 3pm and checked into our upgraded ocean view rooms which were very spacious and had wonderful oversized balconies. That night we dined on the beach at Oceana and while the food wasn't the best, there is nothing like hearing the waves crashing as you dine. After dinner it was time for drinks and dancing. Curacao is known for their famous club on the beach, Mambo Beach Club. We met up with my two other friends from Liberty who were there as well and headed out for a girls night on the town. Luckily for us, it was only a 5 minute walk away! We danced the night and away and enjoyed every minute of just being together.

We have arrived!

View from our room!

Ready for our night out!

We spent the next day relaxing on the beach and by the pool. I have seen many beaches in the Caribbean, but the white sand and crystal clear water in Curacao is definitely toward the top of my list. We went kayaking, got some sun and just relaxed. For dinner, we decided on the Hibachi restaurant where our chef entertained us cooking the meal table side....it was probably the best meal of our trip- I highly recommend it. That night we headed back to Mambo Beach. Fun fact, Sunday is the main night out in Curacao, so Mambo Beach is hopping on Sundays. 

Poolside

Beachy

Megan and I

Lauren and I

Alyssa and I

 A beautiful sunset

The whole gang ready for Mambo Beach!

Monday we woke up for another day in paradise. The best part about being on a Caribbean island is that the only real decision you have to make all day is beach or pool? In the afternoon we ventured into town. The central town in Curacao is Willemstad and it is famous for its colorful Dutch architecture which was simply stunning. If you ever visit the island make sure to experience the moving bridge, a bridge that opens and closes to allow ships into the port....very cool.

Notice the Dutch colorful architecture in the background...

We are in the letters!

On the floating bridge

For our last dinner we decided on Italian, because what else would be more fitting! For those of you who don't know, I lived in Italy with these girls, and we will forever share the bond of Firenze. I am beyond thankful our friendships didn't end abroad and they truly are some of the most amazing friends I could ever ask for.

Beautiful last sunset

Life on the islands

Megan and I 

Simply breathtaking

Our last dinner

Leaving the island was nearly impossible for us. Not only did we have the absolute most amazing vacation in paradise, but we also were coming to terms with the fact that this would be our last adventure together for awhile. At the end of February I had made some major life decisions, ones that would change my world forever. Just like that our vacation was over and we were headed back to the reality that I soon wouldn't be seeing them my closest friends every day.

Stay tuned next week for the details on some big life changes and where I am off to next!