Beach Vibes in CABO!

October 14th, 2019

Cabo is a great destination! It’s easy to get to from LA, beautiful weather, great customer service and amazing scenic views of the ocean. It was a perfect location for a quick getaway with my family for my dad’s birthday. Of course battling the 24 hour access to food and the hardship of leaving the pina colada at the pool bar to make it to the gym was not easy but it had to be done. It’s ideal for couples, family or large groups of friends!

Travel Tips:

Use Uber or rent a car (pay for the insurance) to drive to your resort especially if you’re in a group, its cheaper than paying $50 to shuttle each way!

Taxis are expensive so again use Uber if you plan to explore the city but always be aware of your surroundings and keep track of where you’re drivers are taking you regardless of the type of service you use.

All inclusive like Pueblo Bonito, Sunset Beach is usually the cheaper and more convenient way to go but if you want fancy checkout The Resort at Pedregal or The Chileno Bay Resort.

Bring a hat and lots of sunscreen especially in their summer months as the sun can burn you very easily. Trust me, I’ve been burned before!

Best time to travel is November to February!

TIEMPO EN ESPAÑA

The land of Sangria and chocolate dipped churros! Spain is a beautiful country filled with great destinations and nightlife. I was fortunate to visit 4 cities including the famous party island, Ibiza! Alicante was the first and more relaxing of the 4 (probably should’ve ended there). It’s definitely has the little town by the sea vibe and was worth going to. From there I took the ferry to Ibiza where I was fortunate to attend David Guetta’s opening night at Ushuaia! If you ever go and short on time make sure you go to Playa Cala Conte at sunset, its worth the 45 minute drive. Flew into Madrid after where I spent a few days eating at the Mercado De San Miguel and exploring the city’s beautiful architecture as well as it’s palaces. Taking an overnight bus from Madrid to Barcelona was probably one of my biggest mistakes during this trip, don’t do it. Arriving to the city that ultimately belongs to Antoni Gaudi, rightfully so, was like going to a one of a kind whimsical town full of art and history. Of course there is no way you can go to Barcelona without visiting the iconic La Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi’s most famous piece of art. Make sure you do the audio tour, it makes a huge difference! Just near the La Boqueria in La Rambla is the Gothic Quarters, home to one of the oldest chocolate streets in the world and I couldn’t resist but walk down the narrow lane filled with amazing chocolates to both eat and drink!!!

Travel Tips:

Pack light if you plan to move around, it’s not easy.

Buy a train pass in Madrid; it was the easiest city to get around in and cost the least.

WATCH OUT for pickpockets EVERYWHERE you go!!!

Do a walking tour the first day you arrive to a new city, it gives you a little history of the city, things to do for the rest of your stay and possibly new friends to hangout with during your trip.

Rent a car or even better a Vespa in Ibiza but look at the car they’re referring to before you sign a contract because you’re not necessarily getting what they’re describing to you.

EAT!!! Try all of the different tapas and paella you can get. Stay away from restaurants on La Rambla street; they’re more famous for the street they’re on than they are for their actual food.

DRINK!!! Definitely have sangria even if you’re not a fan. Bars will typically give you free tapas when you order a drink, be thankful and eat it.

Tak Firir Iceland

The Northern Lights have always been on my bucket list so Iceland in December, why not? Well if you think you can just show up, not pay an admission fee, look up to the sky and see the naturally occurring phenomenon of the collisions caused by electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth's atmosphere then you’re in for a surprise. We spent 10 days traveling through the southern portion of the island chasing the picturesque scenery we’ve grown up seeing on the google image search of “northern lights.” On our very last night we decided to pay the admission fee, or in this case a tour fee. We loaded one of 10 buses at 9:00 PM that followed each other in a straight line for 45 minutes where we stopped at an empty large field with a short fence. We were herded out of the buses onto the field where we were told to just wait for what turned out to be 3 hours. Finally, a faint green shadow appeared into the sky and people’s excitement grew as it became brighter and brighter. Ten minutes later we were asked to get back on the bus because the tour was over and the faint light had faded away… Coldest time to travel to Iceland with a total sun light amounting to about 4 hours a day for 10 minutes of a shadow of a green light in the sky! Well that part sucked but the rest of the trip made every minute worth it. We were able to go inside ice caves after hiking one of the largest glaciers in the world, snow mobile in a storm on top of a mountain, scuba dive in the clearest water on earth (Silfra, a gap between North American and Eurasian plates), see some of the most beautiful waterfalls (like 50 of them), soak in the famous Blue Lagoon and of course, my favorite, visit the Lebowski Bar, home of over 20 different White Russian drinks. I love White Russians! Overall, Iceland has so much more to offer than just a green light in the sky and I would’ve done it over again even if I knew I couldn't see the Northern Lights.

Travel Tips:

If you’re not looking to see the Northern Lights, go in the summer when you get 20 hours of sunlight and beautiful weather.

If you’re going in the winter, pack thermals; they’re lifesavers. Icelandic people care less about keeping warm than they do about their fashion statements. You’re going to want to dress up so thermals make that possible.

If you’re going to Scuba Silfra then you need to book ahead of time and read all of the guidelines to make sure you fit the criteria.

Iceland does not have the best food options and it is super expensive so pack some bars or stop by the Costco there if you’re planning for a longer trip.

Rent a car and drive as much of the island as you can. Don’t just stay in Reykjavík.

Go to Secret Lagoon! Its much cheaper than Blue Lagoon and is actually a natural hot spring (Blue Lagoon is manmade).

Housebuilding in Mexico

Being in real estate business for so long, I’ve had the opportunity to appraise many lavish estates with movie theater rooms, recreation rooms, butler rooms, underground wine cellars, man caves, garages with boat parking spaces, pool homes larger than most apartments and many more. It was not until I went to Mexico to build a 10 by 20 room to house a family of 8 (sometimes more) that I learned how fortunate we are just on the other side of the border. Back in high school I started volunteering for Habitat For Humanity and I thoroughly enjoyed my time building a home, mainly cuz I thought it was fun to hammer things but also because it was for a good cause. As the years went by my church partnered with AMOR Ministries and offered a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, where I actually learned the meaning of service and gratitude. We took two twelve passenger vans and my parent’s old station wagon (the one with two seats in the trunk facing the back) and drove down to Mexico with out tents, gloves and hammers. We were given the opportunity to build a home for a less fortunate family consisting of parents, their children and their grandchildren all living in a two room shack without running water. The goal was to move one of the children’s household out of the main house and into the small 10 by 10 room we were going to build in the back. After three long hard working days with 26 people, no machinery or running water, sleeping in tents in a dirt lot, we were able to lay a foundation, build the walls and place a roof over this family’s head. They amount of joy and gratitude they had on their faces at the end of this labor intensive weekend was worth coming back three more times. This time was just as great as the first time!!

I recommend to reach out to AMOR Ministries if you’re interested in volunteering for future trips, you never know what you will gain from it! Also, wear sunscreen, lots of it!

My Journey Through the Soulful Rhythms of Cuba

As I touched down in Havana, the vibrant energy of Cuba enveloped me like a warm embrace. The historic streets of Old Havana beckoned, adorned with colorful vintage cars and colonial facades that seemed frozen in time. From the lively beats of salsa at the Buena Vista Social Club to the serene landscapes of Viñales, my journey through Cuba unfolded as a personal odyssey, marked by cultural immersion, historical exploration, and soulful discovery.

Havana: A Dance of Colors and Culture

Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, became my initial canvas. The rhythmic sway of salsa and the lively street scenes ignited my senses, transforming every corner into a snapshot of Cuban life. The iconic Malecón, with its crashing waves and nostalgic sunsets, echoed the passion and resilience of the Cuban spirit. Wandering through Havana, I felt like a participant in the city's vibrant narrative, each step uncovering layers of history and cultural richness.

Viñales: Dialogues with Nature and Community

Venturing into the lush landscapes of Viñales, I found myself on horseback, traversing tobacco fields and limestone formations. The picturesque valley engaged me in a dialogue with nature and local farmers, revealing the art of sustainable living. As I connected with the community, Viñales became more than just a destination; it became a canvas of personal growth and a celebration of Cuban hospitality.

Varadero: A Serene Finale by the Caribbean Shores

The journey concluded in Varadero, where pristine beaches met the turquoise embrace of the Caribbean. Here, I reveled in moments of tranquility, the gentle lull of waves providing the perfect backdrop for reflection and self-discovery. Varadero offered not just relaxation but a canvas to paint the final strokes of my personal Cuban masterpiece.

Culinary Chronicles: A Symphony of Flavors

Throughout my travels, Cuban cuisine became a symphony of flavors. From the robustness of black bean soups in Havana's local markets to the succulent roast pork enjoyed in Viñales' family-run eateries, each dish became a chapter in my culinary adventure. The fusion of flavors mirrored the diverse cultural influences that shape Cuba's unique gastronomy.

In Cuba, I wasn't just a traveler; I became a storyteller, an explorer, and a dreamer. This journey wasn't about ticking off destinations but about weaving my own narrative into the vibrant fabric of Cuba. As I left this enchanting island, it was not goodbye but a 'hasta luego,' knowing that the soulful rhythms of Cuba would forever resonate in my heart and beckon me back to its warm embrace.

My Irish Odyssey: Embracing the Soul of the Emerald Isle

Embarking on my journey to Ireland felt like stepping into a storybook where every page was waiting to be written with moments of enchantment. From the lively streets of Dublin to the windswept cliffs of Moher, this adventure wasn't just about discovering a new place but about forging a personal connection with the heart and soul of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin: As I wandered through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, the lively tunes of traditional Irish music spilled out from quaint pubs. Dublin, with its historic Trinity College and the mesmerizing Book of Kells, felt like a welcoming embrace. Each corner whispered tales of old, mingling effortlessly with the vibrant pulse of modern life.

The Ring of Kerry: Driving through the mystical landscapes of the Ring of Kerry was a revelation. Each turn brought new panoramas – rolling hills, mirror-like lakes, and charming villages. It was more than a picturesque drive; it was a journey through nature's gallery, an intimate dance with the land that left an indelible mark on my soul.

Galway: Galway's colorful streets and the bustling atmosphere of Eyre Square drew me into a world where culture and creativity collided. From savoring fresh seafood at the Claddagh to exploring Connemara's rugged beauty, Galway felt like a city that unfolded its secrets to those willing to explore beyond the surface.

Cliffs of Moher: Standing at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher, the sheer magnitude of the cliffs meeting the vastness of the Atlantic left me breathless. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the cliffs transformed into a canvas of colors, creating a moment so profound that it felt like time stood still – a personal communion with the forces of nature.

My Favorite Part, Kilkenny: Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Kilkenny seamlessly blends medieval charm with a vibrant contemporary spirit, offering a delightful experience for every visitor. Stroll through its historic streets, where the imposing Kilkenny Castle stands proudly along the River Nore, and immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage. The narrow lanes, historic buildings, and the iconic Kilkenny Design Centre create an enchanting atmosphere that captivates all who wander through its medieval marvels. Kilkenny is also a haven for art enthusiasts, boasting numerous galleries, craft studios, and hosting events like the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Indulge in the culinary delights of charming pubs and upscale restaurants, sample local delicacies, and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. With a diverse cultural calendar and festivals like the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Kilkenny offers a unique blend of history, art, cuisine, and natural splendor, making it a gem waiting to be discovered in the heart of Ireland.

As I left Ireland, it wasn't just memories that I carried, but a piece of the country's spirit woven into my own. Ireland, with its welcoming people and timeless landscapes, had become a part of my story – a personal odyssey that transcended the pages of a travel itinerary. It is officially my favorite place in the world, at least so far.