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Cabo San Lucas: Mexico’s South Beach

March 14, 2014 by thetravelsista 1 Comment

My absolute favorite place in Mexico is Cabo San Lucas. I first went about 10 years ago and fell in love with the culture, natural beauty, and fun atmosphere. I’ve been back numerous times since then, most recently in July 2013, and it never grows old. This time, I stayed at Cabo Villas right on Medano Beach, which is THE place to be in Cabo. Medano Beach is like Miami’s South Beach with a Mexican flair. Every day is lively, with numerous people swimming, walking along the beach, playing in the sand, and sun bathing. All the while, the beachfront restaurants — The Office, Mango Deck and Billygan’s Island — are pumping the latest jams and keeping the drinks flowing. There’s nothing like sitting on Medano Beach with sand between your toes and a margarita in your hand, looking out at beautiful turquoise waters and rock formations.

On the beach (at the airport, hotel, and everywhere else in Cabo), you quickly learn to “play the game.” Timeshares are big in Cabo, and folks masquerading as waiters or hospitality clerks will nearly beg you to attend a 90-minute timeshare presentation. In exchange, they’ll offer free breakfast and a thank you gift. I usually go to at least one presentation and negotiate for multiple gifts. I enjoy looking at different properties (even though I don’t intend to buy a timeshare), so it’s fun for me. I’ve gotten dinner gift certificates, liquor, ATV tours and jet ski rentals, among other gifts. But I have a strict, 3-hour “get me back to the beach” rule. When you consider transportation, actual tour time, and other logistics, the 90-minute tour is more like 3 to 4 hours. So if you don’t want to leave the beach for that long, you may want to decline.

Medano Beach is also prime territory for vendors selling a variety of Mexican wares and services, from blankets, pottery, and jewelry to hair braiding and temporary tattoos. They can be pesky at times, but it’s all part of the fun. If you decide to buy, make sure to haggle for the best deal. If not, a friendly “no gracias” will usually send them on their way to the next customer.

But the best thing about Medano Beach is the water activities. Jet skis, banana boats, water trampolines, snorkeling, parasailing and glass bottom boats — Medano Beach has it all. By day, the beach is teaming with water daredevils, like myself (my fave is the jet ski). By night, the sunset and booze cruises take over. It’s so beautiful and peaceful to be out on the water, surrounded by beautiful mountain views and El Arco, Cabo’s famous rock landmark. I promise if you haven’t been to Cabo yet, once you go you’ll be hooked.

What do you love about Cabo? Comment below.

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My Day in Soweto

March 12, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

I arrived on Johannesburg (Joburg) on a Friday night and early the next morning, took a tour of Soweto (an acronym for South West Townships) with Imbizo Tours. The owner Mandy, a longtime Soweto resident and the first black female tour operator in South Africa, served as our guide for the day. She picked up my sister and I from our hotel, then 3 more people, before heading to Soweto. I was curious, so I asked many questions about South African history and politics. We had a great discussion during the drive. We learned that rather than being one township, Soweto is actually a group of townships south of Joburg. It is massive, predominately black (approx. 98%) and home to more than 1 million people.

When we entered Soweto, it was a lot different than I expected. I thought the entire area would be poor, but in fact there’s a mix of middle-class enclaves, government housing, and informal settlements. We first drove thru an area called California, which Mandy told us was home to professionals such as doctors, lawyers and entertainers. The houses were fancy and large with well-manicured lawns and foliage; the neighborhood mirrored an American suburb. Interestingly, the houses lacked the barbed wire and electrified fences I’d seen at homes and apartment buildings in Joburg.

A short distance away was a markedly different neighborhood. It had much smaller houses and government housing which resembled American tenements. Lawns were basically non-existent and garbage was strewn about on the street. Women retrieved water from an outdoor water pump and washed clothes outside in large buckets. So close, but yet it was like a different world.

We continued on through the huge area which extended further than the eye could see. We drove around several other nicer areas – Beverly Hills and Orlando – and passed by the University of Johannesburg – Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and Orlando Towers. Next, we stopped at a local market near the Soweto Hotel (the only full-service hotel in Soweto, we were told). It was bustling with people buying and selling fruits, vegetables, art, jewelry, and other souvenirs. As she does with all of her guests, Mandy asked us to buy food as gifts for residents of Kliptown, which she described as the poorest area in Soweto. We bought several big bags of potatoes, cabbage, carrots and oranges; between the five of us, it only cost us about $5 USD each.

Little could have prepared us for what we would see at Kliptown. It was a shantytown in every sense of the word — all shacks, mostly made of corrugated tin, with no indoor plumbing or electricity. At the entrance of the community stood 3 portable toilets, which we learned serviced 13 families each. There was also a huge pile of garbage, which was the community dumping area. The sanitation department only picks up the human waste and garbage two times per week, so needless to say there was a noticeable odor.

Ntoli, a young female resident, took us on a tour of the community and her shack. As we turned to the left to head towards her shack, we saw an open trench with water running through. Ntoli told us this was the community water source, which led to the water pump they use to get water to drink, bathe and do laundry. It would be an understatement to say the water appeared unclean. We walked through a narrow passageway and arrived at Ntoli’s shack which she shares with 8 other relatives. The shack was approximately 18′ x 18′, with one partitioned-off bedroom, a kitchen and a dining area. It was unfathomable to me that 9 people could live there. I presume that’s why everyone was outside passing the time. The unemployment rate there is about 70%, so I guess that’s another reason.

Before we left, we passed out oranges to the kids and gave food to the mothers. We then bid them thanks and farewell, amazed at their happy dispositions and resilience in the worst of circumstances. Kliptown was a sad and glaring reminder of the legacy of apartheid in South Africa.

After Kliptown, we stopped for lunch at the Sakhumzi restaurant on Vilakazi Street (where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once resided). The street was lively, full of people and music. We ate from the buffet, which featured a variety of African foods, drank a beer, and had more good conversation. Then we went to the nearby Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, which is located close to the spot where the 13 year old was shot and killed by South African police during the Soweto uprising. The memorial, which was unveiled by Nelson Mandela, honors Pieterson and other student protestors who were killed or injured in the fight against apartheid; it is a fitting tribute to these young heroes. Our tour ended there and we headed back to Joburg. As I reflected on the day, I was so glad I had visited Soweto. There is an amazing history and energy there that you just won’t find in the city.

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Robben Island

March 3, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

Nelson Mandela is one of my personal heroes. So needless to say, my trip to Cape Town had to include a visit to Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for nearly 20 years for fighting against apartheid. Little did I know just how significant and special my visit would be; I went about one month before his death in December 2013.

After a 30-minute ferry ride, we arrived on the island and were escorted to waiting buses for a narrated tour. The bus drove us around the large island, while our tour guide pointed out buildings and historical facts of significance. We saw the living quarters of professor Robert Sobukwe, an anti-apartheid activist who was kept in solitary confinement for almost 7 years, in an area separate from other political prisoners.

We exited the bus to visit Section D, the maximum security prison where Mandela and other political prisoners were jailed; we even saw Mandela’s actual cell. This part of the tour was conducted by Kolekile Mahlahla, a former political prisoner who shared harsh details about their daily life, and how even in prison race dictated their diets, activities, clothing, and sleeping arrangements. Whites, Coloureds, and Indians were given more food than Blacks. They were also allowed to wear long pants and shoes, unlike Blacks who could only wear shorts and no shoes. Whites slept on mattresses, while Blacks had burlap sacks.

Mahlahla also shared stories about his interactions with Mandela and other older prisoners. He described how Mandela both earned the respect of some guards and acted as a leader to younger prisoners, promoting education and peaceful strategy over armed strife. This part of the tour was the most fascinating for me, because we were able to ask questions and get a true sense of being there during the apartheid era. Towards the end of the tour, we visited the limestone quarry where political prisoners were forced to work hard labor for 12+ hours per day. We learned the quarry became known as the “University” and was the site of secret classes and debates among the political prisoners. We also saw a rock pile left there by Mandela and other prisoners during a 1995 reunion, as a remembrance of their time on the island and a symbol of their solidarity. We ended the tour the same way we started –with a half hour ferry ride across the Atlantic Ocean, back to the city. The ride gave you a true sense of the isolation and human wasteland that place was intended to be. But far from that, Robben Island is a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit and the triumph of good over evil.

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My Escape to Alcatraz

February 25, 2014 by thetravelsista 2 Comments

I ended my trip along the Pacific Coast Highway with a stop in San Francisco. During my time there, I visited Alcatraz Island, the former federal prison nicknamed the Rock. As we left from Pier 33 for the 15 minute ferry ride across the San Francisco Bay, it quickly became obvious how the nickname came to be — it looks like a big rock in the middle of the bay. Once we arrived at the island, a park ranger provided a brief orientation and history lesson. We learned the name Alcatraz was derived from “Alcatraces”, the Spanish word for pelicans, and the island was so named by Spanish explorers because of the many pelicans then living on the island. We also learned about the island’s history as a military fort and prison, and its occupation by Native Americans protestors. After the orientation, we headed up to the main cellhouse for the self-guided audio tour, which was excellent. It’s available in numerous languages, and was the highlight of the tour for me.

The tour includes stops at the four jail blocks, warden’s office, visitation room, library, gun gallery, recreation yard, dining hall and kitchen. It’s narrated by former prisoners and correctional officers, with clanging doors and other sounds so life-like that it almost feels like you were really there. You’ll learn about infamous prisoners, such as Birdman, Al Capone, and Whitey Bulger, and hear about events such as escape attempts, “The Battle of ’46”, food riots, and solitary confinement. You’ll also hear and feel the strong winds, which give you a real sense of the harsh environment and isolation on the Rock. The prison was ultimately closed because of its high maintenance and operational costs.

Despite its storied history, Alcatraz Island is now a national park and popular tourist attraction. While there are several companies offering tours to Alcatraz (often at inflated prices), Alcatraz Cruises is the only official provider. The tours frequently sell out, so you should buy tickets in advance if you intend to visit. I bought tickets one week before and many times were already unavailable.

Have you been to Alcatraz? What did you think about it? Share your comments below.

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Sudwala Caves: Nelspruit, South Africa

February 24, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

I stopped in Nelspruit for a couple of days on the way up to the Kruger National Park area. I had fully intended to drive the Panorama Route up to Blyde River Canyon, and along the way do some white water rafting or tubing. But Mother Nature had other plans and it started to rain soon after I arrived. It continued to rain for the rest of the day, spoiling my plans to drive and enjoy nature. When I woke up to more rain the following morning, I knew I needed to find an indoor activity. I’m a bit claustrophobic and I don’t like bats, so a cave is the last place you’d expect me to venture. But after seeing pictures and learning that they were the oldest known caves in the world (estimated 240 million years old), I had to go.

At the start of the tour, our tour guide shared a lot of history about the caves’ discovery and habitation by prehistoric man, and later by the Swazi people. We saw some of their prehistoric tools near the cave entrance. As we walked through the caves along lighted pathways, we saw beautiful formations of rocks, stalactites and stalagmites. There is even an amphitheater where concerts are periodically held.

A highlight of the tour was when our guide turned off the lights in one section to show us how dark the cave really is. It was so dark I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. I had just enough time to start to freak out (and think what happens if the electricity really goes out) before the lights were back on and we were on our way through the caves too see more. The tour lasted about an hour and was an amazing experience.

On the way out, I stopped at the newest attraction at the caves, the Garra Rufa Fish Spa (basically a fish pedicure). I was skeptical, but since it was only 50 rand (about $5 USD at current exchange rates) I decided to give it a try. The spa is outdoors with beautiful panoramic views of the lowveld. After having my feet and lower legs scrubbed in an antiseptic wash, I stepped into the spa and let the fish go to work eating away at dead skin. At first it felt weird to have numerous fish nibbling on my feet, but I quickly got used to it and it felt like a massage. After 45 minutes, I was done. In case you’re curious, it works — my feet were silky smooth after they finished.

Click here for more photos of Nelspruit, South Africa

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My Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town

February 13, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

Cape Town is a beautiful, modern city with a diversity of people, landscapes, and activities. The New York Times recently named Cape Town as its top city to visit in 2014 and I certainly agree. Here’s my list of the top 10 things to do in Cape Town (not in any order of preference):

1. Table Mountain
Cape Town’s most famous landmark, this flat-topped mountain overlooks the city forming part of the City Bowl. Hike or ride the cable car to the top to see stunning views of the Cape Peninsula.

2. Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
At the southern end of the Cape Peninsula are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, which offer amazing views of the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the Cape of Good Hope is popularly known as the meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, that distinction really belongs to Cape Algulhas, approximately 120 miles to the southeast.

3. Camp’s Bay Beach and Boulders Beach/South African penguins
Cape Town has numerous amazing beaches, more than you’ll probably have time to visit. If you have to choose just a couple, you can’t go wrong with these two. Camp’s Bay is probably the most beautiful (though it’s also cold), with gorgeous white sand and amazing mountain views. It’s a great place to see a South African sunset (“sundowner” as they say).

Boulders Beach, named for the massive granite boulders that line the landscape, is home to Cape Town’s colony of endangered South African penguins. Its waters – on the Indian Ocean side of the Cape Peninsula – are warm, calm, and safe for swimming.

4. Robben Island
Robben Island is best known as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for nearly 20 years for fighting against apartheid. Now it’s a popular tourist attraction, with daily tours departing from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. Tours often sell out weeks in advance, so it’s best to pre-book tickets. Arrive a little early to visit the Robben Island Museum before the tour.

5. V & A Waterfront
Set against a backdrop of beautiful sea and mountain views, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s biggest tourist spots, with restaurants, specialty shops, craft markets, pubs, museums, movies and an aquarium. The Victoria Wharf shopping mall is also situated at the Waterfront.

6. African Dance Theater
This one-hour show takes you through the history of South African dance and music. The high energy performance is conducted by talented performers who obviously love what they do.

7. Green Market Square
Green Market Square is one of Cape town’s oldest markets (and arguably the best), full of beautiful art, crafts, jewelry, and clothing. This is the place to shop for souvenirs and other mementos. Be ready to haggle and deal for great prices.

8. District 6 Museum, District 6 and Bo Kaap
During the apartheid era, the non-white residents of District 6 were forcibly removed from their homes, which were bulldozed after District 6 was declared a whites-only area. The District 6 Museum tells the story of the district, the forced removals, and the community’s hopes to rebuild it; it includes photographs, handwritten notes, and other memorabilia from residents. Today, District 6 still stands largely vacant, though some former residents have recently returned to the area. It is a stark reminder of South Africa‘s past.

The nearby Bo Kaap is home to Cape Town’s Cape Malay people and culture. The streets are lined with bright-colored houses and there are several mosques in the area. The area is also known for its Cape Malay cuisine, which is a fusion of traditional South African and Malaysian flavors. Walking tours and culinary tours are available.

9. Township Tour
Black and Coloured South Africans were forced to move to segregated townships during apartheid. Today, the townships are still home to a majority of them. Although there is widespread poverty, there is also a vibrant community, diversity of cultures, and an amazing history of struggle and triumph. The best township tours are walking tours conducted by local residents. They not only infuse much needed tourist dollars into the community, but they give visitors an opportunity to interact with locals and get a firsthand view of the good and bad of post-apartheid township life. A township tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

10. Cape Winelands
Located just 30-45 minutes from the city center, the Cape Winelands are formed by a number of towns and suburbs in the Western Cape. Some of the more popular wine routes include Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia Valley. The beautiful scenery, affordable tastings, and delicious wines make for great day (or few days) of relaxation and indulgence. No visit to Cape Town is complete without experiencing the beauty of the Winelands.

For more ideas on things to do in Cape Town and around South Africa, check out Your Next Big Trip.

What is your favorite thing to do in Cape Town? Share your comments below.

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The Suite Life in Las Vegas

February 5, 2014 by thetravelsista 2 Comments

Sin City was the chosen locale for my sister’s recent 40th Birthday/Girls weekend. We arrived on Thursday and partied every night until our Sunday departure. Since as they say — what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas — this post won’t include all the details :-). But it will include some tips for hitting the Las Vegas party scene on the cheap, especially for the ladies.

We rented a 2-bedroom suite at Planet Hollywood, which served as party central for our group of 10. The suite was large, comfortable and nicely decorated with cool Hollywood movie and music memorabilia. It included sleeping space for 6, seating for 12, a wet bar, and expansive windows with views of the strip. As far as Vegas suites go, it was a great value for the money. If you have a group of 3 – 6 people (and don’t mind sharing beds), it’s worth a consideration; it might actually be cheaper than several regular rooms. And it’s a great way to live large, if only for a weekend.

We came to Vegas to celebrate and celebrate we did (for mostly free I might add). Our first night we partied at the Voodoo Lounge, on the rooftop of the Rio Hotel. The crowd was lively, the music was banging, and the panoramic views of the strip were amazing. The views alone are worth a visit if you ever find yourself in Vegas (you can catch a free shuttle from Harrah’s hotel). We met a fun wedding party there and hung out with them until 3 am. On Friday, we started off at Tryst nightclub at the Wynn hotel. The club was beautiful and the house music was live, but the crowd was a bit too stuffy for us. We left there and headed to the Ghostbar at the Palms Hotel. The music was pumping and the party was jumping, so we were all too happy to join in. It turned into another late night for us. On Saturday, we started the party early at Planet Hollywood’s day club/pool party. It was a fun afternoon, with a DJ, bartenders, and plenty of dancing and drinks.

Later that night, we rode the strip on a party bus for several hours. We stopped at the Las Vegas sign for photos, then headed to Pure nightclub at Caeser’s Palace. That place is huge, with several indoor dance areas and a huge rooftop lounge. We had the most fun there. Best of all, we got free VIP entry and avoided the long lines. Click here to read how you can too.

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My Top 3 Tips for Saving Money in Las Vegas

February 5, 2014 by thetravelsista 1 Comment

My first trip to Las Vegas was about 15 years ago. Back then, the Vegas strip was a lot less congested and hotel rooms, food, and gambling were cheap. I remember $5 game tables, $10 buffets, and $1.99 early morning steak and egg breakfasts. Weekend packages to Vegas were plentiful and affordable. Gone are those days.

In today’s Vegas, weekends are most expensive with decent rooms costing 2 -3 times the weekday rate. Buffets are $25+, blackjack tables have $15-20 minimums, and there’s no such thing as a cheap breakfast special. Vegas can be a real budget buster unless you know where to find the deals. Here are my top 3 tips for saving money and living large in Vegas:

1. Hotel Rooms: Book early for the best rates and try several bookings sites, as prices can significantly differ. My favorite sites are Hotels.com, Kayak, Orbitz and Venere. Try the actual hotel websites too. Sometimes they offer specials and extra perks for bookings on their own websites. Lastly, air/hotel packages may provide the best deal. Try Southwest or Delta airlines for package deals.

2. Entertainment/Food: Tix4Tonight is the best source for discounts on shows, restaurants, buffets, tours, and other attractions. With multiple locations along the strip, they offer same or next day discounted tickets, often for as much as half off. Their offerings vary by day, so if you’re flexible you can find some great deals on top shows and restaurants. Go early for the best selection. I’ve used them several times for shows and buffets, and can attest to the huge savings.

3. Nightlife: Expect long lines and expensive cover charges at Vegas nightclubs, unless you have an inside connection. One of the best club promoters in the game is Chris Hornak of FreeVegasClubPasses.com. Even better — his services are free. He can get you VIP entry into all the top Vegas nightclubs for free (ladies) or at reduced cover (sorry, guys). You’ll avoid all the long lines and the ladies will even get a free drink or two. I can personally vouch for him. During a recent trip, our group of 10 ladies got free entry into all of the hot clubs, with free drinks. We skipped the long lines and were ushered right thru the door. We easily saved more than $1,000 over the weekend and lots of wear and tear on our feet. I can’t recommend him enough.

Do you have some tips or secrets for saving money in Vegas? Please share them in the comments.

Visiting Las Vegas? Find Deals, Compare Rates, and Read Hotel Reviews on TripAdvisor

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Carnival: Salvador da Bahia, Brazil

January 30, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

If you ask most Americans where to find the biggest Carnival, they’ll tell you Rio de Janiero. Ask most Brazilians and they’ll probably say Salvador. Since I’m a music lover, I decided on Salvador for my first Carnival in Brazil. I traveled with two friends, and after a 10-hour overnight flight, we arrived in Salvador on an early Thursday morning in February. We grabbed our luggage, breezed through customs, and headed outside to catch a cab to our rented apartment in the Correador Vitoria. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised by the modern lobby and the great pool/sun deck with gorgeous views of All Saints Bay. Even though we were dog tired, we were too excited to sleep. We dropped off our bags, walked around the neighborhood, and stumbled upon a por kilo restaurant. The restaurant had a steady flow of people (which we took as a good sign) and a smorgasbord of food, including several Brazilian dishes. I had my first taste of feijoada, a bean stew which is Brazil’s national dish. It was delicious.

When we returned to the apartment building later that afternoon, the Carnival route had been blocked off and the security was tight. We learned it was because the Campo Grande circuit passed directly in front of the building. The apartment turned out to be in a great location because it was relatively close to both the Barra and Campo Grande circuits. You could feel the excitement in the air as crowds started to congregate and stake out their favorite spots. Although I had watched videos on YouTube, it didn’t prepare me for the energy and vibe that is Carnival in Salvador. You have to be there to see and truly feel it!

The festivities started early, around 6 pm. Since we were close, we went to both the Barra and Campo Grande circuits to get a feel for the routes. They were different, but both equally fun. The Campo Grande circuit was more gritty and seemed to cater more to the local crowd. The Barra circuit seemed more commercial and touristy with plenty of advertisers among the throes of people. I was amazed by the large crowds and the trio eléctricos; I’d never seen speakers so large and loud. I guess music really is the universal language because even though the music was in Portuguese, I still enjoyed it. I got my first glimpse of the group Parangole (and their gorgeous lead singer Leo Santana). Their hit song, Rebolation, was a Carnival favorite and quickly became mine too. I was exhausted by midnight and called it quits early. But, the party was just getting started. Despite being on the 9th floor, I could still hear the music playing outside until around 5:30am.

On Friday, we decided to go sightseeing in the Pelourinho. It was about a 20 minute walk from our apartment, which allowed us to see another part of the city. The route was a little seedy in some areas and we probably would have been concerned walking alone. But there were others walking too, so we went with the flow. Once we arrived at the Pelourinho square, we were greeted by a variety of street entertainers, including Capoeira performers and a Michael Jackson look-alike. After enjoying the show (and paying the obligatory tip), we took the Elevador Lacerda to the lower city and went to check out the Mercado Modelo. There were 200+ stalls of art, jewelry, T-shirts, and other souvenirs, and the place was bustling with people. We bought a few souvenirs, then headed upstairs for lunch at the Camefeu restaurant, which had gorgeous views of the bay. We wanted to try mocequa, so we ordered one chicken and one seafood dish to share. The food was good and the views were even better. We stayed for a couple of hours drinking caipirinhas and taking it all in. Later, we headed back to the upper city and walked around the Pelourinho to look at the architecture. We were also treated to some beautiful local artwork. Many describe the Pelourinho as a tourist trap (and it is), but there were also plenty of locals going about their daily business. It seemed to be the heart and soul of the city and we were so enthralled we had to go back.

On Saturday afternoon, we returned to the Pelourinho. We stumbled upon a quaint restaurant, J & K, where we were treated to a good, cheap meal and live music performed by our waiter. He had a beautiful voice and truly seemed to enjoy entertaining us. We later bid him thanks and farewell, then walked along the steep, cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho where various groups were parading in colorful costumes. Before leaving, we visited the São Francisco church, known for its ornate gold walls and ceilings. Later that evening, we went to the Barra circuit. Saturday night really brought out the crowds; I’ve never seen that many people in one place. Everyone was singing and dancing in the streets and having fun. We met people from Brazil, France, Argentina, and Portugal. We stayed out until 4 am and loved every minute of it. This was the second of 7 nights of nearly non-stop partying. I averaged only 4 to 5 hours of sleep each night.

On Sunday afternoon, we decided to experience the Pelourinho circuit. This route caters to families, so there were many kids. As we walked through the Pelourinho, we happened upon youth musicians of Olodum. Their drum beats resonated throughout the Pelourinho and attracted a growing crowd which followed them like the Pied Piper. These kids had amazing talent, performing choreographed routines with their instruments while never missing a beat. Later, we passed by the Filhos de Gandhy headquarters, where the men were dressed in their signature white and blue togas and turbans. They were a bit tamer than they had been the night before, exchanging beads for intimate kisses (ala Mardi Gras).

By Tuesday, the last official day of Carnival, we were tired and decided to relax at the beach before the big night. We took the bus to Itapua beach, laid out for several hours, then came back to town to get ready for the Barra circuit. We had splurged on Bicho bloco abadas, so we got dressed in our pink shirts and headed out for the fun around 8pm. When we got there it was already crowded and groups were congregating and waiting to join their blocos. We joined the other pink shirts, drank a few beers, and patiently waited. Finally, around 10pm the trio electrico arrived and we lined up inside the ropes to follow the truck along the route. It was jam packed with people (to the point of being uncomfortable), but the energy was electric. As the night went on, I looked around marveling at the people, the sounds, and the fun vibes. Brazilians really know how to party! Everyone should experience Carnival in Salvador at least once in life.

To learn more about Salvador and its Carnival, visit http:\\www.salvadorcentral.com.

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Pacific Coast Highway: LA to San Francisco

January 28, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

I’ve always wanted to drive the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and finally did it in summer 2013. Although most suggest the north to south route (because you drive closest to the coast), my sister and I decided to drive south to north because we wanted to end our trip in San Francisco. We hopped on the PCH in Venice, where the highway takes you along Venice Beach and on through Malibu past waterfront beach cottages, million-dollar homes in the hills, and spectacular vistas. After about 2 hours, we stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch on Stearns Wharf.

Santa Barbara has a beautiful beachfront and a quaint downtown with boutiques, restaurants and other shopping. We walked around, had frozen yogurt at Yogurtland (amazing flavors, some the best I’ve ever had), then got back on the road and headed towards San Luis Obispo. Much of this stretch is inland, so you exchange water views for mountain views. But there are many wineries in the area, so it’s a good place to stop for a relaxing evening of dinner and wine. We stayed overnight at the Apple Farm Inn, a quaint, country-themed hotel not far from downtown San Luis Obispo. The next morning, we headed through Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey, which was the most beautiful (and at times scariest) portion of the drive.

There are many twists, turns, ascents, and descents on narrow mountain roads, so this part of the drive is not for the faint at heart. But the views are so amazing that they’ll dispel your fears, or at least serve as a good diversion. And if you need a break or want to take photos, there are several stops where you can park and enjoy the scenery. We did so, then drove on to Santa Cruz, where we stopped for some lunch and beachfront entertainment.

Santa Cruz has a cool boardwalk, with roller coasters, restaurants, a huge video arcade, and of course, a sandy beachfront. It was a fun, carefree afternoon — a final taste of the quintessential California lifestyle. Our trip on the PCH ended here, as we drove inland to San Francisco. But we enjoyed it so much, we’re considering a repeat trip this year. There are awesome views and great cities to explore along the way. If the PCH is not already on your bucket list, you might want to add it. You’re in for a treat.

Visit the photo gallery for more pics of the Pacific Coast Highway

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