Camp Life

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We got back from a 3 night excursion at Loggerhead Campground in Truckee, CA. The campground was beautiful and vast. However, the weather wasn’t cooperative with us. I composed a little poem of my stay:

As we arrived in the dark, we pitched our tents in a hurry.

For the rain was pouring down…and it was quite scary.

We enjoyed the sun for a bit, but not the port-a-potty.

I didn’t see any bears or lions, but a rat in a scurry.

No shower was ok, but please don’t take my coffee away.

We drove to the city, to keep ourselves busy.

We stayed for three nights, and NO bug bites.

But on the fourth day, I left highly dismayed.

Travel Apps Part 2: Traversing Around Town

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Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Alas, here is part two of the travel apps series. Today, I will be sharing with you what apps I’ve used in the past to get around a certain city. Granted, most of these apps require data, so I will be sharing how to access data while traveling abroad, on another blog post. So, let’s get started!

Google Maps (requires data). I loved using this app in our recent travel to Tokyo. We commuted mostly by train and it tells you what line to get on and if there are any transfers. Most of the time, it also gives you the platform number, to help you while you are transferring between two different train lines. Another nice feature is knowing how much to pay. It tells you exactly the cost of getting to your destination.

I have CityMapper (requires data) too, which is a lot like Google Maps, but I didn’t use it as much during this past trip. But, you can definitely download and see which you like better. You might actually like both.

All Subway (no data required). This app helps you look at the Subway Route Maps in the city you are visiting. It has ALOT of cities… but I’m pretty sure not all. It has Manila, Melbourne, Milan, Miami, Copenhagen, Bangkok, etc. So, if your city is on there, it’s a good download before you leave.

Yelp (requires data). Yelp has been around for a long time in the United States, and is recently going Global. I used it a bit in Italy back in 2012, but didn’t find a lot of reviews in certain places. This year, I used it in Tokyo and found a few gems that were recommended by Yelp reviewers! I love to use Yelp to find highly recommended cafe, restaurants, and breweries. It saves me from having to go through a horrible experience!

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Please note though, that these apps are not foolproof. You still may get lost, get off a wrong stop, or have a bad experience at a restaurant. Sometimes, you just can’t help it. However, these apps may help lessen the painful ordeal of a highly stressful situation. A few other tips I can suggest, if you are staying at a hotel, gather suggestions from the front desk staff or concierge (no data required). Ask them:

  • Is this the right route to take to get from point A to point B?
  • What is a good sushi place (pasta place, cafe, etc.) nearby?
  • What are some activities to do around town?

Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions or for help. Asking for help is half the battle. 😉

Happy Travel Friends!

Travel Apps Part 1: Preparing for the Travel

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For any minor or major traveling, there is always researching and planning to be done. I do research on my laptop and on my iPhone. This blog will have a two-part series of apps that I use for traveling. The first part will be preparing for the travel and the second part will be regarding the apps that I use while I’m at my destination.

I use several apps to prepare for my travel. A large part of it are airline apps. I downloaded apps of airlines that I either A) am a frequent flyer of or B) an airline I flew on and really loved. So for airline apps I have: United, JetBlue, and Southwest. The United app also allows me to watch movies directly from my iPad or to check email while in flight.

However, aside from the airline apps, I also fancy using Kayak. I actually prefer the app rather than going online and visiting their website. I find their app to be user-friendly and free of clutter. It also helps me find the cheapest airfare, regardless of what airline I choose to use. Another nice feature of Kayak is the price alerts. It alerts you when an air ticket at a chosen destination is within the price range you selected. For example, if you are looking for a $300 ticket to Hawaii from San Francisco. You can put those choices on price alert and you will receive a notification if there are any airlines offering that fare, or lower, to your chosen destination. Nice, right?!

After booking a flight,  a hotel, and perhaps a car rental, it would be nice to have all confirmation details in one central location. For that, I use World Mate. You can see all your upcoming trips, but also your past trips. It helps you book a hotel from the app directly, or to make a limo reservation. The free version of the app is supposedly going to expire soon, so I downloaded the paid version. I don’t find myself using this app often, but I like how I can keep tabs on my past trips. It always brings a smile to my face when I think back of those past trips.

I also check on the exchange rate of the foreign currency in the country I’ll be visiting versus the almighty U.S. dollar. I travel with a tiny bit of cash for small shops and for tip money, but I prefer to pay with a Visa that has no foreign transaction fees tied into it. And, it’s always nice to know what you’re going against. So for that, I have a Currency app.

I also do research on hotels, activities, and restaurants. For that kind of inquiry, I use Trip Advisor. Trip Advisor is like the Yelp for travelers. Reviews and ratings from other fellow travelers to help narrow done the best hotels, activities, and restaurants within your budget at your future destination.

Last but not least, traveling wouldn’t be as fun without the local interaction you’ll be making. So, I find it useful to learn a few words or phrases in their language. A Translator app is crucial when traveling to a foreign country to say a greeting or to ask for something in their local tongue. I highly recommend a Translator app in addition to your pocket-book of phrases or your cd/podcast of the language you are trying desperately to learn.

So, this is what’s in my arsenal of travel apps. I hope you found this helpful, and if there are any other apps I’m missing out on…do share about them.

Guam to California. Lesson #1: Freeways

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I decided to have a special feature on the blog every first Thursday of the month. This feature will be called Guam to California. I will be sharing personal experiences and lessons I’ve learned since leaving the rock (Guam.)

This month’s lesson is about freeways.

Prior to moving to California, I drove on two major roads from age 16-24. Those two roads were Marine Drive and Route 16. I always thought that the speed limit was 55mph but discovered recently that it was only 45mph. Oops! That is the fastest speed on island, legally. Majority of the roads on island have speed limits of 35mph or 15mph in residential areas.

So, when I moved to California I was excited to drive at the normal rate I was already going…(65mph +) and to be able to do that without feeling guilty.

The confusing part was finding out if I was going North, South, East, or West.

For two years, I was dependent on my GPS because of that. I only stopped using my GPS because it got stolen…but looking back, i’m kinda glad that happened because I was then forced to learn the roads and remember them.

I have a few funny stories about driving here in California. One day, I was heading to a meeting, and called my uncle because it was my very first time driving without him or anyone else, I wasn’t sure if I had to take 5 north or 5 south. He wasn’t answering and the exits were coming up quickly and so I just decided, on a whim, to take 5 south. So as I was exiting, he called back and he told me 5 north. So fortunately for me, I was still on the on-ramp, and I just continued on to the off-ramp and took the northbound freeway.  I made a complete circle. I felt like an idiot after that. Lol.

Another evening, I was driving back home and one of my girlfriends called me, to make sure I made it home safely. But, because I was still on the road, my GPS was giving me directions to exit and she heard the GPS speaking…she started laughing because I have been living in that studio for almost a year but still needed a GPS to give me directions to get home. Yup, that was me!

Another thing about freeways, are CARPOOL or HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes! They are amazing! Some carpool lanes require only two passengers, others a minimum of three. Carpool lanes are meant to encourage people to carpool so that there are less cars on the freeway and/or to buy/lease a low or zero emission vehicle. According to ca.gov:  “As of April 8, 2015, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued the 63,255 Green Clean Air Vehicle decals. The maximum number of decals available is 70,000.” 

I say carpool lanes are amazing because you get by through traffic much quicker than the other lanes on most days. However, most carpool lanes are in effect only during certain hours, so before or after those hours, anyone can use those lanes.

So, as you can see…I’ve garnered more roads, highways, and mileage (and some tickets..ahem!) under my belt compared to when I was 24. And because of that, I feel that driving on Guam is WAY too EASY.

Hope you got a kick out of reading about my experiences on freeways. Happy and Safe Driving!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to get rid of leftovers or things that have been hanging out in your fridge. Like that day old rice, unfinished jar of spaghetti sauce, or sausage that everyone forgot about.

https://instagram.com/p/2VHrADGVeA/

What you will need for this recipe:

  • 4 large Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow, and/or Orange)
  • 1 lb Ground Meat (Beef, Chicken, or Turkey)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped sausage (any kind that you may have lying around in your fridge) for extra flavor and texture
  • 3 cloves of Garlic
  • 3/4 cups of diced Onions
  • 1 to 2 cups of mixed veggies
  • 2 cups of cooked, day old rice
  • 1/2 a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce

This is what you do next:

  • Saute garlic and onions in a large skillet.
  • Brown meat in same skillet with a few tablespoons of oil.
  • Add chopped sausage and cook thoroughly.
  • Add mixed veggies and cook until tender.
  • Add Rice and break up clumps.
  • Pour your favorite spaghetti sauce in skillet.
  • Add Salt and Pepper to taste along with a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.

Meanwhile,

  • Rinse and chop the top off the bell peppers.
  • Clean and remove seeds from the inside.
  • Stuff peppers with the rice mixture.
  • Pop in oven that has been preheated at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.

Enjoy!

Optional: Sprinkle some parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top of peppers.

Destination: Nepal

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For today’s blog post, I thought I’d do a quick fact info on Nepal. Unfortunately, this past Saturday Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake that was measured at 7.8 on the richter scale. More than 4,000 people pronounced dead and many more injured.

Nepal is located southwest of China and northeast of India. It is a landlocked area with about 120 different languages. More than 10 million speak Nepali as their first language and many others speak it as a second language.

The population in Nepal is over 29 million inhabitants.

I have never been to Nepal and only imagined what it would be like in my mind by viewing pictures and surfing the net.  I did discover there is a BIG spiritual need in Nepal because the 2014 yearbook showed that there were only 1,911 publishers with an average bible studies of 3,890. And there are still many more interested because Memorial attendance was at 5,556. Definitely something to think about…

May we continue to have Nepal in our mind and to pray for our dear brothers and sisters there.

References:

jw.org

cnn.com

welcomenepal.com

Carry-On Bag Must-Haves (TSA Friendly)

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https://instagram.com/p/1wd4nxmVXK/

When I fly, I slightly have more things in my bag to carry than normal. The reason for this is that I like to be prepared for anything. I need to be able to entertain myself, to keep myself hydrated inside and out, and to keep myself comfortable. This is what I like to have within reach:

  • Water. I usually buy a bottle of water after I go thru TSA. I have seen others bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after passing through security.
  • Wet Ones aka Wipes. I like keeping my hands clean, especially when you are in an enclosed area for hours.
  • Wallet.
  • Kleenex.
  • Lubricating Eye Drops. The air, in planes, can get so drying and irritating to my tired eyes that lubricant eye drops is vital.
  • Lotion.
  • Evian Spray or Water in a Spray Bottle. My nose dries out quickly and I hate getting that feeling…so every few hours..I give my face a mist.
  • Pen. Darn those custom’s forms..
  • Passport & Passport Holder. A bright-colored passport holder to easily spot in your bottomless pit of a bag is very practical. Especially when that passport holder can hold all your boarding passes and luggage tags.
  • Notebook or Travel Journal. I enjoy planning last-minute itineraries on the plane.
  • Ipad or Surface or Nook… to watch movies or read books. Most planes have Wifi and movies available to watch straight from your Ipad.
  • Earbuds or Headphones. This is necessary to watch films, listen to music, or just to block out the noise.
  • Phone and its Cords.
  • External battery pack. Super handy especially for those long flights without having a power outlet to plug your phone or ipad in.
  • Makeup Bag. I like to keep just the basics in this bag. That includes: A small tinted moisturizer (TSA friendly), eyebrow pencil, tinted lip balm, a compact, blotting sheets, blush that can be used in cheeks and lips, travel size mascara, a taupe colored eyeshadow, and a small kabuki brush.
  • Gum. Helps with takeoff/landing pressure in ears and freshens breath.
  • Roller ball perfume. Helps perk you up.
  • Hair tie.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Pantiliner and/or Pad.
  • Sleeping Eye Mask to block those stubborn lights out. I found this very useful in having a good night’s/day’s rest in the plane.
  • Prescriptions. You need any meds with you in case of an emergency.  With that being said, I also like to travel with some form of pain reliever like Advil or Tylenol and Dramamine.
  • Change of clothes. I just recently started doing this because I discovered the larger airports have shower facilities in which you can shower before your next flight. I would advise to check ahead to see if your airport offers this and to check if you will have enough time between flights to shower. But, trust me, you will instantly be in a better mood after a nice shower. And if you do bring a change of clothes, I like to pack this in a gallon size ziploc and roll until all the air is gone.
  • And if you know you’ll be in a long flight with no food…I would suggest packing a snack that will hold you over.

My Reasons for You to Visit Guam

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Yay! I finally got my charger back and now I’m ready to type away…

So, naturally a portion of my heart will always love Guam. It’s where I was born, it was where I was raised, and majority of my family and friends still live there. That is reason enough for me to keep coming back. However, for those who don’t have family nor friends there, this is why you should visit Guam:

  • Gateway to Asian countries or the United States..depending where you come from. Guam is 3 hours away from the Philippines and Japan. There are direct flights daily with various air carriers. Guam also has a direct flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. Although, Guam is a U.S. territory, it is safer for U.S. citizens to travel with their passports instead of their Driver’s License because some of the connecting flights to Guam are from International countries. For non U.S. citizens, you may need a Visa to enter Guam, depending on your country of origin.
  • Shopping. Guam offers an array of affordable fashion and high-end boutiques ranging from Calvin Klein, Nine West, Coach, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors to Louis Vuitton, GUCCI, Prada, CÈLINE, CHANEL, and Hermès. Not only is the selection optimal, but I also discovered that prices are lower in Guam than it is stateside. For example, the LV Favorite MM is listed online in the U.S. as $985.00. It is sold in Guam for $900. Also, the popular bags, such as the Speedy and Neverfull, are made in France or Spain, whereas stateside these bags are made in the U.S. itself.
  • People. Guam is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures. Many Filipinos have migrated to Guam from the early 60’s to the 70’s and made Guam home. I am a  product of a Fil-Guamanian home. My parents are not indigenous to Guam, and therefore, I don’t call myself a Chamorro, but I am definitely Guamanian. There are also a handful of Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Micronesians, and Middle Easterners that have made Guam home. Because there are many ethnicities on island, you will find that local people are friendly and welcoming. With that being said, don’t try to claim the island as yours or give someone the staredown, because you’ll be creating enemies instead of friends.
  • Lifestyle. Every island I’ve ever been to, has a much laidback approach. Guam is no exception. Everything runs on island time. And that could be a good thing or a bad thing. However, the hustle and bustle of city life does get old and sometimes you just need to slow things down a bit…and Guam is all too familiar with that. Also, Guamanians and Chamorros are not big on brands and fancy clothes (ironic considering we have a huge selection of high-end stores.)  You can walk into any store with flip-flops, t-shirt and jeans and be treated the same, or even better, than the average tourist.
  • Food. Now because the island is a melting pot of different cultures, you will also find a variety of different restaurants and dishes. Many places have been influenced by the local market. For instance, Jamaican Grill, which from the name of it denotes that it serves Jamaican food, however, you will find local favorites like red rice and chicken kelaguen. The McDonald’s on island serves portuguese sausage and rice. And, you will discover many other restaurants that offer local favorites with outside influences.
  • Beaches. White sandy beaches for miles, which is all public property. Guam boasts a number of different beaches all around the island that offers a variety of sea life and sand life. You will also find lots of beach space ALL to YOURSELF.
  • Tax Free. Although in line with shopping, this is a reason in itself. No sales tax! I love going to Wendy’s and paying only $.99 for a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or shopping at Ross and finding an awesome dress for $19.99 and paying the actual sticker price with no tax added…Love it!
  • Warm Weather. Winters give me cold feet..literally and figuratively. I dream of defrosting in a white sandy beach, with a moscow mule in my hand, and the sun setting before me. This works if you have warm weather around you… and you’ll find plenty of that in Guam. Typically weather ranges between low 80’s but expect humidity. That is island life..

So, I hope I have convinced you enough to go and take that plunge and visit the beautiful island of Guam! If you do, don’t forget to make some friends along the way…and tell them that IslanderinHeels sent you there.

Tieks, Please!

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https://instagram.com/p/zymTKIGVYq/?taken-by=islanderinheelsFor many years, I’ve seen those Dr. Scholls foldable flats in stores like Walmart and Target. I always wanted a pair, but never bought one (because of lack of color choices..it only came in the safest and most boring color…black!)  I have been one of those helpless victims who have gone barefoot because of excruciating pain resulting from the desire to be tall and five inch heels. Yes, I was one of those. I refused to wear anything but heels, and only wore sneakers to the gym. Nothing else.

Then, I got older and wiser, and discovered tieks. Tieks are handmade shoes crafted with Italian leather that are foldable and come in an assortment of colors. Any color you can possibly imagine. The soles are teal colored and provide a decent, but not the best for my flat footed friends, shock absorption to your feet.

The shoes do well on light rain, rough terrain, and long walks. If you are looking for a good pair of ballet flats that are convenient to carry, I highly suggest investing in a pair of tieks. They are functional, comfortable, and fashionable.

Five Star Rating below:

Overall: ****

Comfort: ****

Style: *****

Convenience: *****

Travel Friendly: *****

Rain: **

Mud: **

Top 10 Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

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If I had to narrow down the top ten things to do in Tokyo, here it is:

  1. Ooeda Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs. If I could spend a whole day there, I would’ve. There is an entrance fee of ¥1,980 (about $20.) This fee includes a yukata and basic services such as foot bath and indoor/open air baths. There was so many services to choose from. A few of those services were feet therapy (little fishies eating your dead skin), massages, facials, sand bath, and rock slab bath. These services have an extra fee, but I think the money you spend is definitely worth it. I splurged on 15 minutes of fish feet therapy and 40 minutes on a body massage. The experience of wearing a yukata and indulging in a Japanese pastime is worth the trip to Ooeda Onsen. Also, there are food shops inside for you to eat from and enjoy.
  2. Shibuya Crossing. If you’ve watched Lost in Translation or the Amazing Race Season 9, then you know what Shibuya Crossing is all about. Take the train to Shibuya and exit from Hachiko Exit. From there you will see the Hachi Statue and the Crossing in action. Soak in everything in its fast paced-ness. I enjoyed my view from the L’OCCITANE Cafe.
  3. Hachi Statue. Since you’re already in Shibuya and exiting from Hachiko Exit. You might as well stop by and pay a visit to the Hachi Statue. Any dog lover would. I just love the story of Hachi and his loyalty to his Master, that I HAD to stop by and have several pictures taken with him.
  4. Genki Sushi. Also in Shibuya, Genki Sushi is a place that will amaze you in technology and in nourishment. You order thru a tablet and your sushi or nigiri will be delivered to you through a conveyor belt. Not only is it efficient and delicious, it is also economical. A plate starts at ¥120 (about $1.)
  5. Visit a Park. There is Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park. I personally visited Shinjuku Garden and loved it! It wasn’t even in full bloom yet but just seeing the traditional Japanese Garden, Ume trees, and people just lounging and reading their books in the benches; or eating their onigiri in the grass; or painting a picture, is worth a trip to the park.
  6. Sake Tasting. Just as there is Wine Tasting, there is Sake Tasting. What’s a visit to Japan without having some Sake?
  7. Tsukiji Fish Market. I would highly suggest hiring a guide if you don’t have a friend who can take you around and know the ins and outs of the place. Many foreigners travel there and snap pictures but don’t know where to buy good sushi, or where to buy the best tuna croquette.
  8. Shopping. If you want to buy a good camera or electronic item, Akihabara is the place to go. If you want to buy high end fashion, Ginza is where you should be. If you want to buy good deals, Don Quijote is one place not to miss. I found myself shopping for Tokyo Bananas and other Japanese snacks at Odaiba Diver City Mall, the Tokyo Skytree, and at the airport.
  9. Dipping Ramen. I have never had dipping ramen until this trip. You squeeze a lime in your noodles, which is in a separate bowl from the broth. Dip your noodles in the broth and eat it while you slurp some of the broth goodness.
  10. Tokyo SkyTree or Tokyo Tower. Now, if you had to choose between an old landmark or a new one, which would you choose? Also, if you could choose to go 333 meters or 350 meters above, which would you choose? Of course, I opted for Tokyo Skytree which is the newer landmark and goes from 350 meters to 450 meters above.

Now, if you have extra time in your schedule, I would also recommend going to a museum. There are several. One that I visited was the Edo-Tokyo Museum. A good look into the history of Edo and the evolution of Tokyo.

And, it goes without saying, but Japan is also home to one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses which is located in Ebina. This is just a train ride away and is worth a visit if you are in town.

All the things above is not listed in any particular order, I would recommend doing things by each borough or ward in Tokyo. So much to do and so little time is often the dilemma. Plan your day wisely by deciding which ward to visit and spend a day there. If you wish to visit more than one ward a day, choose to visit wards that are near each other or something you will pass by on the way back to your hotel. Happy Travels!