WanderLust

Beautiful Image

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:10:47 -0400

Beautiful Image

ddmag: underwater

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:06:00 -0400

ddmag:

underwater

Quito

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:17:32 -0400

Quito

MIddle East Yes, it has been quite some time since I have...

Thu, 16 May 2013 07:07:00 -0400

MIddle East

Yes, it has been quite some time since I have written. Life happened and then you don’t have the time to blog. But, I’m back and ready to share all my little adventures. So, here we go!

Middle East.

With everything that’s been happening there, it was a shock for many people when I discussed traveling there and exploring for a month. I am the type of person that often runs into the fire and thinks about it afterwards. And I have a boyfriend whose crazy enough to follow me there.

As it happened, I have family living in Israel so it was a no brainier that I visit them. However, going to Jordan and Egypt was the most shocking due to the fact that the revolution has just erupted 2 months before we were to travel there. Violence and fear are often thought of when thinking of this part of the world. And although we were cautious it did not stop our curiosity and determination to travel there.

Above are images of the trip and the people that we have met during our time there. From the powder beaches of Til Aviv, the wonders of Petra and to the hot desserts in Sinai filled with the most incredible people, it has certainly become one of my most memorable travels.

My memories of sharing stories and fresh peach juice with the local doctor in Sinai and doing home visits with the nomadic Bedouins in both Jordan and Egypt, has been an incredible experience that I will take with me for a long time.

As a woman it was an eye opener to see first hand how traditions dictate actions and way of life. In one of our days in Sinai, I was left by the men to spend time with the women of the tribe, and although we did not speak each others language, we understood without words. We laughed, we ate and most importantly created many creative hand gestures!

Not only were we welcomed by the most friendly people but we also learned and were able to understand more about the world, which has changed our decisions and views on many issues.

So be bold! Go out there and do something unexpected, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find!

Brooklyn Memoirs: Fulton Ferry State Park It was not long ago...

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:02:00 -0400

Brooklyn Memoirs: Fulton Ferry State Park

It was not long ago that this hip, DUMBO location was filled with run down warehouses and shady cobblestone alleys.

In November 24, 2004 I set out, along with a few hundred people to watch a surprise performance, which was rumored to be none other than U2 at the Fulton Ferry State Park. We were all weary and a bit confused by the location. There were no galleries, no beautifully restored buildings or trendy bars. What surrounded us were old forgotten warehouses and buildings. As we waited for over an hour, we suddenly heard a loud booming noise and helicopters above us. We looked towards the Manhattan Bridge and witnessed one of the most incredible musical entrances. U2 on top of a flatbed truck, waiving to the crowd while playing Vertigo. The crowd went wild! This became one of the most incredible musical experiences that many of us have witnessed, and to this day one of the most memorable experiences that I have living in New York City.

Today, this neighborhood has developed into a trendy area and would be unrecognizable from what it was eight years ago. They have added a carrousel, and given beauty to this tiny park, that I believe is one of the best-hidden secrets of Brooklyn, if not New York City. Go visit and you will not be disappointed.

The photographs above show images from the surprise concert, as well as the current addition to the park, which is the newly restored carrousel.

Long Drives, Medieval ruins, Glacial Waters and North Spain I...

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 12:41:00 -0500

Long Drives, Medieval ruins, Glacial Waters and North Spain

I have to admit, that before I venture on a trip I don’t get excited until I step foot on the new country. For our trip to Spain, I was completely blindsided. It felt like falling in love. Discovering Barcelona was wonderful but the road trip in North of Spain was truly electric.

My curiosity was peeked when a friend showed me an image of her in the water near the Pyrenees. I did the research but was not prepared for the reality. Crystal clear blue glacial waters, medieval ruins of a forgotten village, and the 360 view was just too overwhelming.

During our road trip we found the most enchanting scenery, and spontaneously stopped at a village or hiked towards ruins or went for a swim in the freezing water. I never had as much fun getting lost as I have in Spain.

In all my years of travel, those moments were one of the most unforgettable and remarkable.

Highlights:

Arragon: road trip, glacial waters and medieval ruins

Cadaques: Salvador Dali’s home town and delicious churro con chocolate

Patrick Dougherty As I innocently browsed through photo blogs of...

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:39:00 -0500

Patrick Dougherty

As I innocently browsed through photo blogs of historic homes and gardens, I came across Partick Dougherty’s work.

Dougherty’s installations allows the viewer to connect with nature, regardless of the environment. The creative use of sticks, and saplings is truly amazing. I now have a new destination to add to my travel list.

Browse through his work, and maybe well meet in one of his exhibitions.

http://www.stickwork.net/installations.php

SOUTH OF THE BORDER For anyone who has ever taken a road trip...

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:50:00 -0500

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

For anyone who has ever taken a road trip south to Florida, the constant and bizarre billboard adds for “South of the border” has become an icon. Like a little kid about to enter Disney world, I become very excited, some would say too thrilled when nearing this destination.

When I finally reach the “South of the border”, I instantly realize that the billboards were much more exciting than the final destination. So here it is, the place that makes me squeal with anticipation. SOUTH OF THE BORDER, beyond the billboards!

Underwhelming, yes… still makes me squeal… yes! So next time you take the trip, make a stop and see the underwhelming southern road trip icon!

Travel Resolutions As the New Year starts, many have started...

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:58:00 -0500

Travel Resolutions

As the New Year starts, many have started their resolutions. Although I haven’t made one, I have created a travel bucket list that I am slowly chiseling away.

The goal? Travel to all continents of the world.

So far…

Asia

North America

Europe

Africa

Still to be done…

South America

Australia

Antarctica

Here is my ultimate Travel Bucket List… what’s in yours?

Road trippin’ Southern Style I’ve always loved the feeling of...

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:05:00 -0400

Road trippin’ Southern Style

I’ve always loved the feeling of being on the road and not knowing where exactly I’ll end up at the end of day. Last year, without a real plan except to drive south, A & I set out on a road trip, south bound.

We got lost, slept in the car, met interesting people and were in some questionable areas that we probably should not have wandered in to.

The first image is of A, chillin’ in front of the best bbq “Joint” we’ve ever been to at NORLA. Note: it’s always good to ask the locals where the best of anything is, and we highly recommend this place. A was inhaling the beans and I the sauce!

Each image comes from a different stop from our journey which has given us some pretty interesting experiences. Unlike many people… the thought of getting lost … thrills me. So, next stop… getting… LOST… again!

Twilight Foliage As many of you would agree, these last few...

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:17:00 -0400

Twilight Foliage

As many of you would agree, these last few days has given us some unusual weather for the fall season. So, today I visited my usual summer beach spot and photographed the familiar foliage that I am accustomed to during the summer.

I’ve always been fascinated by ethereal looking photographs and experimented with these images.

KISSIMMEE NIGHTS Some of the most relaxing moments in my few...

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:27:00 -0400

KISSIMMEE NIGHTS

Some of the most relaxing moments in my few vacations (which defers from traveling) were during twilight in Kissimmee. A & I would put on our blades and blindly roll through the deserted streets around the neighborhood with the Rolei around my neck.

The image was taken with long exposure during one of those moments, at New Years Eve. I looked out in the distance, beyond the lake and saw the lights reflecting in the sky.

MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: (depending on the destination) 1) ...

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:41:00 -0400

MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: (depending on the destination)

1) Passport: Duhhh….

2) Technical Pack: I’ve come to learn that when doing adventure traveling it isn’t so wise to use your roll on luggage. A technical pack is a must, especially when you are staying in more than one location.

3) Energy bars: since most of my travels consist of long hikes, dives, etc. I’ve been saved from “starvation” many times by these useful little munches. One goes a very long way.

4) Cameras and film: as a photographer, I have carried a very handy small backpack that holds all of my cameras such as my Rollei, underwater, hand held and digi SLR. And for those of you who still know and use film, always make sure to pack as much as you can fit.

FYI: If you are traveling long distance, on more than one airplane and scanner, be aware that your film can get exposed.

5) Tripod: You’ll find yourself alone in a beautiful setting.

Dilemma: wanting the moment to be immortalized through a photo, but have no one to take it for you.

Solution: bring a tripod and your problem is solved!

6) Bathing suit: always come prepared to do the unexpected and finding a water hole in the middle of the desert can happen!

7) Sunglasses, sun tan lotions and hats: protection from the sun √

8) Travel guides and maps: I cannot tell you how helpful these guides are, especially Lonely Planet. I have planned many trips around these guides and of course have used friends and the Internet to plan. But when I am in the country, it has always helped direct me to the right places. So go out and buy one.

9) Comfy shoes: it is a must and if you don’t want to loose a toe in the process please bring one with you.

10) Universal adapter: if you plan to bring anything electronic, you must obtain this adapter. Go to your nearest electronic store or amazon to purchase.

11) Travel light: no hassle, and most of the things you pack you don’t use anyways. So…

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. ~Susan Heller

*There are other essentials that have not been listed. So have fun packing and make sure you don’t forget your own travel essentials.

CONEY ISLAND I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been to...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:50:00 -0400

CONEY ISLAND

I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been to Coney Island. Seeing mermaids, shooting a freak and freezing on the beach in the middle of December are my experiences.

It was during that freezing December when I took the photographs shown above. I was preparing for an exhibit in CT, and had the brilliant idea to photograph Coney Island in below freezing temp.

HUDSON & FALLS What is it about a waterfall that just...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:30:00 -0400

HUDSON & FALLS

What is it about a waterfall that just intrigues so many people, including me? Looking back on my travels, I have been to a waterfall in almost every single trip. I’ve always loved the beauty of cascading water, and finding one in every country is either a coincidence or subconscious. Who knows. Who cares.

The photograph was taken in the Hudson Valley. We decided to climb it and now have some pretty good memories of our treacherous trek to the top. I’ve found that the crab walk I learned in high school does come in handy!

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & LOCHNESS My motto on every trip is to...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:23:00 -0400

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & LOCHNESS

My motto on every trip is to spend least on accommodations and most on experience.

A & I have always walked everywhere on our trips, which has allowed us to see many hidden twists and turns that only hurting feet can give you.

The first photo was taken in the English countryside of Wiltshire, where the Stonehenge is located. The mound in the distance is a burial mound. A was extremely excited to see these burials since “his ancestors may be buried there”.

My favorite experience was watching the two crazies run into the freezing Lake Lochness, then watching them turn blue.

A STINT IN PUERTO RICO My first trip with Aaron was to PR. Our...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:48:00 -0400

A STINT IN PUERTO RICO

My first trip with Aaron was to PR. Our curiosity was peeked when many of our friends highly recommended the location. Rainforests, long drives, yummy greasy street fare, and the ocean became our haven.

The first image shown was taken in San Juan. I’ve forgotten his name and the entire story, but it involved a stint in jail.

THROWBACK: PARIS & SWEET 16 Months before turning 16, I had...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:09:00 -0400

THROWBACK: PARIS & SWEET 16

Months before turning 16, I had already planned to go to Paris with my best friends, instead of having the birthday blowout that was assumed. The only problem was convincing my parents to let me go on a tour.

There was a lot of tantrums involved before finally persuading them to let me go to a different country. This is where my Wanderlust really began.

The first image is the only somewhat decent photo taken. Most were posing shots of three naïve girls who were Pippy Long Stocking look alikes (shown above).

PHILIPPINES & TRAVEL BUCKETS It seems like every thought...

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:05:00 -0400

PHILIPPINES & TRAVEL BUCKETS

It seems like every thought that comes to mind are the undiscovered places that I have yet to see. Wanderlust has hit me at an early age, and I’ve started a travel bucket list since the age of 14.

My biggest role model would be my dad, who has traveled the world and then some. I’ve always envied his job, which took him to almost all continents of the world.

In turn, I have made it my goal to see, and meet as many places and people that I can, and become more educated in culture.

“As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own.” – Margaret Mead

I have documented these experiences through photographs. Let’s start from the beginning. Roxas City, Philippines. Where I was born and where it all began.

The top image is of a fishing family. They were catching fish by hand, and collecting them in their pockets. I tried catching a few, but those little suckers were too fast.