Tag: Travel

Posted on

I Ran an Ultramarathon (and I liked it)

This October I accomplished a goal that wasn’t even on my radar at the beginning of this summer (a prime example of why I don’t make bucket lists).  I ran 37 miles, climbing and descending 10,000 vertical feet to complete my first Ultramarathon, and my third ever trail race.  It took me 8 hours and 45 minutes, and I managed to sneak into the top 10 (7th place!) for women.  Perhaps the craziest part of all though, is that I crossed the finish line with a pep in my step and a smile on my face.  The pep didn’t take long to turn into a hobble, but my smile remained intact.  Why and how did I go from casual runs on the pavement to a trail ultramarathon?  I’m glad you asked. Continue reading “I Ran an Ultramarathon (and I liked it)”

Posted on

4-day “fastpack” on the Tour du Mont Blanc

I still remember the first time I read about the Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB for short.  Inspired by our first through hiking adventure on the Inca Trail, I was down a rabbit hole, reading about other epic multi-day hikes.  Along with the “W” in Chilean Patagonia, the TMB shot right to the top of my list of day dream worthy destinations.  I knew we had to do it someday, but, given that it’s recommended as an 11 day hike, it would have to wait until we could dedicate an entire 2-week vacation to it.  Or so I thought… Continue reading “4-day “fastpack” on the Tour du Mont Blanc”

Posted on

Weekend in Prague

When I was mapping out travel destinations for this year, the Czech Republic wasn’t on my radar. Not by a long shot. Living in Santiago, our travel priorities were focused on seeing as much of Chile and South America as possible before our assignment here ended. But, when a work meeting popped up in Prague, we jumped at the chance to fly out a few days early and spend a weekend as tourists in this charming old city. Continue reading “Weekend in Prague”

Posted on

Ditch the Bucket List

I love the idea of bucket lists, I really do. Anytime I see one of those posts listing the “30 Things To Do Before Turning 30” or “10 Places to Visit Before You Die” I’m tempted to make my own. I am nothing if not goal oriented, and I’m confident that if I made a list I would strategically allocate vacation days and funds until I had carefully curated Instagram posts documenting each and every item. It would be fun. I would see lots of places I had always wanted to visit. But what about all those places I hadn’t yet dreamed of? Continue reading “Ditch the Bucket List”

Posted on

5-Day Packing List for the W Trek in Torres del Paine (Chilean Patagonia)

The W hike in Torres del Paine National Park is truly indescribable.  You have to experience it for yourself to understand the true beauty of this pristine, remote slice of earth. While some may find stories of extreme winds and volatile weather to be intimidating, others will likely be equally overwhelmed by the task of packing all the necessities for a 4-5 night trip in a single backpack.  This packing list is here to help.

Continue reading “5-Day Packing List for the W Trek in Torres del Paine (Chilean Patagonia)”

Posted on

When You’re No Place Like Home For the Holidays

For the first time in my life, I know with complete certainty that I won’t be having a White Christmas. This afternoon I walked to a flower market, planted some new petunias on my balcony and then headed into the kitchen to bake Christmas cookies. Here in the Southern hemisphere it is full on summertime, and my brain still can’t still seem to process the fact that it can simultaneously be pool season and the holiday season.

Continue reading “When You’re No Place Like Home For the Holidays”