Bahamas-Inspired Travel Nails

I just got finished filming an epic girls getaway for Girls Meet Globe at the Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas! We spent a fun-packed weekend lounging by the pool, snorkeling around The Cove, and wining and dining on amazing cuisine.

To get ready for the trip, I wanted to try out a travel nails style that was loosely inspired by the tropical vibes of The Bahamas!

If you’re looking for some tropical inspiration, I highly recommend an ombre style. I chose three different shades of teal, and was pleasantly surprised how well the look turned out!

My favorite polish is Zoya Nail Polish because it is the longest wearing, natural nail polish available. All the colors are toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and Camphor Free- can’t ask for anything better!

Shop polish for Bahamas-Inspired Travel Nails:

Lillian by ZOYA

Talia by ZOYA

Bahamas-Inspired Travel Nails is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Where to Find the Best Food in Cuba

In late December 2014 President Obama opened relations with Cuba, over 50 years after the embargo that stopped all US imports and meant that American citizens could not enter the country was first put in place. This shift has a lot of meaning, one of which directly affects the ability for Americans to travel into this previously forbidden city.

In April 2015, via a partnership between Yoga For Bad People and Cuba Educational Travel, I headed there myself under one of the 12 now government approved categories.  

Under a strict Cuban government approved itinerary, we had a detailed schedule that needed to be mostly followed each day. Though none of the people in our group were particularly used to traveling in this fashion, it was what was mandatory in order to be there as a US citizen, plus it did grant us undeniably incredible access to the fascinating country of Cuba.

During our week long stay, we had a huge amount of exposure to the cultural and historical elements that help make Cuba what it is today.  

We were given a tour of the Museum of Cuban Art, guided by a Cuban art historian.  We were the fortunate audience to multiple live music performances in private venues, led by renowned Cuban singers and songwriters.  We were taken to the Nostalgic Cars garage, and spoken to about what it takes to repair classic cars by the owners themselves (and then given a surprise by being driven around in them!).

We ventured three hours outside of the city of Havana to Pinar del Rio and were welcomed into the home of local farmer and tobacco connoisseur Benito for a lesson in cigars and coffee.  We visited La Finca Vigia, former home of Hemingway.  And of course we did yoga, though in this instance it did fall secondary to the intense days exploring Havana and beyond.

My adventures in Cuba did involve food as well, though the experience here was different than most.  Up until the early nineties paladares, privately owned restaurants, existed only illegally, and were somewhat limited in number.  

Nowadays paladares are more plentiful, but the resources able to go into these are still limited as Cuba of course is a socialist country.  Meats are bought on the “black market” (which here only means bought outside of government regulation) and spices are brought in by relatives or friends of the owners who are fortunate enough to go abroad at all.  

In my opinion, the venues themselves were more impressive in most cases than the food, which is not overly surprising given the circumstances.  The spaces were interesting though, and eclectic, artistic and impressive.  They were creative and colorful, and as full of life as the rest of Cuba was.

The most traditional dish you can find throughout the city is ropa vieja, which translated means “old clothes.”  Stewed beef and vegetables are the main ingredients.  Beyond this comes a lot of lobster (this was a bit hit or miss), fish, yuca, tamales and no shortage of rice and black beans.  

The Spanish influence is prevalent in most dishes, as a direct result of the colonization of Cuba by this country years ago.  Mojitos tend to be the drink of choice!

Here are my personal food highlights, and where to find the best food in Cuba!

– El Cocinero –

El Cocinero is the undertaking of rock, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban fusion musician X-Alfonso and is set up within an old cooking oil factory in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana.  There is a dining room on the ground floor and a large, outdoor patio on the roof with more tables for dining, a bar and impressive city views.

Next door is the Cuban Art Factory (La Fabrica de Arte Cubano) which had the most NYC like vibe out of anywhere we went.  Comprised of dozens of rooms, this space is a state supported project for blossoming young artists.  There are installations, paintings, poetry, dance and movie screenings at any given time.  

– Dona Eutimia –

Located right in the center of Old Havana amidst the plazas and the modest art galleries that line the cobblestoned streets, Dona Eutimia is a recent addition paladar wise, but it’s history dates back to the 1970s when young artists used to gather near here to do their work.   

Drop by for lunch and you’ll feel like you dipped into a local’s casual dining room!

– La Guarida –

La Guarida stood out to me the most out of all visited venues.  To get here you’ll go into what feels like an old, abandoned home, climbing dozens of large, marble stairs until it opens up to a bustling old Hollywood feeling restaurant on the very top floor.  

Walking in it’s easy to feel like you’ve really come across something special.  

The walls are adorned with photos of famous past visitors, like Jack Nicholson, Oliver Stone and Steven Spielberg.  Jazz music fills the air and light curtains wave as a light breeze passes.  The food is okay; not great, but overall La Guardia makes for a really good night out.  

– Hotel Nacional –

Brought to international fame by none other than Anthony Bourdain, Hotel Nacional is absolutely worth seeing.  Located nearby the equally famous Malecon strip, the combination of the hotel and it’s location is a real jolt into the Cuba many imagine.  

Hotel Nacional has a breezy, tropical yet refined feel, with an air about it that gives off the notion that important things are happening.  Dine outside under the canopies and enjoy and appreciate the fact that you are doing what many have not.  

– Finca Paraiso Agroecologico –

Located between the Vinales region and the city of Havana, Finca Paraiso Agroecologica was the exact reprieve we were all looking for.  The restaurant is perched on the hill of a farm, where they churn out organic food and captivating views.  

The dining room was essentially set up on their wraparound porch, overlooking the sprawling property!

This was by far the biggest variety of food we encountered, with everything from tasty anti-stress green juice to grilled okra and carrots, dozens of salads, homemade soups and marinated meats and fish.

– San Cristobal –

If it’s good enough for Jay-Z and Beyonce, it’s good enough for me, right?  San Cristobal offers an incredibly interesting and eclectic interior, full of old books piled high on chairs, elephant statues scattered around, clocks, religious artifacts, palm trees and old photos lining the walls.  

There is a huge central dining table in the middle of the restaurant, and smaller tables in offshoot rooms off of that.  After you dine make sure to grab a local cigar, too.  

You’ll feel as if you’ve landed soundly in the mix of a majestic Cuban night out.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Foodie Getaway Guide to Aruba

 

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Shop these Havana-inspired style essentials!

Where to Find the Best Food in Cuba is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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My Experience Learning Spanish In Guatemala

Learning Spanish in Guatemala

San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala

While traveling through Guatemala I spent 3 weeks taking Spanish classes and staying with a local family on Lake Atitlan. Here’s a rundown of my experience.

Guatemala is one of the best countries in the world to visit if you’d like to learn Spanish. It’s not too far from the United States, classes are inexpensive, and locals naturally speak slowly without using too much slang.

Plus, if you’d like to learn Spanish fast, there’s no better way then to be totally immersed in the culture & language for an extended period of time.

I decided to study in the town of San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlan, located in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountains.

This massive lake is surrounded by volcanoes, colorful wildflowers, and traditional Mayan villages. A perfect setting to learn Spanish.

Beautiful Lake Atitlan

My Home for 3 Weeks

Spanish School In Guatemala

I went to Cooperative School San Pedro on Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlan). It’s a true cooperative started by a group of experienced Spanish teachers who believe they have a responsibility to their community.

In general it’s recommended to take at least 3 weeks of Spanish classes to get a basic grasp on the language. You can choose between 3-6 hours of instruction per day, either morning or afternoon classes.

Homestays are available or you can find your own accommodation.

I paid $205 USD per week for 4 hours of class per day, 5 days per week, which also included my homestay plus 3 meals a day. It was a great deal!

Lake Atitlan has a laid-back hippy vibe, and the landscape around the lake is breathtaking with many outdoor activities nearby. However Antigua & Quetzaltenango (Xela) are also popular towns for learning Spanish.

Xela is a larger city, while Antigua is a bit more touristy.

Friends of mine have recommended ICA Spanish School in Xela and Antigua Plaza School in Antigua.

Spanish Class with Flori

A Typical Day At Class

There are a few different options for class schedules, however I choose 4 hours of one-on-one Spanish instruction per day, five days a week. My teacher was Flori, a local woman who’s been teaching for years.

She always seemed upbeat and excited to teach as we sat in the shade overlooking Lake Atitlan.

After a general evaluation of my Spanish skills (almost non-existent in my case), Flori gave me a refresher course on rules of Spanish and helped improve my vocabulary using fun games and written exercises.

There were homework assignments every night too…

My Spanish quickly improved with regular daily instruction, and I was finally able to communicate with my Guatemalan host family and other locals.

Guatemalan Homestay

My Local Mayan Hosts

The Homestay Experience

While taking Spanish school in Guatemala I stayed with the Bixcul-Pichilla family in their small two-story cinderblock home nestled at the bottom of Volcano San Pedro.

It was super difficult to communicate at first, as they don’t speak any English. Only Tzujill (a local Mayan language) & some Spanish.

The family of 5 plus me and another student shared 4 small bedrooms, a kitchen, and an open-air courtyard. Living this way was an eye-opening experience for me, very different from the “comfortable” American lifestyle I’m used to.

We had a single bathroom located in the courtyard, and a sink area used for washing clothes, cleaning dishes, brushing teeth, shaving — pretty much everything.

Water was delivered via pipes once or twice a week, where it’s stored in drums for later use. Occasionally it would run out if we used too much.

Climbing San Pedro Volcano

Activities Nearby

Like I mentioned earlier, the Lake Atitlan area is full of cool things to do. So when I got sick of trying to memorize new Spanish words, I’d take a break and get outside for a Guatemalan adventure!

Volcano Hikes

Lake Atitlan is surrounded by volcanoes. Hiking these is a great way to get some exercise and get some epic photos of the landscape. Two of the most popular hikes are Volcano San Pedro and La Nariz de Indio.

Lake Kayaking

Rent a kayak and explore Lake Atitlan up-close and personal. Or if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, find a local Mayan fisherman willing to rent out his wooden canoe. They aren’t easy to navigate!

Scuba Diving

Yes, you can scuba diving under the lake here, and apparently there’s cool stuff to see. Like freshwater crabs, underwater volcanic hot-vents, and flooded buildings. ATI Divers is located in the town of Santa Cruz.

Coffee Tours

Coffee is a big deal in Guatemala, and the nutrient-rich volcanic slopes around Lake Atitlan are covered in coffee farms. A coffee tour allows you to experience the fascinating coffee production process from start to finish.

Mayan Villages

There are 12 Mayan villages spread out around the shores of Lake Atitlan, with many only accessible by boat or on foot. My favorites were Santiago, San Juan, and San Marcos. Walk the cobblestone streets, visit old churches, watch a local basketball game, and experience some Mayan culture.

Community Outreach

Many of the Spanish schools in San Pedro give back to the community with social aid projects, and you can volunteer to help out by bringing food or building supplies to poor local families in need.

Tips & Advice

Panajachel is the main transportation hub for the Lake Atitlan area. A bus from Guatemala City to Panajachel takes 3-4 hours. Once at the lake, best way to travel from village to village is by lancha (boat taxi). Prices vary, but are generally around 15-25q ($2-3).

The temperature around Lago Atitlan fluctuates between 50 – 80 degrees (F), so it can get chilly at night. Larger towns like Panajachel & San Pedro have ATMs, but not all of them do.

When picking a Spanish school in Guatemala, keep a lookout for schools that funnel money into social aid projects for the local community. I’d also recommend staying in a homestay for the same reason, that money goes a long way towards improving the lives of your host family.

For additional recommendations, talk to people who’ve actually attended the school you are interested in. Search travel blogs or online forums like Lonely Planet to read reviews of other schools. ★

More Information

Location: San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala [Map]
Spanish School: Cooperative School San Pedro
Total Cost: $90 USD – $225 per week depending on hours/homestay
Useful Notes: Staying with a host family is the most cost-effective way to learn Spanish in Guatemala, and the best way to practice what you’re learning in school.
Recommended Reading: Lonely Planet Guatemala

READ NEXT: Camping On An Active Volcano

Any other questions about learning Spanish in Guatemala?

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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16 Trips to Take as a Couple in 2016

Are you and your significant other long overdue for a nice holiday? Well, we thought we would let you in on some of the best trips you absolutely NEED to take as a couple.

Here is our list of the best trips to take in 2016 as a couple!

 Visit the Amalfi Coast, Italy

If we quit life, went somewhere, and never left, the Amalfi Coast would be either #1 or #2 on that list.  The Amalfi Coast hits our travel trifecta:  beautiful aesthetics, delicious food, and wonderfully hospitable local people.

The Amalfi Coast are absolutely perfect for couples of all types. Plenty of outdoor activity from hiking, kayaking, swimming, etc. are at your fingertips. Or if you’d prefer to lay on a beach and drink wine, that is also a viable option!

 Hike Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia

The reason the Amalfi Coast would be #1 or #2 is because Bali exists.  We actually debated burning our passports in Bali last year so that we couldn’t leave.  However, we realized that was a federal offense and figured it would be a bad idea.

We are looking for any and every excuse to get back to Bali as soon and as often as possible. Bali is definitely a “quit life and move here” kind of place that also hits the travel trifecta.

When you visit Bali, climbing Mt. Batur for a sunrise hike is an absolute must!  Mt. Batur is an active volcano with incredible views.  You’ll encounter a ton of monkeys at the top, so make sure not to have any jewelry, sunglasses, etc. on.

Read More: The Best Resorts in Bali for Couples

 Coachella 2016

Coachella weekend is a gift from God for all adults in Southern California and is made even better with a significant other.

Dance the weekend away to Guns ‘n Roses, NWA- assuming Ice Cube holds up the promise he made on The View that this reunion would happen during his set- Jack U, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding, Calvin Harris, Flume, and about 100 other incredible artists!

 Island Hop in Greece

Greece is a trip that requires a week at the very least.  We spent 8 days there and probably need to go back from another 3-4 weeks to see everything we want to.

Fly into Athens and enjoy some of the richest history on this Earth.  After a couple days in Athens fly or ferry to Mykonos and then on to Santorini.  As a couple, we feel like this was the perfect trip.

History in Athens, beach parties and nude tanning on Mykonos, and a very romantic pre-honeymoon (what we’ve been calling our romantic trips since we aren’t yet married) on Santorini.

 Take a Ferry Ride in Singapore

The cleanest and safest city we have ever visited, definitely makes for a great couples destination this year! Pack tank tops and flip flops as Singapore is essentially on the equator and is guaranteed to be about 103749% humid.

 Camp in Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a top camping destination especially for those of us on the West Coast of the U.S.. The awe inspiring coastline and cliffs are accented with towering pine trees and luscious greenery.

Spend a weekend under the stars with your significant other and enjoy hiking, swimming, and perhaps some surfing.

 Wine Tasting in the South of France

One of our more romantic trips includes a wine tour through Provence and Cassis in the South of France. This one probably sounds expensive, but we have even written a blog on how to do the South of France on a budget.

 Catch Calcio in Florence, Italy

If you like rugby, football, UFC, and soccer separately, you’ll love when they’re all combined.  In the 1500s, when Henry III attended a match, he is famed to have claimed, “Too small to be a real war and too cruel to be a game.”

The historic Calcio is one of the marquee events in Florence, Italy every June!

 Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

If you’re not having fun with your partner, you’re doing something wrong.  Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t at mean you shouldn’t plan trips like Oktoberfest in Germany.

 

Trips like this are such a staple of a fun and healthy relationship.  Plan to drink more beer than you can fathom and stuff your face with veal sausage, German mustard, pretzels, chicken, and French fries.

The Oktoberfest is a beer and food lovers dream and is a 2016 must for couples!

 Walk the Castle Walls in Dubrovnik, Croatia

You can literally picture the King and Queen walking around this city surrounded by castle walls, lined with marble stone. Dubrovnik was one of our favorite stops in Croatia and is a must for couples visiting this beautiful country.

 Attend the Amsterdam Dance Event

The largest electronic dance conference in the world hosts over 350 parties and conference events and features just about every electronic artist in the scene today.

The newest and largest event, Amsterdam Music Festival, is the perfect weekend event for you and your loved one to dance like no one is watching.

 Yacht Show in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Realistically you can do both the South of France as well as Monaco within a week or two of travel.  Roll the dice and drink some champagne in Monte Carlo and the James Bond 007 romance will really come to life.

Dress up nicely and plan a cute date night after you enjoy rooftop pool parties and some gambling.

If you can, try to plan your trip during the Monaco Yacht Show in September!

 EDC Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a very interesting dynamic and is generally seen as being a city for singles who want to let loose.  However, EDC Las Vegas is an experience every couple ought to have if you’re fans of electronic music.

This year is the 20th anniversary, so be prepared for extra fun and festivities!

 Fashion Week in Milan, Italy

Italians know how to look dapper.  Plain and simple, Italian fashion is the global leader and Fashion Week in Milan is the platform for which the world is introduced to the newest designs from famous Italian designers.

This will give you and your significant other an excuse to dress nice and eat amazing meals, and raise the romance bar.

 Snowboard & Ski Park City, Utah

This has been a very white winter so why not go snowboarding or skiing?  As you can see, we are huge advocates of fun and tend to let our inner children out as often as possible.

Park City, Utah is one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. and rightfully so- don’t miss the sweet slopes and beautiful landscapes!

 Explore Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a bustling city, and offers an exciting sensory overload to travelers! We love romantic sushi dinner dates.  Plain and simple this is one of our favorite go to dinner options when we go out.

If you’re anything like us, plan a trip to Tokyo this year and you’ll die over the plethora of sushi options!

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Couples’ Travel Bucket List

 

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Shop these couples travel essentials!

If you have holiday plans as a couple in 2016 we would love to hear what they are! If not, let us know which of these trips you think you’ll embark upon!

16 Trips to Take as a Couple in 2016 is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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