Easter travel ideas

As usual, at this time of the year, I like to recommend Easter travel ideas so that you give yourself the time to relax that you deserve. Let's open this door together to explore this little paradise. Los Cauquenes Lodge in Ushuaia, Argentina (also known as the end of the world)  is beautiful and the natural landscapes are breathtaking. If you love a mix of adventure and relaxation, start saving today. It's not easy on the pocket, but you will enjoy.











































































above, the view from my suite.
below, the end of the world train

below that, chasing waterfalls















































Patagonian Fjords, amazing!!

















































More fun after long, adventurous days. Nice bar at Kaupé, one of my favorite restaurants in Ushuaia.

Photos 1,3,4, 5 courtesy Los Cauquenes

Friends

She's told me that I'm "the sister she never had" imagine what a thrill that is.

She makes me laugh until tears fall out and my stomach hurts. She makes fun of me when I'm too serious. She questions me. Sometimes, she makes me think that I'm brilliant and sometimes that my ideas are too naïf.

She trusts me and tells me everything openly and honestly.

She believes in me.

Her heart is infinite. If I say that I like her shoes she'll ask if I'd like to change them for mine. If you like a lamp or even a piece of furniture in her house, she will say "take it".
She gives for the pleasure of giving.

We've studied and worked together and she has always challenged me when I have not met her expectations (or my own) because she expects more, because she knows I am capable of more and does not want me to settle for less. She is passionate about the things she does and does not like mediocrity.

When I have a negative view of myself, she gives me thoughtful words, she cheers me up, or she's simply there.

I met her in class at the university. I was lucky.

Every year we travel to "some" place. We meet, we choose the place and after a short time, we're gone!

Last year I had surgery. When I was about to receive anesthesia, the doctor told me: "Now think of something nice" and I saw my friend! Yes, I saw both of us in a convertible car going from Carmel to San Francisco. We were singing and laughing. I imagined I had a handkerchief in my head, and that it flew. Eventually, we took this trip and it was better than I had imagined.

If I had to "think of something nice" again, I would imagine us dancing. She dances with this same step since we were 20; one hand up in the air, perhaps a drink in her other hand and always a smile in her face as she moves to the rhythm of the music.

Last November we went to Barcelona. She posted a few photos of our trip but I wanted to add more words to those photos. On that trip, we were lucky to meet other friends. Good friends, like us. We all met on a train, on our way to a bike tour of the vineyards in Spain. The four of us became close friends (you know, depth of friendship does not entirely depend on how long you know someone) and spent almost every day together til our journey ended. One of them lived in Washington D.C. and was visiting the other who was living in Barcelona. On a cold Saturday afternoon we separated from our new friends. It was time for everyone to part. It was weird to say bye.

On our way to the airport my friend was quiet. I thought she was sleepy but later on she said that she was feeling a bit emotional; that as we drove away from the city in the taxi, she re-lived every moment of our trip.

I think friends are a gift and I am thankful for the few, good ones that I have and for the memories that we create together.

Hugs!

Post by: Valeria Mendez Cañas

California!!

First of all... can I just say, I LOVE CALIFORNIA.

Notes

- If you're going to do a road trip, get yourself a nice convertible, put some sunscreen on, good music, sunglasses, and enjoy the landscapes and beauty on your way to each place. Lift your hands up in the air (like a child on a roller coaster) when you're feeling really happy, which will be most of the time.

- Don't waste your time shopping if you're in the US at the end of August. At least not if you're from Argentina (or any South American country) All you'll see is winter clothes and there's so much to do and see. 

- Be receptive and embrace the California kindness. I cannot tell you how many amazing people we met during our adventure. I'm so thankful to them.

- Do at least one tour. You'll appreciate getting some local insight. It's a great thing to learn when you travel. If you're curious and love connection with a place, do more than one tour. It's a rewarding experience.

- Early morning wine tastings, driving, flying, going out a lot, the sun... you could get a headache or two, body pain, etc. So go to a nice spa.

- Stay at good hotels or apartments- even if you spend little time in them, it makes all the difference in the world to arrive at a nice and comfy place. That doesn't mean expensive. To travel should be a pleasure, not a torture. A good view and nice pool are a +.

- Surfing: leave that for the Southern California part of your trip, or take the next flight to Hawaii. Conditions in Northern California are not the best.

- Missing your love? soon you'll be together again and it will be magical.

Into the Jungle

Remember that the average life is about 600.000 hours. Are you able to escape from your duties to enjoy some of these hours, like you deserve? Here's a beautiful place to consider. Loi Suites Iguazú. The new, luxury hotel located inside 600 virgin hectares of the Iryapú jungle in Misiones provides the perfect base for exploring both the Argentinean and the Brasilian side of the Iguazú falls.

Large suites connected by bridges and floor-to-ceiling, glass windows provide an intimate connection with the natural surroundings. A Namasthé spa built around ancient rocks, is the ideal place for some serious pampering after a day of explorations and activities in the area. The hotel has a pier in the Iguazú river, perfect for those who (like me!), enjoy kayaking.

The design is austere and beautiful, using materials from the area, warm, earthy colors, and exquisite furniture brought from Indonesia.

There is a pool side restaurant surrounded by whispering trees, great for dining al fresco and afternoon cocktails.

Last and most importantly, the service is great, one of those places where people greet you by your name, and go to great lengths to make sure you feel at home.
A magical place for adventure and relaxation.

Details:
Loi Suites is located 15 minutes away from the falls, 20 minutes away from the airport and just 5 minutes away from Puerto iguazú. Thanks Loi Suites! for everything.

Postcards from Antarctica

Adelie penguins are the most common of all Antarctic penguin species.

They are so cute with their tuxedo shirt front!! you can see them walking or sliding all over the beaches and headlands of the Antarctic coast. Watching them slide to the waters edge and dive into the freezing waters, is such a thrilling experience.

PATAGONIA GLACIERS

Just got back from El Calafate

It was magical. I loved being there again.
My favorite things were BIG ICE, picnic next to the icebergs and dinner at Los Sauces.