I arrived in Stockholm without any problems, took the express train into town and got settled in the apartment.  Then all of a sudden, I felt out of my comfort zone.  I didn’t understand why, since I had been to Stockholm numerous times, and at one point had actually lived there.  However, I wasn’t deterred.  I put on something cute and my comfortable, ugly-ass sandals and hit the streets.  However, I had forgotten that on Sundays most stores are closed and the ones that are open, close early.  So, when I found an open grocery store, I stocked up on the essentials I’d need for the week, and went back to the apartment to make a plan for the next day.

See…that’s the secret.  You have to have a plan.  Know what you want to see.  Even if you just want to meander around, know where you want to go.  This will give you a sense of purpose.  So every day, I made a plan to do something.  I visited every site I wanted, without compromise.  I left the apartment when I wanted.  I came back when I wanted.  I toured subway stations, I visited their world heritage site, and it was all on my terms.  It was awesome.

Another trick I did was to not view it as a foreign city.  I viewed it as if I were just hanging out, like I’d do at home.  And, that’s really how we do it.  Most people run their errands around the city they live in, alone, without giving it a second thought.

So, what did I learn about myself during this vacation?  I learned that I stayed in the background a lot when it came to interacting with the locals; if I were unsure, I’d push Roland out front to take care of it.  In “real life” I’m not this person.  I’m outgoing and not afraid of people.  However, I didn’t realize that I actually became shy and somewhat timid when I traveled.  I love that I discovered that, so I could change it. Now, I don’t do that anymore

Even though I prefer to have a partner-in-crime, I’d absolutely do a solo trip again.  In fact, I enjoyed it so much, that what started out as a 10 day vacation turned into a 2 week getaway.

Having Fun During My Solo Trip: Me on Lions In Kungsträdgården

Our impressions of Botswana are almost all positive.  To our surprise the the tap-water was drinkable, the bathrooms were clean and the people loved to sing.  It was not uncommon to see a group of people spontaneously break out in three or four part harmony while dancing to some local song. Quick to return a smile or wish you a good day, the people were just friendly enough.  Unless, of course, they were trying to sell you something, such as at souvenir shops where “friendliness” morphed quickly into intrusiveness.  However even with all this friendliness, it’s not the people that bring in Botswana’s second largest source of revenue, it’s the tourist coming if from all over the world.  With the worlds largest herds of elephants, as well as many other exotic animals easily found in their natural habitat all over northern Botswana it’s easy to see why.

Catering to the most high heeled, some tourist packages in the Okavango Delta include five star camping among these animals for more than $3000 a night!   If you are more like the rest of us and would rather use your money on something other than air conditioned tents and velvet napkins, I would suggest the Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane, Botswana. At only about $120 a night, one can sleep in a luxurious grass roof hut, along side the Chobe river. The lodge’s restaurant, bar, and all around service was impeccable and the ambiance was perfect with its open air dining around a dimly lit pool overlooking a heavily wooded riverside.  The only annoyance was the mosquitoes. These were remedied with mosquito repellant that the staff quickly provided when they saw us scratching; we hadn’t yet realized small bottles of repellant were also next to our shampoo and conditioner bottles in our bathroom courtesy baskets. Mosquito nets were also provided for our beds, although they weren’t really needed if the door remained closed.  Curiously, all windows were barred but without wire screens, suggesting theft is still more of a threat than mosquitoes. Fortunately our little hut came with full length loosely woven inner curtains that allowed light and air in, while turning away the mosquitoes.

Bungalow at Chobe Safari Lodge

Chobe Safari Lodge

Another convenience of the lodge was that we could arrange all safari activities at the hotel and bill them directly to our room. We chose a fantastic three hour early evening “game drive” in the Chobe National Park, which is chocked full of wild animals living unrestrictedly immediately next to the lodge. Within those three hours we saw elephants, giraffes, impalas, wildebeests, a wild boar, mongoose, painted dogs and even the occasional dung beetle.

Giraffes Eating in Botswana

The next day we went on a day trip to Victoria Falls which was only a few hours away.  This included a border crossing into Zimbabwe and Zambia, and opportunities to bungee jump, swing, or zip line across the gorge  just southeast of the falls. The falls themselves were quite the spectacle to behold to of all the senses as they were not only majestically beautiful and thunderously loud, they were also hard to get anywhere near without getting soaked with the overspray, and there was the delicious smell of continuously watered plant life all along the pathway overlooking the falls.

Victoria Falls

The last morning we arranged a two hour private boat tour along the Chobe river where a very knowledgable tour guide / boat driver showed us more elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and many exotic birds.  I will never forget the sight of a massive elephant swimming just 40 feet in front of us while eight others drank at the water’s edge, and a crocodile sunned himself almost obliviously next to them.

Elephants Bathing in Botswana

Botswana’s population of around two million people in a county roughly the size of Texas, has enjoyed a lot of recent prosperity, but also continues to endure one of the worst percentages of HIV/AIDS in the world.  Unfortunately, this seems to be most prevalent in the universities, targeting an already meager educated work force, and posing possibly the biggest threat to Botswana’s continued success.  But despite its challenges, Botswana still offers, in my opinion, a uniquely charming and unforgettable getaway.

 A Special THANKS for Charlie and Nikki Cliffe for sharing their experience on this recent family vacation to Botswana.  I officially now have to add Botswana to my list of “must go to” places.  

DMM > AMS > SEA > SAN > SEA > LAS > SAN > SEA > SAN > LAS > SAN > SEA > STR > KON > LAX > SAN > SEA > AMS > DMM > AMS > ARN > AMS > DMM > AMS > ARN > AMS > DMM > AMS > SEA > SAN > SEA > JFK > SAN > SEA > AMS > DMM

Amsterdam is always a layover stop for me when I travel from Saudi Arabia.   This year, it wins as my most visited city.  Even though I’m only there for 8 hours at a time.  I always go into town for some sightseeing.  When it comes to the layout and the architecture (I love those canal side houses) Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities.

Amsterdam Canal Houses

San Diego is my hometown, born and raised.  I love San Diego.  For me, it’s like that friend who has known you since childhood, and you know them.  However, even with knowing the friend so well… people change; as do cities.    The thing is I have not actually lived in San Diego for any length of time since 1999.  When I come to San Diego, it’s all about family for me, and free room and board.  LOL  My family is pretty much the only thing happening for me in this town.  I have love for my hometown, but as far as cities go I think it’s kinda boring.  The vibe of this town is beach and sun.  Other than that, there isn’t much of a “culture.”  But, that’s okay because I still got love, and I’m proud to call myself a San Diegan.

Mission Beach in San Diego

Seattle is my adopted hometown.  I lived in Seattle from 2000 to 2008.  I LOVE Seattle.  From the time I moved to there the vibe was good, it was easy for me to get in, make friends, and start a life.  I have my favorite neighborhood (West Seattle), my favorite happy hour spots (Bahama Breeze and The Black Bottle), my favorite food spots (Chaco Canyon), along with my favorite grocery stores (Marlene’s Natural Market and Metropolitan Market), and all my favorite friends (who I won’t name ).   I headquarter myself out of San Diego, however, whenever I come back to the States, I always spend time in Seattle.  I fly in and out of the States via SEA.  Besides the fact that it’s cheaper than flying directly into San Diego or Los Angeles, it gives me the opportunity to lay over for a couple of days; which is what I typically will do.  Before I leave to go back to Saudi Arabia, I always spend at least 3 days in Seattle.  If I had a house in Seattle, I would make it my home base.  The only problem I have with Seattle is the weather.  OMG.  The weather sucks!!!  But, you can’t have everything.

Pikes Place Market Sign

Veeeeeeeeeeegaaaaaaaassssssss!!!     I Love Vegas!!!   This year, I went to Las Vegas 3 times. I have totally rediscovered this town.  I went in January for a wedding, then I went back again with a girlfriend in April to check out Janet Jackson at Ceasar’s (she was fabulous), then Rolle and I went back again a month later for the Billboard Music Awards (I love going to award shows!!).  The only gripe I have about Las Vegas is them trying to turn this town into a “family” destination. I view Las Vegas as a playground for adults.

At The Billboard Music Awards

The Wynn Hotel's Room with a View

I made my first solo vacation trip this year.  Even though I’ve traveled alone numerous times, I’ve never traveled to a city and stayed for an extended period of time by myself.  I kinda had to be talked into it, but once I made my decision to go I was excited and nervous.  Stockholm was the perfect city for me to have my first solo experience.  I lived there for a short period (1999/2000), so I knew the city and felt comfortable there.  My intention was to stay for 10 days, I ended up staying for 2 weeks.  Stockholmers can be a little “not friendly,” but the trick is to not try to speak Swedish, don’t expect to make “new friends (or acquaintances), they only speak to people they know (which begs to ask, how do you meet people?) .  If you go in just doing your thing, you’ll do fine in this beautiful, easy to navigate city.

Stockholm - StrandVagen from Water

Along with those oldies, I visited some new cities this year as well.

It started with Santa Rosa, CA.  It’s located smack dab in the middle of Sonoma Valley’s wine country and farm land.  This didn’t do me much good considering that I was there for a 10 day stay at a health retreat.  I did a 7-day water fast.  Yes, people, that means for 7 days I only ingested water.  While at the facility, I was not allowed to leave the grounds as they couldn’t have me passing out on the streets.  LOL.  However, the last 3 days we were able to get out and see a little bit of Santa Rosa.  I actually wish I could have spent more time here but Hawaii was calling.

Landing in Santa Rosa

This wasn’t my first trip to Hawaii, however it was my first time to The Big Island.  We headquartered ourselves out of Waikoloa Beach, but spent most of our time in Kona-Kailua or Hilo.  I blame the fact that I hadn’t eaten in several days as the reason for me booking myself in a planned resort community with a Macy’s across the street (ughhhh).  If I had done the research that I typical do before booking a trip I would have had us staying in Kona.  All and all it didn’t matter; we had a blast.  We discovered our favorite healthy restaurant, we zip lined, we circumnavigated the island, and we witness smoke plumes at National Volcano Park.  What’s not to love about Hawaii?

Halema'uma'u Crater, Hawaii Volcano National Park

Last but certainly not least is, New York Baby!!

OMG  I Love New York.  It appears I love all the cities I went to this year, but seriously I loved none more that New York.  It was nothing like I expected.  I thought it would be overrun, overcrowded, I expected the people to be harsh and rude, and Central park to be a deep dark cavern of a park in which I could get raped, robbed or maimed at any corner.  Well…for once, I’m glad none of my expectations were true.  We had a nice apartment on the Upper West Side, right on 72nd Street.  I felt like a local, and at one point I had someone tell me they thought I was from there.  I considered that a major compliment considering I was trying my best not to look like a tourist, which is hard when you’re carry around a big ass camera, which is why I left it in the apartment 50% of the time.

City View from Empire State Building

Times Square

And, in between all of this were quite a few day trips to Bahrain and to Los Angeles.  What can I say?  2011 has been a fabulous travel year for me, and I’m already looking forward to where I may go in 2012.

For more information on how you can visit Stockholm’s Archipelago check out:

Visit Skärgården, Strandvägen,
kajplats, 18, 11456 Stockholm
Tel: 08-100-222
info@visitskargarden.se
www.visitskargarden.se  

Room Balcony with a View

Sunrise View From Room

I can’t remember a lot of  the day to day details, as we went on this trip to Cancun in April 2007, before my days of blogging and Facebooking.  This was also the period in which my vacation photos contained a lot of photos of me or us “in front of stuff.”   I think photo quality was the last thing on my mind, it was if I wanted proof I had been there.  What I do remember is that most of the time I seemed to have a styrofoam cup with a Margarita in it.   And, with that being the case, it’s a wonder I remember as much as I do.   Looking at the photos in chronological order helped a lot.  It’s even a wonder the photos were half way decent considering that we were using disposable cameras we picked up at a roadside store in the middle of the jungle just outside of Cobá.  It was on our road trip to Cobá that our camera batteries went dead.

Following is what I semi-remember doing :

Tulum and Cobá:

We decided to rent a car for a day trip to Cobá.  It was approximately 1.5 hours to get there from our hotel, and the drive was straight forward and easy.  We started out early that morning after a stop at a “7-11 type” store on Blvd Kukulcán for road trip provisions.  For me, that typically means water and something chocolaty (like Raisinets, M&M’s, etc).  Since this was a quick getaway, we didn’t have much of a plan, however, before leaving Seattle I had picked up a Lonely Planet guide.  I carried it along, just in case I needed a reference type guide.  Well, the description for Cobá in the LP guide read, “ascend to the top of Nohoch Mul, one of the few pyramids in the Yucatán visitors are allowed to climb.”  There was also a mention of bike riding through the jungle amongst the ruins.  I was sold.  So, we set out for Cobá.

Road Sign to Cobá

Jungle Road to Cobá

Lake Near Cobá Ruins

Cobá Policia

Good thing we got up early.  We were able to park in the parking lot a short distance from the entrance.  Once inside, we rented two bicycles and started on our self-guided tour.  The lack of the typical hordes of tourist you find at these places made it easy for us get around on the bikes.

Pyramid Structures

Riding to Ruins

We eventually end up at Nohoch Mul.  And, since the reason I was there was to climb a pyramid, I didn’t waste any time in parking my bike and starting my climb.  My enthusiasm was quickly kicked to the curb.   I had to stop and take a brief “break” in my climbing.  I wanted to blame it on the heat, but it was really because I was out of shape. When I finally made it to the top, I let out a loud, exhausted moan to the amusement of a guy from Texas.  The view from the top was totally worth the effort of the climb.

Resting on Nohoch Mul

Working My Way To The Top

View From The Top

inside Nohoch Mul Looking Out

Our stop at Tulum was unplanned.   We had left Cobá about an hour before and still had several hours left on the rental car.  So, when we were at the point where we had to pull into the parking lot we made the spilt second decision to check it out.

Unlike Cobá you can not really around Tulum.  Visitors have to follow a route (think IKEA) around the ruins.  What Tulum lacked in “its lack of popularity,” and its herding approach to seeing the ruins, it made up for in it’s location.  These ruins are perched on top of the rocky coastline, overlooking a soft sandy beach, and the bluest cobalt-blue water I’d ever seen.  Seeing El Castillo resting on top of the cliff with the beach leading to the Caribbean Sea was like, “Aaaaaaaah.”  It’s a beautiful sight and site.

El Castillo At Tulum

El Castillo and the Caribbean

Hanging By The Beach Drinking and Parasailing:

What is a trip to Cancun without at least one beach day?  It’s a beach vacation without the beach!  And, since I can sit on a lounge chair with music, magazines, and a margarita all day long we had a beach day.

After finding a set of loungers under a thatch roof parasol that was as far away from everyone else as possible I set up camp.  Once I got the attention of the attendant, I let him know that I would be sitting here for a while, and I placed an order for our drinks.  It was at this point that I was able to lay back, relax, and chill out.

Chillin With My Margarita

I don’t know at which point I decided to go parasailing.  But, after watching people sailing in the air past me all day without incident, and Roland semi daring me, and another margarita to loosen me up, I went for it.  We decided on the outfit that had the most personable tout hustling at the beach.  After a jet ski ride to a boat that took us out further to the main boat, and a brief safety lecture, I found myself being harnessed in and hooked up to the contraption that holds the parachute.  The next thing I know, the boat starts moving, the wind catches the parachute and we’re airborne, going up, higher and higher.  I’m smiling right now, reminiscing as I write this.  It was cool.

Parachute

Weeeeeeeeee! We're Parasailing

I have vague memories of us hanging out one evening and walking around Cancun Centro, past busy restaurants, packed bars and busy shopping arcades. This is where you go when you want to escape hotel row, and have an authentic experience with the locals.  I may not remember a lot of the nuances and details of my trip to Cancun, however, I do remember thinking that I had a blast and wishing I had more time to spend there.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Since this is a must go to spot, there I was again, on another Saturday night, taking a visiting friend to IceBar Stockholm.

Located in the Nordic Sea Hotel, this is not a bar to chill out in.  The reservations are in 40 minute shifts.  Besides, who really wants to be hanging out in  -5°C (23℉)  with a huge hooded parka with gloves much longer than that?  So that means, you probably shouldn’t wear sandals.  HA!!  I did, and couldn’t believe my stupidity considering I had been there before.  Both my hands and feet were freezing.  I couldn’t wear the puffy gloves and play photographer. 

You can expect the IceBar Stockholm to serve up yummy chilled drinks in a cool atmosphere, giving you a great way to get your pre-funk on for the evening ahead.

For more information on opening hours, making a reservation, etc. check out their website: IceBar Stockholm

*  The men are mostly cute and in good physical shape.  This is NOT a criterion for me to love a city.  I’m a married woman. LOL But, not a dead one, so, having good eye candy to look at while spending time on the Tunnelbana (Metro), grabbing some coffee or while out having drinks is an added bonus.  The men also seem to have a greater sense of fashion than the women.  It’s almost as if they’re peacocks showing their feathers.  What else can explain the red pants? (BTW:  These guys didn’t know each other)  :)

Guys in Red Pants

*  They speak English.  This is huge.  Don’t underestimate its ability to ease you into a place.  Some will say that you should always know a few phrases in the local language.  And, I agree.  However, Stockholm is one of those cities in which I find I get better reception and service when I speak “American” right off the bat.  When I do this, I find all my transactions go smoothly.  It’s almost as if I’m forgiven for being a foreigner.  So, if you want to appear courteous you could ask in English, “Do you speak English?” and you will get the standard reply, “Of Course.”

*  The Public Transportation System.   Sweden’s transportation system really cannot be beat.  This system winds its way up and down into the most obscure of locations throughout out Sweden, and conveniently connect to T-Centralen (the main subway/train station in Stockholm).  You’re almost always no more than a 5 minute walk from a metro station when in the city center.  Your pass for the Tunnelbana works for the buses as well.  Unless you’re going into the outlying areas, you will probably never need to get on the bus, and will use the Tunnelbana exclusively.

Fridhemsplan - People Walking with Train

* Simply Put: It’s Beautiful.  Stockholm is set on a series of 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges.  A third of its land is dedicated to green spaces and parks. Its proximity to water, beautiful buildings and lots of green space makes Stockholm one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.  The architecture is  a mix of 19th century elegance with simple forms, and 20th century functionalism, and it all works together.  The colors of the buildings are vibrant and pleasing; such as in this photo of Jakobs Kyrka  in Kungsträgården.

Jakobs Kyrka in Kungsträgården

Sveriges Riksdag (Swedish Parliament Building)

* The Candy Stores!  There I’ve said it.  I love the GodisCenters, and my favorite candy store is in Hötorget  Metro station.   All over Stockholm there are candy stores.  And they all serve candy packaged and in bulk.  You walk through the door, grab a big plastic spoon and a bag.  I don’t know what it is.  I’ve been in similar “candy” stores in other cities, but the ones in Sweden are the best.  My favs are the chewy caramel Rollo’s in the red and gold wrapping, the sweet and sour pacifiers, the chocolate covered raisins, and the chocolate covered marshmallows.  I usually team these up with some, “I wonder how these taste?” samples.

Skogskyrkogården, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the few cultural heritage sites from the twentieth century.  Created by Gunnar Asplund and Sigrund Lewerentz between 1914 and 1940, its design has had a great influence on the design of cemeteries all over the world.   Setting a cemetery in natural parkland and without “grave mounds” was unique for the time.  More than 90,000 graves and 5 chapels on over 100 acres make up this sprawling site. The day I decided to visit, the skies were overcast with occasional showers; seemed like the perfect day to visit a cemetery.

In the distance as we made our way down the lime tree lined street that was the entrance, a huge granite cross stood out against the sky.  Erected in 1940, the cross is not meant to depict the usual symbol of the Christian faith, but is a direct representation of the cross that accompanied all death notices at the time. Whatever it representation, its imposing presence seemed to bring about feelings of tranquility and meditation.  The entire cemetery was designed to create this emotional involvement; to enhance the visitor’s experience.

The processional routes leading to the chapels create a suitable mood for mourners. When walking along the beautiful Seven Springs Way, it gets darker and darker, the closer you get to the Chapel of Resurrection.  And, even though you know you’re getting closer it feels like the door to the chapel remains a long way off.  The steps up to the meditation grove gradually taper off as you get near the top so as not to tire the visitor.

Strolling around the landscape and looking at a combination of art, architecture, and nature, I couldn’t help but feel reverence for its natural beauty, serenity, and as a place for deep contemplation.

Skogskyrkogården is located a 15 minute ride on the Metro (aka Tunnelbana) from T-Centralen (The Central Subway/Train station) on the Farsta Strand bound Green Line.  Public tours are available during the summer season, for more information contact the visitors center at +46-8-508-301-58