After spending 2 full days in Rio, I now believe to have a good feel of the city. First off, the city is absolutely gorgeous. After getting a nice view from Sugar Loaf and Corcovado (where the Christ of the Redeemer is located), I can surely confirm this. The weather has been cooperative. It's nice and hot during the day and it rains for a little bit in the evening. Let's just say that you quickly get used ...

As I sit in front of a computer in Manaus, I feel sad. After spending an awesome 5 days in the Amazon Rainforest, I wish I was still there. It was great to be disconnected from the Internet and the city. Although I traveled alone to Brazil, I've been in great company since I left home. I had an interesting conversation with two women  at Miami airport and a backpacker on my flight Miami-Sao Paulo. As soon a ...

Merry Christmas everyone!!! So today I decide to add a little something different into Tanya's and I's blog.  Tanya is away in the jungle and having the time of her time, well what I hope! As for I , a traditional Christmas morning is on it's way. Oh and yes there is snow !! Love waking up to a white Christmas Morning. Anyways, before I ramble on about Christmas, I do have a family who loves to travel as mu ...

Whether you are new to backpacking or not, there are some fundamental rules to follow. Yes, I know what you are thinking RULES?... for backpackers!! But yup, trust me there are a few you will want to follow! Don't annoy the people sleeping in your dorm Sleeping in hostels means sharing your room with other backpackers. This can range anywhere between 4 to 12 people per room, on average. So if you want to go ...

Every since I knew about this rock, years ago, I have been fascinated about it. Everyone who I knew always told me, “ Nara it’s just a rock!” and I use to say “ya, but it’s a red rock.” I now laugh, but really I still want to explore this rock! Many backpackers who I knew visited this wonder of the world and told me, Nara you are right!! Amazing site to see!!! So if you have no idea what I am talking about ...

Ok... the time is finally here. After countless days, I am leaving today! Wow... After spending the week in bed with fever, I can't believe the time has come. It's funny because while I was living in Europe, traveling was a part of lifestyle. Every weekend, we'd be hopping on a train, bus or plane to discover a new city. And I must say that Europeans take this for granted. Being surrounded by so many differ ...

At 21, I left to go study in Europe for 7 months. At 22, I left once again to go study in Mexico for 5 months. At 23, I went backpacking for one month in Thailand and Vietnam. At 24, I backpacked through Argentina. And now, I'm leaving to go backpacking in Brazil. In between all of this, I've been on countless road trips, anywhere from NYC to Florida, to California, to Boston, to Chicago, to Indianapolis, t ...

So to my surprise, I woke up with a sore throat yesterday and after visiting the doctor today, I apparently have pharyngitis as well as high fever. Unable to move and only a few days until I depart for my big trip, I am freaking out! Anyhow, let's just hope that I'll be feeling better by Sat... So far, I still don't have my internal flights in Brazil and I didn't book anything in Bahia- which, honestly, I'm ...

Christmas is just around the corner and there is no better way to spend Christmas then in these cities. New York City – Experiencing the bright department store lights, the large dazzling Rockefeller Christmas tree and skating in Central Park. New York City is filled with holiday spirit and wonderful festivities throughout the city. Explore a little and go up the Empire State building and over look the dazz ...

With the Holiday season just around the corner, most of you are probably wondering how you'll be celebrating New Years Eve. Stay home with family? Go to a night club? Go to a fancy party? Party on a beach? All of these choices are good.. but how about spending New Year's Eve someplace crazy?! Here are my Top 5 places to celebrate the New Year in the world: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Now, now, now, don't get jea ...