Centennial Park

Green Island

Sydney Harbour Bridge from a different POV

The Rocks

Coogee Bay

Happy Australia Day to my home away from home!

Cheers,

Loz

I remember realizing a couple hours in – feet aching and sweat dripping, but on a high (on life of course) and unable to stop – that the itch is not the only thing dance and travel have in common. I almost thought I was having a flashback from a trip – perhaps in Greece or Spain where, as a backpacker, going to the clubs was your average Tuesday night. However, it wasn’t so much a memory as it was a familiar feeling. There are certain sensations I felt on that big colorful less-than-glamorous dance floor that I’ve only ever felt while on the road: freedom, invincibility, elation, clarity. The wonderful synergy between the surrounding elements and personal emotion. Dancing without inhibitions and traveling without direction have provided such a balance in my life.

I can’t and probably don’t have to explain to you how painful it is to be a traveler who hasn’t been able to really travel the last couple of years. Although a night out with friends, making new friends, where the dance floor is your roadmap and the DJ is your tour guide, may not equate “travel” to many – myself included – it sure is a fantastic way to let go of stress, live in the moment, maybe show the world what you’re made of? And if anything, it is a pretty killer way to spend a Friday night out in San Francisco.

What kinds of feelings does travel provoke in you? Have you ever felt them doing something else? Do you have a temporary fix?

-Loz

Cass's birthday two years ago.

I made a promise to myself when I left that I would not let two years go by without going back to Oz. It will forever be a home to me and I can’t going longer than two years without going home! Sydney was not only a place in which I lived, but it’s where I grew – a feeling characteristic of home. It’s where I tried new things, tested my limits, made unconditional and unforgettable friendships; ultimately, it’s where I discovered a lot of myself.

This is why we travel, isn’t it? To discover. We may or may not know what we’re out to discover, but some way or another, we find it. While relishing in my welcomed distraction and scrolling through my news feed, a friend’s status caught my eye: “Life is timing.” How appropriately this fit into my train of thought. A big part of me thinks that my on-a-whim adventure to Australia really was the perfect timing as far as where I was in my life. Another part of me thinks I was meant to go at that specific time so that Cass could enter my life and I could enter hers.

Matching tats of the swallow - a symbol of independent travel and the understanding that a pair of swallows will always find their way back to one another no matter where they go in the world.

The whole idea of “meant to be” or “everything happens for a reason” seems all the more surreal and symbolic when I travel. I will never forget the feelings of  uncertainty, apprehension and exhilaration knocking on the front door of a stranger’s house 11,000 miles removed from the familiar and the first time in my life without a plan. The girl who opened the door in a towel (forgetting I had an appointment to look at her house) not only became my crazy aussie roommate, but my sister. Being back on the other side of those 11,000 miles, harsh realities tend to hit hard every now and then. But these realities remind me why I travel. And that it’s time to start planning my next trip home…

Happy Birthday, Cassa!

xx,

Loz

Where do you wish you were today? Happy wanderlustrous weekend!!

-Loz

But the paycheck didn’t come. A harsh reality I ultimately had to face. Although beyond devastated, I was able to realize the positive in my life and once again lean on it for support. That positive – wine!

It’s not what you think. I did not turn to wine in the traditional sense of devastation remedies. I looked at what I presently had going on which was not only a growing network in the travel industry, but also in the food/wine industry due to my part-time job at a wine bar. I also had coworkers interested in starting a new venture. We all happen to have extensive backgrounds in event coordinating and an incredible chef friend with whom we’ve worked and has always talked about starting his own catering business. With our combined connections and expertise in food, wine, events, and marketing, we figured we should do something about it!

Because It’s Delicious. A delicious idea that has turned into a real business. My business. It may not be my dream job, but it’s mine and it can’t be taken from me. It’s a good start.

*Please support BID, by following us on twitter and liking us on facebook. Also, feel free to contact me should you ever need help with an event!*

First, let me explain this guilt thing as best I can because I’m sure it sounds strange…

Ever since discovering and slowly realizing (I was in denial for a while) that I would not in fact get the dream job I had been pursuing for over a year, I have been on a mission to find a new one. This has proven to be seemingly impossible. Countless hours on Craigslist, LinkedIn, company websites, late nights writing cover letter after cover letter, filling out applications and reaching out via several networks became the daily routine. After every cover letter written, I was filled with a confidence and certainty that I would get an interview. Much to my surprise, many of these companies that I spent time researching and often growing attached to, envisioning my new role/career with them, wouldn’t even acknowledge my existence with a “thank you for your interest” email. To find the perseverance within to continue to the next position and/or company I’d inevitably fall in love with at the risk of utter defeat, is something I have learned to do, but this doesn’t mean it gets any less difficult. I’m exhausted.

With all this being said, I have been writing a lot though you haven’t seen it here. In a way, it’s been hard to find the strength to write a lighthearted travel post when I spend every day pouring everything I have into these cover letters. It almost makes me resent [my] writing. Secondly, and this is where the guilt comes into play, if I haven’t gotten a job yet, I can’t afford to sub a frivolous blog post for a cover letter that could get me one. I have been suffering from the idea that writing something for pleasure equals a missed job opportunity. This feels similar to when I was in school and so badly wanted to read the latest Harry Potter book, but was three chapters behind in my Abnormal Psychology text book and therefore didn’t let myself read for pleasure.

What happened last night that kicked my butt back to my blog? It was the national Meet, Plan, Go! event. It is a moderated panel discussion made up of a diverse group of travel experts with the intention of encouraging and empowering anyone considering a career break for long-term travel. Obviously, I am not looking for a break since I need a career first, and the last thing I need is to be tempted to pick up and take off again; however, I went because I have connected with the travel community in San Francisco and had friends in the panel I wanted to support. Plus, travel events are always great networking and a lot of fun.

I took several things away from this event – things I expected like tips on travel insurance and working overseas or what to think about when picking destinations. However, what I appreciated most was the personal affirmation it gave me. I have taken off for a year and traveled alone before so I’m not worried about friends and family thinking I’m crazy or nervous about being a solo female traveler. What I have been concerned about is whether this would be relevant to me at this time, both personally and professionally. Personally, I’m not going anywhere soon for a number of reasons. Professionally, I am no longer a part of a travel company and have been working on a new business not affiliated with travel. I’m confused as to how to brand myself, or rather uphold my travel brand I’ve built for myself.

The thing is, travel will never leave me. Like what my friend Kristin Zibell said in her panel intro, travel is forever a part of me. Another issue she brought to our attention is how we Americans tend to define ourselves by our jobs, which needn’t be so. Also, I may not be taking a career break any time soon, but I know I will one day and one of the things that panelist and good friend Spencer Spellman mentioned was that he had wished he started his blog two years before his big trip. More motivation!

Although I am one of the biggest advocates for following your dreams (especially when it comes to travel), it was amazing to discover how much I needed to hear some of the big takeaway messages of last night’s event, like stay connected and do what makes you happy. Although I may not be physically going somewhere soon, I have been meeting so many wonderfully inspirational people through events like these, and I’m constantly planning the next big step, whether it’s in the form of a cover letter, or subconsciously my next venture abroad. I just need to continue to do what I love to do – travel when I can and write when I feel inspired to do so.

Like many or probably all San Franciscans (especially ones relatively new to the city), I have a city bucket list, mainly consisting of restaurants to try. It’s no secret that SF is known for their FOOD. And I’m happy to say that I’m taking full advantage of my surroundings (and my gym membership).

This past month has been no exception. Below I highlight my top favorite culinary experiences of July:

Uva Enoteca. I am always down for wine, cheese, and charcuterie. This combination might actually be the ticket to my heart. Therefore, I’m so glad to have stumbled upon this little Lower Haight neighborhood delight. The meats and cheeses were fresh and generously portioned. I especially loved the little ramekins of honeyed raisons, beets, and mustards to compliment the charcuterie. A great spot to unwind after a full day in the sun and in our particular case, flea market shopping and jazz fest frolicking. So satisfied with our meats and cheeses, we didn’t even get to the entree portion of the menu, but I’ve heard their pasta dishes are incredible so I look forward to returning.

Wellington’s. Continuing with the wine/meat/cheese theme, I’m happy to cross this off my bucket list only because my girlfriends have been telling me about this place since I moved to the city. And now I fully understand why Wellington’s is a must – for the mini escape from the city to sit on Sausalito’s water’s edge, to soak up the sun of the north bay, and to make a dent in the extensive and impressive wine menu. With a warm-up round at Bar Bocce next door, I’d say this was the perfect summer afternoon.

Out the Door. This should not be exclusively July’s highlight since this has been one of my favorite local spots for some time now. However, after this month, it is safe to say I am a regular and therefore, it needs to be mentioned. Owned by the same family who owns the famous Slanted Door, OTD is a more casual restaurant of modern Vietnamese cuisine. Please note: I am not the kind of person who will always order the same thing off the menu. Especially if I frequent a particular place, I like to get a taste of as much as I can. Out The Door may be my only exception to this rule. It must also be mentioned that everything on their menu looks amazing (especially the brunch menu), and almost every time I go I promise myself that I’ll try something new next time. But there is just nothing like phenomenal pho when you find it. This is why I go to OTD.

Alembic.  Alembic is the place to go for the refined palate and/or adventurous consumer. I will try anything once. In this case, it was duck hearts. Quite a delicacy. And it got bonus points from me being served over grilled pineapple. Y-um. San Francisco has also introduced me to the craft of craft cocktails and Alembic is a fabulous venue for such an introduction. I’ve never tasted such flavors anywhere else before in both food and beverage.

Frances. Two words: Bacon Beignets. I don’t think I’ve ever described a food as life-changing, but this might be it. (Photos cannot possibly come close to capturing its mouth-watering effects, but it had to be photographed for the purpose of freezing the moment in time.) I’m not even a crazy bacon fanatic who would have bacon morning, noon and night. I think it’s safe to say that if it was in the form of these magically light savory treats, I could. Especially with the side of maple chive creme fraiche. Un. Real. I’m pleased to report that the rest of the meal was complimentary and the service was impeccable. Please note: to get a reservation here, plan 30-60 days in advance. Kind of a big deal. As it should be.

Okay, that’s my July wrap-up. As I write this, I’m crossing another off the list as well. Life is good. Here’s to another month of SF indulgence!

Cheers,

Loz

This potential trip of a lifetime is merely the cherry on the top of what you win as a Tripping member. Here are the top 5 reasons to become a part of the Tripping community:

1. A reliable resource of cultural exchange and social good.

2. Get the “local experience” when you travel.

3. Show off your city and travel without having to pack.

4. Make and stay connected to friends all over the world.

5. All of the above for FREE!

Good luck! And should you be the lucky winner, don’t forget about yours truly. There are two tickets after all.

Cheers,

Loz

Berkeley. Oh how I love this place. The way it brings me back to my college days without being too strange and sentimental since I didn’t actually go to Cal (although a loving neighbor to my alma mater UC Davis). Telegraph Street: the overpowering smells of pizza, marijuana, and urine; the sounds of crazy people yelling and taiko drumming in the distance; all pressed upon the multidimensional backdrop of a gorgeous gothic university campus. There’s nothing quite like it.

Oh yeah, and their fries are delish (reg and sweet potato)!

But let’s get to the real reason I crossed the bridge the other day. MAOZ. Any travelers out there familiar with this place? It’s a vegetarian falafel eatery. Doesn’t sound too exciting, I know. I’m not vegetarian, but one of my best friends is and we traveled through Europe together twice. One of our favorite finds while in Spain and England? Maoz. If you’re currently traveling or planning to take a trip to Western Europe, look out for this little chain. It’s delicious, healthy, and filling – a tough combination to come by when you’re abroad and on a budget. You get a small or large pita, depending on how many falafels you want, and stuff it with whatever ingredients from the decked out salad bar, complete with several spreads and sauces. And there’s NO limit to refills! Oh yeah,did I mention it’s CHEAP?! I remember it costing 3-4 euros, which in London is practically stealing. I can’t do a backflip, but when I discovered that a Maoz lived a mere 30 minute BART ride away from me, the inner acrobat came out.

Walking the Telegraph strip sparked nostalgia of college life. Walking into that little Maoz shop – somewhat resembling a green giraffe – flooded me with memories of Barcelona and London. And made for an excellent inexpensive dinner date with friends.

Oakland. It may not be known as the most glamorous of cities, but The O definitely has its charm. I’ve been able to explore a few times this year. Once was perusing the financial district, which somehow ended up in a trip to Whole Foods and a fantastic sunbaked picnic alongside Lake Merritt (right).

This past week, I joined my fellow Travel Massive friends at a funky warehouse bar/restaurant hiding between office buildings and car dealerships. Despite the surrounding scenery, MUA is an awesome venue. Greeted by a small sunny patio great for casual bites and happy hour drinks, I quickly staked out a large picnic table for our meet-up. The entrance way bar divides the patio from the main dining room complete with high exposed warehouse ceilings with splattered art on the walls and various sized table tops. Close to BART, happy hour food and drink specials every day, outdoor seating, and sweet bathrooms; MUA has got it covered.

SF Travel Massive at MUA

Alameda. So I don’t know anything about Alameda other than it should be where you spend your first Sunday of every month. I have been to quite a few antique faires, swap meets, and flea markets in my day. This one is pretty unbelievable. We were there for four and a half hours and still didn’t see everything! Nevermind going back for a second look.

Everything sold at this market must be at least 20 years old. One of my roommates has been going for a while and has a serious bedside table addiction. Almost every time she comes back with a new one. I don’t blame her. The furniture at this place is exquisite. Hopefully soon she’ll have too many, she’ll have to disperse her purchases throughout the house. My other roommate made some badass buys this week, including an old recipe box with handwritten recipes – another purchase from which I will benefit.

I was a little overwhelmed to say the least. Figures that the one thing I did buy after nearly five hours of browsing and bargaining, was this vintage leather suitcase. I figure this week was a test run, taking it all in and developing a shopping strategy. I really wish I didn’t have to wait a month until the next one! My advice to first-timers: get there early (on a holiday weekend if you can), bring cash, wear sunscreen, and drink water. Also, take pictures and write down stall numbers. It’s a maze.

Exploring the outskirts or surrounding towns of your town can be an adventure of its own. Although I will never run out of things to try in the city, these are ways I never stop “traveling.” How do you travel within your hometown? Do you have a favorite day trip destination?

Cheers,

Loz

*Maoz photo from their facebook page. (Unprepared, my camera was dead when I went to Maoz. And let’s face it, I was probably too excited to remember to snap a photo prior to shoveling it into my face anyways.)