followingmywanderlust
FOLLOWING A SENSE OF WANDERLUST
4 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
sexy-ladies-walking
Women strutting their stuff.
rainesartblog
RainE's Artblog
jso129
Twinkling Starlight
celticgarden
Celticgarden
spidertams
There and back again
Text
Revisiting Pura Vida
for access to more photos and videos, visit: https://kyliebreenphotography.com/2020/05/01/revisiting-pura-vida/
Over two years ago I left the country for the first time in my life. I have always had a sense of wanderlust, known as a strong urge to travel. In April of 2018, I signed up for a mission trip to Costa Rica through my high school. Little did I know that my experience abroad would shape me completely (read more here). After experiencing the beauty and peace that I found everywhere in Costa Rica, I knew I would have to return to the place that holds such a special place in my heart.
This January I was fortunate enough to return to Costa Rica through pure luck. My father won a free vacation through his work and he was able to pick from a list of destinations. On that list was a trip for two to Costa Rica. After some serious convincing and a lot of procrastination on my family’s part on deciding where to go, we decided that my dad and I would go to Costa Rica (thanks Mom & Bro!).
My dad and I are the travelers of the family (considering my mom dislikes planes) because my dad has lots of experience traveling for work and I want to see the world. We planned our trip for two weeks, one week with the Caravan tour that he won and one week adventuring on our own. Caravan is a touring service that offers tours in several destinations at an affordable price. You can see the route we decided to take in the map below.
In January it is Costa Rica’s dry season which lasts from mid-November to May. The dry season typically consists of sunny, hot, and windy days. The Caribbean side, however, basically has its own weather pattern and is still rainy even during the dry season. The difference between the Carribean and Pacific side are vastly different which I will explain later in this blog.
GETTING READY
PACKING
I am definitely an overpacker when it comes to travel and the thought of a two-week long trip made me nervous. I started out by making a very long list of things I needed to bring and narrowed it down from there. Here are some key items that you should bring to Costa Rica:
Hats & Sunscreen: you must protect your skin from the blazing sun.
A Camera or GoPro: Costa Rica is absolutely stunning and you will want to capture the wildlife and landscapes, but remember that anything can be lost or sadly stolen when traveling so be extra cautious when brining valuables. I brought my camera and laptop and everything was fine, but on my prior trip I was advised to only pack what I needed. Don’t forget to pack your camera batteries, chargers, and memory cards.
Portable Charger: You never know when your phone will run out of juice so make sure to bring a portable charger so you’re always on the grid!
Bug Spray: There will be several hikes that will introduce you to some unwanted bug bites, so in order to avoid them make sure to pack some spray.
Water Bottles: The tap water in Costa Rica is mostly not safe to drink, so bring water bottles and fill them with fresh water from the grocery store instead. During our trip Caravan provided us with bottled water each day, but on our own we bought gallons of water and filled up our bottles before we left for the day. It is so important to stay hydrated when you are working up a sweat.
Comfortable Clothing: Keep in mind that comfort should come before fashion, especially in such hot weather. There are a series of activities that I did that required a change of clothes, so make sure to pack efficiently. We were able to use a laundromat during the trip so we did not have to pack as much! Make sure to pack hiking shoes, sandals, and water shoes because you will need them.
Toiletries: In many places we stayed, the hotel did not provide shampoo, conditioner, etc. so make sure to bring some of your own or check with where you are staying.
Journal: This may seem silly, but if you are someone like me and you have a bad memory, keeping a daily log of your activities will allow you to revisit your trip at any time.
¿HABLAS ESPAÑOL?
Costa Rica is primarily a Spanish-speaking country so it is a good idea to download a translating app onto your phone. A lot of Costa Ricans speak English as the country depends on tourism for their economy, but don’t expect everyone to. And it’s fun to learn a new language when it is everywhere around you! Go out of your comfort zone and try to ask questions in Spanish.
DATA PLAN
Many data plan providers have an international plan that you can sign up for, but a cheaper option is to buy a new SIM card while you are in Costa Rica. My dad is a tech wizard and he can explain this way better than me, but buying a SIM card is a more affordable option than paying a provider day-to-day. My dad bought one right outside the airport when we landed (it was a little sketchy), and it didn’t work very well so I would recommend talking to your data provider instead. My provider had a special plan for $10 a day and I only used it for 3/4 days when I needed to check in with the world. For the most part I was able to get away with using our hotel’s WiFi.
MONEY
Every Costa Rican shop I went to, whether it was an artisan shop or a restaurant, accepts U.S. dollars as well, but it is not a bad idea to exchange some of those dollars for colones. Most places, especially in San José accept both Visa and Mastercard credit cards, but once outside of the city there are a few small, family-owned businesses that only accept cash.
TRANSPORTATION
We were on our own for the first few days we were in Costa Rica, so we needed a rental car. We used the rental service Adobe rent a car which was very reliable and they even picked us up from the airport and drove us to our car. During our Caravan tour, we were provided transportation everywhere and we had our own bus (shoutout to our bus driver Chega for doing an amazing job).
THE ADVENTURE
TURRIALBA BED & BREAKFAST
After a long day full of travel, we finally arrived at Turrialba Bed & Breakfast, a comfortable, family-owned hotel located in the heart of Turrialba, two hours outside of San José. There are 11 rooms avaliable that are all different sizes. This bed & breakfast is not a typical, luxurious hotel, but it was an excellent way to observe the lives of many locals in Costa Rica. Every morning, one of the staff members would make us breakfast which included pineapples, papayas, rice and beans, juice, toast, and eggs. There is a gorgeous outside patio with many hammocks, a jacuzzi, and several fish tanks that add to a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, there is beautiful rooftop seating with an incredible view of the mountain range surrounding the city. The family was primarily Spanish-speaking, so make sure to know some basic spanish (like if you want fried eggs you should know huevos fritos)!
Within walking distance of the hotel is a beautiful park with a gazebo that the locals love, and restaurants that will not disappoint your taste buds. During my stay, I dined at More Than Words which is right around the corner from the hotel where we enjoyed a delicious pizza and salad.
We stayed at this B&B for two nights and had an amazing time experiencing Costa Rica outside of the populated city.
RIVER RAFTING
After an early morning breakfast at the B&B, we made our way to Tico’s River Adventures. Their base is located in Turrialba only about 10 minutes away from our hotel, and they even offered to pick us up and drop us off! Make sure to pack a change of clothes with you and be aware that you will have the opportunity to swim near the end of the trip, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty/wet. Tico’s website suggests bringing:
swimsuit/shorts (no jeans)
sunscreen or visor
strap to secure glasses
tennis shoes or sandals with ankle straps (no flip flops)
light rain jacket for rainy days
cotton T-shirts for sunny days
A day trip is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so be prepared for a long day! Tico’s is the first rafting company to get to the river giving them a competitive avantage over other companies. From Tico’s base, participants are picked up at various destinations on the way to the Pacuare River where the rafting takes place. Be aware that you are all squeezed together in a van depending on how many people are going on the trip. The ride took around an hour to an hour and a half total, and near the end of the drive were some very rocky and steep roads. Between the water and the drive, this trip is not for anyone who has motion sickness.
That being said, the long drive was 100% worth it and rafting was one of the biggest highlights of the trip. The Pacuare River is one of the top five most beautiful ratable rivers of the world according to National Geographic Magazine. Flavio was our guide and we were in a six person raft. Flavio spoke fluent English and had worked in California for a long period of time, and he made our rafting journey comfortable, educational, and hilarious. There are bathrooms located at the start of the river, but after that you will not see another bathroom for around two hours. For equipment we wore a lifejacket and helmet to ensure our safety during the trip. We started the rafting by going over basic instructions on how to paddle forwards and backwards which was easy to learn. There were rapids from difficulty levels one to four (none were too difficult in my opinion), and the rafting started out fairly easy. Along the river are two stunning waterfalls, small villages of the indigenous people of Costa Rica, and several rapids.
There are foot straps within the raft for stability, and falling out of the raft is not a problem as the guides are well trained. I only *almost* fell out of the raft once when Flavio decided to do a 360° turn while going down a rapid. I nearly flew off the side but I was thankfully saved by my dad.
At a calm section of the tour, we were able to get out of the raft and swim. It was one of the most calm and relaxing moments of my entire life. I floated on my back and heard the sounds of wildlife from birds chirping to howling monkeys in the distance. The rainforest trees towered above me on either side, and the water’s current swept me through the warm yet refreshing river.
We drifted towards a set of smooth rocks where we docked the rafts and the guides made us a delicious lunch. We were able to build our own tortillas and for dessert there was fresh pineapple.
After lunch, we continued for a while longer down the river until we reached the end of the rapids. We docked the boat and ended at a small restauraunt where we had the option to buy drinks or use the restroom facilities. Throughout the rafting journey, there is a photographer who kayaks ahead to take photos, and they are offered at the end of the trip for those who want to buy them. Overall, I would highly reccommend river rafting to anyone adventurous enough to try!
SAN JOSÉ
While we were at the B&B, someone who was staying there highly recommended the Mercado Central in San José. We had our final breakfast in Turrialba and drove to San José to find the market, but sadly we found it to be closed on Sundays. We paid a small amount to park in a fenced-in lot and we decided to walk around San José even if we didn’t get to go to the market. We decided to try and find Museo del Oro Precolombino (The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) after doing some research. On our way to the museum we walked through Central Avenue Boulevard which was lined with shops and fast food restarants. Families, couples, and individuals crowded the walking areas with one hand holding an ice cream cone and another grasping a shopping bag. There were vendors along the sides of the path that were selling handmade bracelets, keychains, and more.
On our way to the museum we found ourselves pretty hungry for lunch so we stopped at the National Theater of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional Costa Rica) for some delicious food. The interior of the theater was stunning and had several statues just inside the enterance. There was a small cafe located within the theater that served brunch. The cafe was very high-end with paintings and sculptures that decorated the interior. Waiters and waitresses were dressed in black and white and the overall feel of the cafe was prestigious. My father had more than one latte they were so delicious, and I enjoyed my meal as well. We got a window seat which was perfect for people-watching and enjoying the warm breeze.
After our lunch we asked directions to the museum and found right next door to the theater (you have to go down some stairs to find it). The museum was massive and had 3 different floors, one for a history of Costa Rican money, another for artwork, and the third for the gold. There were interactive stations, a fascinating video on the indigenous people of Costa Rica, and hundreds of beautiful artifacts. There was an entry fee that was a little pricey, but with the amount of history and art you got to see, it was worth it.
After our adventures in San José we headed to meet our Caravan tour at the airport where everyone was arriving.
CARAVAN TOUR
When traveling, I fear limitations and impetuosity so I did not expect to have the greatest experience with a guided tour. I like to venture off the formed paths and explore on my own with my camera in my hand – free from time constraints and noisy crowds. Nature has always resonated with me and calmed me down so I was afraid I wouldn’t have the same experience on this tour as I did when exploring Costa Rica on my own.
My fears were silly. This tour was incredible and because of it I was able to see some of the most stunning spots of Costa Rica. Martha Seeyle was our amazing guide and she made the experience so much better by teaching us about the culture and history of Costa Rica. There were some long bus rides, but Martha always had something new up her sleeve to teach us.
After settling in at Hotel Barceló in San Jose, we prepared for our first day of activities: a trip to a coffee farm.
COFFEE TOUR & BUTTERFLY FARM: ALAJUELA
If you are not an early riser, this trip may not be for you! We woke up at 7:00 a.m. and grabbed a buffet style breakfast at the hotel (which was very yummy). After breakfast we departed for Alajuela, but on the way we stopped at an artisan souvenir shop and saw the world’s largest ox cart! We got a mini tour of where they make the wheels of ox carts and saw some artisans in action. They provided some fruit and a lemonade-tasting drink (that apparently wasn’t lemonade) for us to snack on. We were given time to shop around the store and use the restrooms, and then we were off to the Doka Coffee Plantation.
Once we arrived we ate a buffet-style lunch in an open area full of seating, and we were the only group there. After we finished eating we were given the opportunity to explore the grounds which had a butterfly garden! There were two levels to the garden and plenty of open space for the butterflies to fly around.
Our guide for the coffee tour was very knowledgable, but in my opinion I found the tour to be a bit bland at times considering I have no interest in coffee. Our guide took us through the step-by-step process of collecting coffee beans from picking them to roasting them and we even watched a short video about the plantation before we started our tour.
One pretty great part though was that we got to sample some chocolate and vanilla covered beans (if you couldn’t tell I have a sweet tooth). We were also given the opportunity to buy the bags of beans directly from the plantation which was pretty neat after just watching the step-by- step process.
I think that a lot of people on the tour enjoyed the plantation, but because I am not a coffee drinker and I prefer activities with a little more action, this was my least favorite activity while on the trip (it only goes up from here!).
We arrived back at our hotel around 3:30 which gave us plenty of time to do some exploring around the hotel and get some rest before dinner. We walked to a local market to pick up some snacks because we had already run out of the ones we brought, and had a relaxing evening. Hotel Barceló was one of the nicest hotels we stayed at with functional wifi, great food, and comfortable and spacious rooms. The only issue is that they played the same exact song on repeat for every single meal to the point where it became a running joke and we could all hum along to it.
RESCATE ANIMAL ZOOAVE: FORTUNA
We left the hotel at 8:00 a.m. after enjoying another buffet-style breakfast at the hotel and in no time we arrived at the Rescate Animal Zooave, a wildlife rescue center located in Fortuna. The center is home to 800 animals that are not able to be released into the wild due to injury or becoming desensitized to humans. We watched a short video about the history and mission of the center and we were encouraged to donate to help the animals in the end for surgeries or for new equipment. I took over a thousand photos alone at the center of all the stunning birds, iguanas that roamed free, crocodiles, monkeys, and more. We didn’t even get to see all of the animals the park was so big, and we had a pretty funny encounter with one of the monkeys. We had another buffet-style lunch (we got used to it) at the center which was very yummy, but we ran out of time to try and see the rest of the park. All of the animals seemed to be treated very well and the establishment was clean and welcoming which made me feel really good.
We headed to our next hotel, Magic Mountain Hotel located in Fortuna. To break up the drive, we stopped at a stunning park where we grabbed ice cream and walked around. There were two adorable, stray (we think) dogs in the park that were very friendly and hung out with us while we ate our ice cream.
The great thing about this tour was that Martha always made sure we broke up the longer drives which gave us a chance to grab some food, stretch our legs, and use the restroom. I believe the longest we were in the bus at one time was 2-3 hours.
We arrived at the hotel around 4:00 and instead of eating dinner at the hotel, my dad and I decided to take a 20 minute walk (2km) into town to grab some local dinner. Before deciding on a place to eat, we explored the local shops and bought a few postcards to send out to our family in California.
We ended up at a place called Lava Lounge which had delicious food and not to mention one of the best smoothies I have ever had. The lounge had nice seating that looked out onto the street and an artisan was crafting at the enterance for entertainment. The menu was very extensive and a relief after having too many buffet-style meals (see the menu here). I ordered a Santa Fe wrap and a strawberry banana smoothie which were both very filling. I am a dog lover and the lounge had various advertisements about the importance of adopting or volunteering at shelters which made my heart happy. You could even buy a digital food item and the proceeds would go to the dogs.
Walking back to the hotel was a little sketchier considering there were limited sidewalks and it was dark outside, but it was totally worth the yummy meal. The Magic Mountain hotel had a great view of the volcano (when it wasn’t cloudy), a pool, and very comfortable rooms with air conditioning. The WiFi, however, did not work very well and we were only a few steps away from the lobby which was a little frustrating.
CAÑO NERO HOT SPRINGS: RIO FRIO
We departed the hotel at 8:00 after eating breakfast and drove north until we reached the Rio Frio river. We stopped at a small restaurant and then we proceeded to take a short walk to the river where we boarded a boat. We saw so many fascinating animals from monkeys to lizards. We travelled so far north that we were able to cross the border of Nicaragua!
The boat cruise was only an hour long, but afterwards I was known as the “camera lady” because of my massive lens and how I ran around the boat trying to get as many photos as possible – I was definitely in my element.
After our tour we ate lunch at the restaurant we parked at and then headed back to the hotel. Miraculously, on our way there Chega, our bus driver, spotted a three-toed sloth and a two-toed sloth in the same tree! We pulled over and took a look at the sloths which was very rare to see.
Our next destination was the Baldi Hot Springs which was not exactly as natural as I expected. We were given the option to opt out of this activity, but my dad and I wanted to fill our day. I was expecting a few pools that were completely natural and warmed by the volcano, but I was surprised to find more of a man-made waterpark. There were bars, food, lounge chairs, slides, and lockers for your belongings. Rather than the sanctuary I was thinking of, it was more comparible to a waterpark.
The food and drinks were incredibly expensive (one smoothie was $16) which was disappointing. On the positive side the water was incredibly relaxing and there were separate pools with different temperatures including a cool-down zone.
Because of my initial expectations I was disappointed with the hot springs, but it was nice to sit down and relax in some warm water after a busy day.
HANGING BRIDGES: ARENAL
We had a very early morning and woke up at 5:45 a.m. and had breakfast at the hotel at 6:00. Our next destination was the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, and to my surprise I had actually been to this park on my last trip! During this trip we were able to see some monkeys, but we didn’t see much other wildlife. The hanging bridges were so cool and the sounds of the forest surrounded us at all times. The walk was around 3.2km, but there was also a shorter version (1.9km) for individuals who didn’t want to walk as far.
Near the end of the walk is a natural waterfall that serves as a great photo spot. Additionally, the entrance of the park has a perfect view of the Arenal volcano, and I was able to recreate a picture from my last trip!
I love the hanging bridges because you become one with nature, and there were barely any crowds so it was incredibly peaceful. After our walk we went headed to our next hotel and stopped for lunch and at another souvenir shop in order to break up the drive (we spent most of the day driving). We even drove by the hotel that I stayed at during my last trip (a.k.a. my favorite place in the world).
^^^Hotel Los Héroes – Read more about my last Costa Rica trip here.
We eventually arrived at the Marriott Resort just in time for sunset. After settling into our rooms, we walked down to the ocean (the resort is located on the beach) and took some amazing pictures of the landscape.
JW MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT: GUANACASTE
We had the entire day dedicated to this resort, so we got to wake up whenever we wanted. In an effort to not waste the day away sleeping, we woke up at 8:30 and got breakfast. There was a separate restaurant just for our tour and we had access to it during a certain time frame. When I walked into the buffet, my jaw DROPPED. I have never seen so many pastries, fruits, cereals, eggs, and more in one place. I quickly filled my plate and as much as I wanted to go back for seconds, I was way too full.
We had the entire day to ourselves, so we decided to go for a hike located on the hotel’s grounds. We didn’t see anyone else during the hike, so it was just us and the birds. I got to take pictures of some beautiful birds, but I saw even more wildlife. While we were walking we were shocked to hear some movement above us, and we looked up to see a pack of howler monkeys! They were so calm and didn’t move for quite some time so we were able to observe them closely. One of the monkeys was carrying a baby and I was able to take one of my all-time favorite photos.
After our hike we decided to cool off at the hotel’s infinity pool which overlooked the ocean. I ordered a strawberry banana smoothie (they became my obsession on this trip) and took some time to relax under the sun. After swimming in the pool, we told ourselves we had to jump into the ocean ( I didn’t get to on my last trip), so we ran into the waves for a surprisingly very refreshing swim. The water was a perfect temperature and the sand was so smooth – the best swimming conditions in my opinion.
While we were on the way to the hotel, Martha mentioned that there were horses only a short distance from the entrance so we decided to go pay them a visit. Our timing was impeccable as the sun was setting, so a beautiful, golden light backlit all of the horses. They came right up to the fence and let us pet them, and one even started to eat my dad’s shirt (it was very amusing). We spent a lot of time with them until it was dark and then we decided to grab dinner and hit the hay.
Our entire group basically had to be pulled away from this resort because between the food and the amenities it was the best hotel we had been at so far.
BIRD WATCHING CRUISE: TARCOLES RIVER
We woke up at 5:50 a.m. and grabbed our last, best breakfast. My dad and I “stole” extra bananas and apples from the buffet and ran to the horses with the spare time we had before we boarded the bus. We fed the horses both apples and bananas (they preferred the apples) which made for a pretty magical morning.
We sadly departed from the Marriott and headed to Tarcoles River, but on the way we stopped at a small, Monteverde restaurant for restrooms and ice cream (yes, I ate ice cream before lunch – it was delicious and only $2). We continued on the road again and stopped at a different restaurant for a buffet-style lunch. We had the choice between steak and chicken with some rice and a few other sides. The restaurant was completely open-concept with a cool breeze coming in on all sides. We even saw some iguanas crawling around outside!
We continued to drive to the river, and when we got there, a boat was waiting for us. This river is known for its crocodiles, so don’t fall overboard! On the cruise we saw birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and more. The directors of the boat tour were able to identify the crocodiles by name based on what they looked like and where they were hanging out which was pretty neat.
The boat tour flew by (it was around an hour long) and we headed out for our next hotel once again. Hotel San Bada had a stunning rooftop view of Manuel Antionio National Park on one side, and the sunset on the beach on the other.
When we arrived we enjoyed another buffet-style dinner and then we went to the roof for “cocktail hour” and the sunset. I brought my camera and managed to see some Squirrel Monkeys climbing through the trees which was so cool because they are difficult to find!
The sunset was absolutely breathtaking and it was paired with some people who were parasailing which made the photos even more exciting.
Before our big day in Manuel Antonio National Park, our Caravan group watched a short video about the history of the park and learned about the trails that we could take. We were told to bring hiking shoes, a change of clothes, a towel, and a bathing suit in order to be able to do everything at the park. Martha said we could sleep in until whenever, but if you want the best experience of the park, you should go right when it opens at 7:00 a.m.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
We woke up at 6:00 a.m. and ate breakfast at the hotel. We found our group at the entrance of the hotel which is conveniently located a few steps away from the park’s entrance. We chose to take the long route through the park with lots of stairs and lookout spots (I would say this hike was difficult, but an 80 year old woman with our group did it with no problems). During our hike we saw monkeys, agouti, sloths, and some birds. There was a group of Capuchin monkeys that came right up to us (they were so close that I couldn’t even take photos with my lens). In hopes of finding more birds (specifically toucans because they are my favorite), we climbed a lookout tower, but we had no luck.
After our hike we took a quick dip in the water which was a perfect temperature! The park filled up quickly and it seemed like most people went for the water and not for the hikes.
We left the park at 11:30 a.m. to grab lunch at the hotel, and said goodbye to our Caravan group as we were beginning our individual trip. I was the youngest one on the trip and the tour was definitely more orientated for an older crowd, but we made some memories with a lot of the people on the trip so it was a heartwarming goodbye.
INDIVIDUAL EXCURSION
We stayed at San Bada for a little longer to plan out our day on our own, and at 1:00 we taxied to our next hotel which was only around 15 minutes away. Peace of Paradise was a very cute apartment-style hotel which had a balcony with a sliding screen door.
We later found out why the door was sliding – monkeys had figured out how to open regular push/pull doors and had raided the kitchens for food! I went to take a nap, but I was incredibly surprised when my dad opened my door and told me there were monkeys at the door. I completely thought he was joking, so I dismissed it until he told me to grab my camera (then I knew it was real). I sprung out of bed to find a group of monkeys raiding the neighbors house for sandwiches and eggs. They were so close I was able to use my phone to take photos, and their visit was definitely a highlight of my trip.
After that excitement, we decided to explore the town so we went to a grocery store and picked up some snacks for the next few days. At 6:30 p.m. we decided to find a place for dinner and walked through town to see what our options were. We ended up at Victoria’s – a gourmet Italian place which had absolutely delicious food. I got fettuccine alfredo with chicken and I wish that I could have finished it it was so good. The customer service was the best we’ve ever had, and we were waited on by several people. One waiter, Manny, is a photographer and showed us his photos and shared his Instagram with us – I still follow him! We had a lovely evening at the restaurant and I highly recommend it to anyone in the Manuel Antonio area.
DAY 1: TRAVELING TO DRAKE BAY
We woke up at 6:15 a.m. and packed up to leave Peace of Paradise, and one of the employees asked to take our photo in front of the sign for the hotel (they do this for every guest and compile the images on Facebook).
We spent most of the day traveling from Manuel Antonio to the Osa Peninsula where we would be staying in Drake Bay for three nights. We took a small van from the San Bada hotel to Sierpe which was a scenic two-hour ride with palm trees lining both sides of the street.
We arrived at a small restaurant that sits right where the boats to Drake Bay depart and spent two hours there waiting for our boat to be ready. I had some scrambled eggs and a strawberry banana smoothie (what else is new) and worked on some photo editing to kill some time (there was stable WiFi).
Eventually, we loaded the boats which were very crowded (around 30 people), and we had to put our lifejackets on (all of the luggage was stored in the cabin of the boat). The first half of the boat ride was very calm, but it became pretty bumpy when we reached the ocean. In order to dismount the boat, you had to get out into knee-high water and walk to shore because the boats could not go all the way so make sure to wear some sandals. The crew will take care of your luggage for you and will carry it over their heads to shore.
Hotel employees of Cabinas Murillo, the hotel we were planning to stay in, met us on the beach and carried our luggage to a pick up truck. We got inside the truck and they drove us a quick two-minute ride to the hotel. Almost immediately you could feel the heat difference on the Osa Peninsula. Unfortunately this hotel had no A/C (although it had two fans), so the heat easily made its way inside the room. The only way I could cool off was by sitting completely still or taking a cold shower. Sure, the hotel itself wasn’t 5 stars, but the view from our balcony was breathtaking and the price was very affordable. We spent some time cooling down by sitting on our balcony watching birds of all different colors and sizes fly around us. We decided to stay in Drake Bay for a few days because of our love for birding (specifically bird photography in my case), and the Osa Peninsula is renouned for its unique birds.
After finally cooling down, we grabbed lunch at a local place where I got a piece of pizza (I missed pizza) and yet another smoothie. The town in Drake Bay is incredibly cozy, small, and you will see a lot of locals. There are two markets in town that have any food you’ll need during your stay, serveral restaurants, a church, and some tourist-y stores. For dinner we went to a place called La Choza which had some of the best shrimp and rice we have ever eaten. We ended up having this almost every single night for dinner while in Drake Bay because of how delicious it was. The restaurant was always very busy and was a popular destination for many locals.
DAY 2: EXPLORING DRAKE BAY
Because our sleep schedules were trained for early mornings we ended up waking up at 6:30 a.m. and grabbed breakfast at one of the local restaurants. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but I remember that they had a variety of pastries and a complete breakfast menu. We walked through the town and down to the beach where we ran into some four – legged friends who followed us on our walk through the bay.
We booked a birding tour online the day before (we didn’t exactly expect a response as most people book tours months in advance) and hadn’t heard anything from the company, so we spent some time looking to get in contact with the tour guide. After about an hour of searching, we recieved a phone call that we could do the tour the next day instead. If you are looking to do any type of activity or tour, I would recommend booking in advance to ensure that you’ll have a spot.
With our new free time, we walked some more through the bay (it’s very small), spent time scouting some birds from our balcony, and got ready for an early morning.
DAY 3: BIRDING TOUR
We woke up at 5:00 a.m. (our earliest morning yet) and got ready for our tour with Drake Bay Birdwatching. We packed binoculars, camera gear, water, and a change of shoes. Walter, our tour guide, picked us up at 6:10 a.m. and he explained that we would make a few different stops to see the most diversity.
Our first stop was at an open field lined by trees where we saw hummingbirds, chachalachas, and more. We spent around an hour at the field and even heard some rare birds as well. Walter was incredibly educated on the subject and got so excited when he saw a bird that it made you very excited too. His passion was clear and he was dedicated to helping me get the photos I envisioned.
Our next photo spot was Los Planes which is part of Corcovado National Park, but is more quiet and remote. While we were hiking through Los Planes, we did not see anyone else. In the forest we saw a variety of wildlife including lizards, insects, racers, monkeys, and of course – birds. We trekked through the forest for around 2 hours and stopped at several spots along the way when we heard bird calls or when we saw something moving. There was even a (very rare) chance that we could encounter a jaguar which was exciting and chilling.
After carrying around a 7-pound camera around in the humid forest, I felt a little lightheaded; it could also be the fact that I didn’t eat anything before our tour. Make sure you either eat before a long day of hiking, or you bring a snack along the way to avoid any overexhaustion.
Walter provided us with a snack of watermelon, bananas, and lemonade after Los Planes which were all very fresh. We made a quick stop on our way back to drake bay center to try and see a king vulture, and we did! You couldn’t see it with a bare eye and my 600mm lens barely picked it up, but I managed to get the photo below.
Walter drove us to a restaurant located right near our hotel where we had a scrumptious lunch (appetizers too) that were all included with the tour. Walter offered to drive us back to the hotel, but we opted to walk instead. I was exhausted by the time the tour was done and I ended up napping for a few hours before we grabbed dinner at La Choza again. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is patient and has a passion for wildlife, and if you can have Walter as your guide, his excitement, talent for spotting the wildlife, and his overall knowledge made the tour great. A few weeks after our tour Walter sent us a copy of all of the birds that we observed (heard and saw) during our trip (see photo below).
DAY 4: TRAVELING TO SAN JOSÉ
We woke up at 6:30 a.m. to catch our boat ride back to Sierpe, and from there we took a taxi to Adobe Car Rental in Uvita. We had to stop at a bank on the way because we ran out of colones in Drake Bay because there are no ATMs (make sure you load up on cash before you go to the bay!).
We were a few hours early for our rental car, so we ate brunch at Marino Ballena which was located across the street. I easily spent a lot of time at this restaurant because of the great food, customer service, and WiFi. The owner was from New Jersey and was very friendly and even provided me with the WiFi information (which was a blessing after not having it for a few days). I ate the “American breakfast” with some orange juice which hit the spot! Our car was ready at 12:30 p.m. (a little early!) so we were able to head out to our next hotel. The car ride to the hotel had some great views of the central valley.
Marriott Courtyard in Alajuela was kind of luxurious compared to Cabinas Murillo (but hey – you get what you pay for!). It was nice to finally have a night with A/C tucked under the covers.
DAY 5: HEADING HOME
After two, long weeks away from home we were both ready to travel back to Massachusetts (home sweet home). We woke up at 8:00 a.m. and had a very relaxing morning at the Marriott. We went downstairs for breakfast and similar to the JW Marriott in Guanacaste, the buffet was full of scrumptious choices. We had some time to kill before our flight, so we visited the Botanical Orchid Garden in Alajuela for one last adventure.
The garden was unfortunately underwhelming, but it may have been the time of year we went. There were some birds on display, a pretty pond, a unique bamboo trail, and greenhouses full of different types of vegetation. We spent some time taking some photos at the garden and listening to the thundering of massive bamboo hitting each other in the wind before we went on our way to the car rental place to drop off our car.
We got a ride to the airport from the car rental place and we began the journey home. We took two connecting flights to Boston from San José and after a day of travel we got home at 2 a.m..
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
I know I haven’t travelled much yet, but my experiences in Costa Rica have been some that I wouldn’t change for anything, and this magical place will hold a special place in my heart forever. I’ve seen a lot of Costa Rica, but I haven’t seen it all, so I want to go back and finish my journey one day. The wildlife, people, and landscapes, are all reasons to visit this country. In Costa Rica, I was able to exercise all of my passions, expand my appreciation for nature, and try things outside of my comfort zone (leaving home for two-weeks was certainly a start).
Trust me, you are going to want to visit this stunning country in order to discover the laid-back nature of living with Pura Vida (Pure Life).
0 notes
Text
Taking A Bite Out of The Big Apple
I have never been a city person. As a kid the tall structures and heavy population made me anxious and I always preferred the countryside. I was intimidated by the honking of the cars throughout the night, the narrow sidewalks filled with people, the dozens of different scents from the restaurants that lined the streets, and the sounds of various street performers. Going to the city was a sensory overload for me and I often left a little bit spooked.
My recent trip to New York City, however, changed my mind. NYC is an excellent place to travel to and there are activities and beautiful spots that are always within walking distance of you. I am fortunate enough to have friends who share a passion for travel and adventure, but as college students we often find ourselves limited by money. We found plenty of activities to do to fill our three days in the city without spending hundreds of dollars. NYC is an enormous city and I only got to experience some of it, but based off of what I saw, the Big Apple is a place you should add to your bucket list. Below I have outlined the highlights of my trip, and things you should know before you take on the city.
JERSEY CITY
We started our journey in Jersey City which is where we stayed overnight. After sleeping two nights in this city, I realized it is a great place to both escape and experience NYC. Many younger people who work in Manhattan often stay in Jersey City because of cheaper rents. Just across the street from the apartment complex we were staying at was a beautiful view of the city. The streets in Jersey City were a lot quieter, and only a trolley would pass every once in a while. In comparison to NYC's crowded sidewalks, Jersey City is a lot quieter. Those individuals who are out seem to be heading to the subway to get to the city and are not looking to walk around. NYC is just a short subway or ferry ride away, so if you need to escape the busy city life at night, Jersey City is right next door.
TRANSPORTATION
During our trip we only took the subway and walked in order to save as much money as possible. The subways were usually very crowded and at one point we had to run along the platform to find a car that the three of us could fit into (we made it though!). The subways were fairly affordable but after going back and forth to Jersey City every day and other locations in NYC, the costs added up. A one-way fare from Jersey City to Manhattan is $2.75. We bought our tickets at the station's PATH vending machine with both cash and cards and only ran into trouble when one of the vending machines didn't work (to learn more about the PATH fares click here). The subways are very clean and efficient and we took one in every day from Jersey City to The Oculus. The Oculus houses the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in Manhattan for the PATH system. The Oculus is located right next to the 9/11 Memorial, and subways depart from and arrive at The Oculus from multiple locations. Of course in the city in addition to the subway there are taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts, but we opted to walk instead.
THE MOST ICONIC SPOTS
THE OCULUS
Opened in 2016, The Oculus has the most interesting architecture I have seen. The Oculus is located in lower Manhattan next to the 9/11 Memorial and serves as a hub for Manhattan. I took the subway into The Oculus from Jersey City every morning and departed from there every night, so I got to experience a lot of the cool features that the building has. The subway ride between the two cities took around 7 minutes and flew by. It is a very open concept with beautiful lighting at night. It is entirely white which felt like the train station straight out of the last Harry Potter movie. The Oculus has a variety of small stores for visitors to go to. For the most part, my experience with the building was getting in and out so I didn't get the chance to shop, but I did take the stairs to the top level of the structure which provides a very beautiful view of the building's entirety. From the outside, the building looks even more unique as it contrasts against the black, tall buildings that surround it.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
At over 1.1 miles long, the bridge makes an excellent walk with a view on both sides of the city as it leaves Manhattan and crosses over the East River to Brooklyn. The bridge is typically very crowded as it is a tourist attraction, so be aware that there will be people on either side of you at almost all times. Don't be like me and wear heels to walk across this bridge, as you will be much more comfortable in sneakers or tennis shoes. There is the option to bike across the bridge as well but it may be difficult considering the amount of people walking on the bridge. Make sure to bring your camera because along the bridge are some beautiful views - you can even see the Statue of Liberty if you look closely (it looks tiny from the bridge). While walking the bridge you'll see almost everyone stopping for photos and climbing (safely) on the rails to get the best pictures. Just be aware of your surroundings so that you do not bump into anyone!
Once off the bridge there are plenty of spots that make for excellent views from afar -- all you have to do is walk around! We found Soho House, a tall brick building near Main Street Park, where we climbed to the top floor where we discovered an outdoor space with beautiful brick arcs that framed the bridge perfectly. In front of the house is a picture-perfect walkway with a stunning view of Brooklyn Bridge on the water - a great spot for photos without crowds of people in the background. There are various parks surrounding the bridge such as Main Street Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park that have carousels and gorgeous views of the city and bridge.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
I did not get the chance to actually go to the Statue of Liberty, but while crossing the Brooklyn Bridge I was able to see it. I used my camera to zoom in on the statue to get a better view and I was able to take the photo below. Next time I go to NYC I will be sure to visit the statue as it holds such historical significance for our country.
DUMBO
One of the best photo spots for the Brooklyn Bridge is at a place called Dumbo; and no, it has nothing to do with the elephant that can fly from Disney. Dumbo is actually short for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass" - cool, right! Dumbo is located in Brooklyn, and the iconic photo spot is located at the intersection of Washington and Front Streets. Influencers, bloggers, and tourists all love this spot for the perfect framing of the bridge between two brick buildings. Your photo may not come out picture perfect as there are crowds of people and cars, but it still is a great spot to see.
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
I visited New York City right after Christmas which was the perfect time to visit the Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center is located in Midtown Manhattan and has many places to shop, eat, and see the city. Because of the time of year, the center was packed with people almost everywhere. The Christmas tree is bigger than any Christmas tree I have seen before - It's hard to miss! Additionally, right near St. Patrick's Cathedral there was a light show that lasted only a few minutes but went along to different songs. We grabbed Ben & Jerry's ice cream at a complex located right next to the tree for a yummy desert before we headed back to Jersey City.
ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
I was astounded when I first saw this cathedral because the beautiful architecture and color stood out in the midst of black skyscrapers and the dark sky. St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of the most interesting buildings I have seen and I was only able to experience it from the outside. The white, rigid structure has beautiful sculptings and patterns within the windows, and archways exaggerated the older yet polished exterior. The cathedral is very long and its brilliant design is not just visible in the front. I was able to walk along the outside of the cathedral and though I did not get the chance to go inside I can only imagine that the inside matches the beauty of the outside.
TIMES SQUARE
Despite only experiencing Times Square from afar, I could tell that it was a hub of the city. Times Square is only an 8 minute walk from the Rockefeller Center and even from afar you can see that people are crowded everywhere. Electronic billboards and neon signs lined the streets making for some great photographs. We didn't go to the center of Times Square, but I was able to experience it at a glimpse at the intersection of W 49 St. and Broadway. I plan to return to Times Square in the future in order to truly experience the beauty of all of the buildings and shops that surround the area.
FOOD
CHICONNIS
Located right off of the Brooklyn Bridge and outside of Main Street Park in Brooklyn sits Cecconi, a higher-end restaurant that has a beautiful view. The interior of the restaurant is extremely luxurious with white brick walls, different colored comfortable seating, and beautiful art that lines the walls. We were given the brunch menu and I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try something new. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana which was delicious, but also super filling - I couldn't finish it! I also decided to treat myself and get a juice as well (which was on the pricier side), but the customer service that came along with it was excellent. A waiter came out with a glass and opened the juice and poured it in for me, and gave me the rest in the bottle for later. I got the watermelon juice which had a very strong gingery taste which I could only drink a little at a time, but for experienced juice-drinkers (if that is a thing!) I think this juice would be delicious. I am not a coffee drinker, but my friends absolutely adored their lattes, and they even came with a little biscuit on the side. Overall, this restaurant had great customer service once we sat down and our food was made swiftly. The only issue we had was our wait time even after making a reservation; the restaurant was incredibly busy when we went and even though we made a reservation we had to wait around a half hour to be seated. I think the food and quality customer service made up for it though! I would recommend this restaurant to anyone for a nice meal in a beautiful spot as long as they make a reservation ahead of time.
THE STANDARD GRILL
The Standard Grill is attached to The Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District which is located in the west side of Manhattan. We went to the grill for brunch and we were met with a surprisingly extensive menu which can be seen here. We struggled to pick our food with so many delicious options, but we were able to make some good choices in the end. While we were waiting for our food we were able to admire the beautiful space that let in a lot of natural light and was lined with green plants that made the atmosphere welcoming and comfortable. I got the Smoked Salmon Platter which was TO DIE FOR. The food was so yummy that we couldn't fit in room for dessert. My platter was arranged very nicely as I was able to construct my own sandwich, and the customer service was excellent as well. In the downstairs of the grill (where the bathrooms are) there was a small photo booth that we felt like we had to take advantage of and we were even sent a digital copy afterwards. I'm no restaurant connoisseur, but this restaurant was a little more on the pricey side for a brunch meal, but the quality of the food definitely lines up with the price - you get what you pay for! The grill wasn't nearly as popular as the Cecconi restaurant so we had no wait time at all which was a huge plus especially after walking a few miles through the city and wanting to sit down.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
ROOFTOP VIEW
While walking around the Meatpacking District, we stumbled upon this perfect rooftop view located in Restoration Hardware, an interior design store. We walked through the store and saw some stunning furniture (which we definitely couldn't afford) and we climbed the stairs to the top level where there are sliders that open up to an open view. We weren't even sure if the sliders opened, but we decided to give it a try. No one else was on the overlook giving us the freedom to enjoy the view and take photos on our own. This store was a great place for some classic city photos without the crowds. Remember to keep your eyes open for spots like these when you're exploring the city, you never know what you will find!
COLORED WALLS
During my visit we stumbled upon a bunch of very artistic walls located outside of The Oculus that made for some excellent photos. There were neon colors, different patterns, black and white, and overall a great place to snap some pics with a cool backdrop. These walls were a part of The Reflection Project by Yoko Ono in which the walls aim to invite people off of the streets to engage with their "personal reflection."
WALKING
Because we wanted to save some money, we walked almost everywhere through the city. Every day we walked at least 5 miles (one day we walked 7!) which was totally worth the sore feet. If you choose to walk, make sure you dress comfortably with sneakers that can help you get to your destination painlessly. We got to see the city from the ground level and walking allowed us to find some great photo spots along the way. During our stay we totally lucked out with the weather being almost 50° every day which made my experience so much better. Traveling on your own two feet gives you the ability to adventure a little bit and go off the roads to find some pretty unique spots. Now, you don't have to walk 5 miles, but make sure to walk around when you're in the city to find some great places for pictures with stunning views.
CONCLUSION
New York City definitely surprised me. I was able to walk throughout the city freely and I saw some pretty amazing art, views, and architecture all the while getting some great exercise. The child who was once scared of skyscrapers and crowds had disappeared. I found myself in the crowds looking at all of the families trying to scramble together and take a picture, couples that were hugging underneath the christmas tree, and photographers yelling out to strangers trying to take their photos. I was able to see all different types of people and rather than anxiously pushing through crowds to get some fresh air as I had when I was a kid, I took a step back and observed my surroundings. Instead of getting dizzy looking at tall buildings, I glanced inside the windows and saw beautifully arranged apartments, people partying, and individuals looking out telescopes. As a photographer I found the city to be photographable at almost any location, but I realized the importance of retracting my eye from the viewfinder of my camera and taking in the city life. Being with my two best friends made this adventure infinitely better as I had people I could trust and make memories with for the duration of my stay. I highly recommend traveling to NYC to experience the stunning architecture, unexpected discoveries, and delicious food. Now go find some friends and schedule a trip to NYC!
for more content visit: https://kyliebreenphotography.com/2020/04/18/taking-a-bite-out-of-the-big-apple/
#newyorkcity#nyc#travel#blog#travelblog#blogging#review#nycreview#statueofliberty#jerseycity#timessquare
0 notes
Text
Paulo Brenninkmeijer: One Man’s Take on Ditching Book Learning and Traveling the World Instead
Paulo is a strong supporter of travel and advises anyone who can book a plane ticket to do so as soon as they can. Brenninkmeijer exclaims that travelling helps others understand humanity, and going abroad can help individuals discover more about themselves as well.
Paulo Brenninkmeijer is a world traveller, international student, and entrepreneur all before the age of twenty. Brenninkmeijer was born in Brazil and raised in the United Kingdom, but he now spends most of his time in Beverly, Massachusetts as a student at Endicott College. Paulo has travelled to over a dozen countries, has learned valuable lessons, and experienced unforgettable memories. Brenninkmeijer is fluent in Dutch, German, and English, and is currently learning Spanish and Portugese. His cultural awareness along with his skillset of speaking several languages has allowed Paulo to integrate easily into multiple cultures during his travels. China, Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Galapagos Islands, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Maldives, Bermuda, and most places in Europe and America are just some of the destinations that Paulo has visited.
Brenninkmeijer has had many adventures in his travels including meeting fascinating people, spending four weeks in the wilderness, finding himself in a warzone in Columbia, seeing the very last white rhino on Earth, and experiencing some of the most beautiful views around the world.
Interview with Paulo Brenninkmeijer
Q: I just wanted to start off by getting to know you. Please briefly introduce yourself by telling me where you are from, your age, where you attended school, and your current area of study.
A: Hello my name is Paulo Brenninkmeijer, I am originally Brazilian, however, I have German heritage a Dutch nationality - I live in the United Kingdom - have done for 15 years after moving from Brazil, my Mom’s German, my Dad’s Dutch. For secondary school I went to a school called Worth Abbey in Crawley which is in the United Kingdom near Gatwick Airport. Currently I am studying International Business and Administration at Endicott College in the United States.
Q: I have heard that you have quite the experience in travelling. Could you list the places you have travelled to?
A: So I’m in a fortunate position where I get to travel often. Some of the places where I’ve travelled include - well I’ve been to Asia, most places in Europe, when I went to Asia I’ve been to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Sri Lanka, and in South America I’ve been to Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and then I’ve been to different places in America. I’ve been to Kenya, I’ve been to Africa, I’ve been to South Africa, Kenya-Mombasa which is technically in Kenya, then I’ve also been to Botswana, ya I’ve been to the Galapagos Islands, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, the Maldives, Bermuda.
Q: Which one was your favorite and why?
A: Yes a favorite place that I have visited is definitely the Galapagos Islands. Well I went to work there for 4 weeks - The Galapagos it’s an omnibenevolent place it’s so amazing and overpowering when you’re there because of the beauty of the people, the nature, the location, the animals. It’s pretty much a modern version of the Garden of Eden if I had to describe it. Everything seems perfect - all your troubles, all your worries, everything goes away. It’s just you, yourself, and this amazing awe that the area just emits - and that the people emit which is also why when you go there you just fall in love and you can’t have time for anything back home, you don’t have time for your little worries and little things in the world when there’s just so much amazement surrounding you.
Q: How have you had all of these opportunities to travel?
A: I come from a 179 year old family business which was established in 1841 and basically we were the leaders in the fashion market in Europe for about 60 years and for the first world war and obviously the second world war and after that came the new revolution, the new age, and the new era of clothing. But basically we invented ready-made clothing and then we diversified our assets in about 1970, and we also went into the retail and private equity industry where we have also been proven to thrive for the last twenty or thirty years. And basically we have this long standing family business with a very strict set of rules and values which is why we have been successful and due to that naturally as you can imagine the capital gain is rather satisfying and obviously that has led to all of the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to encounter.
Q: Did all this travelling and work affect your education at all?
A: All of this travelling and work has definitely affected my education. It’s difficult to explain - when I was sixteen instead of doing the whole school thing I started shadowing at the family business learning about how the business works and operates so it’s had a massive negative effect I would say but at the same time it’s a huge advantage. Negative effect meaning I don’t do book learning. Especially as a business major I found that many things such as Mike Bikes business simulation that we use - the algorithm is completely rigged and it’s nothing like the real business world. I talked about it with my Dean and he perfectly understands. And the thing is when I should have been studying I was working in a high-paced, fast-moving environment throughout Europe and I didn’t really have the chance to get to University at the age that I should’ve gone. I’m now 20 as a Freshman in college which puts me two years older than pretty much everyone else. Which also makes me 2 years wiser and more mature and more savvy, however, in terms of academics I would say I am very slow and need to get used to learning without doing - so learning through actually learning and reading and stuff which I haven’t done for the last 5 years.
Q: Why did you decide to become an international student?
A: So I decided to come to Endicott or Boston or America as an international student primarily for social reasons concerning the idea that the opportunities given in America are far better and more easily found than in Europe. Boston being one of the biggest cities for incubators, start-ups, people with ideas, and looking and seeking for investment I considered myself one of those people who would like to take advantage of this really quick, young, growing environment which is why I decided to come here in hope of building my network and meeting people who are going to change the world of tomorrow.
Q: Why do you think it is important to travel and what have you learned from it?
A: Well I think it’s very important to travel. I think the main reason is to understand humans, to understand different cultures and be able to mix in with them and build yourself as a person - learn to become more open- and not only that, there are also aspects of nature, architecture, there are so many different things that will change your life and help you experience a different on life - you put a different value on life after seeing more things that are beautiful. If you stay in one country or the same place your whole life, you see the same kinds of people, you always see the same kinds of attitudes, the same kind of love, the same kind of friendships. You don’t experience what it’s like in other countries and in other countries it might be better and that could give you a feeling that others don't have and that also means you’ve experienced something that other people don't get to experience so I think anyone who’s in the position where they are able to travel at some point in their lives, definitely should to get a better understanding of the circle of life, how life works, to have a greater understanding of humanity in essence.
Q: What have you learned about yourself from travelling?
A: It’s helped me grow in many ways. It’s made me a lot more susceptible to things that I didn’t know were possible or could happen. I mean I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people I didn't know existed, made loads of good friends, good connections, and obviously learn a lot about cultures. And it helps you be more extrovert, it helps you be that person who isn’t afraid of approaching a foreign group and wanting to intertwine with them and work with them. And at the end of the day I still have my own values, I’m still my own person, I didn’t change to belong. I don’t feel that need but I don’t have to change myself entirely, but I can express myself in a different way to suit that group better in my experience of having met people that are already like that. And then I also think it’s taught me that I guess finding something you love should be everyone’s primary goal in life. I’m in one of those positions where it’s very difficult to do that with loads of societal and social pressures especially being backed by such a business and the business environment I’ve grown up in. But I definitely recommend it to anyone, I tell everyone that they should travel.
Q: Do you ever become homesick?
A: For the last six years I have been alone pretty much, the last two years especially living in a different country, travelling to different countries by myself. I’d say that I’m used to it but there are times where I miss having a good European meal. I’d say that I do miss my parents as well sometimes but I wouldn’t say I have the same relationship most children do with their parents due to the political business background that I’ve been brought up in. I know that my parents love me and I do miss them sometimes, I do miss home, I miss the animals that we have, I miss my parrot, I miss my dogs, and I also miss the people - the friendliness, the openness, the experience I love in this country as well, but it’s a different kind - you don’t necessarily feel it. It feels like a lot of people are putting on a superficial personality to try and make you feel welcomed when in reality they just want you for something else or they just want to have friends. It’s very difficult to explain, whereas my friends back home who I spent 5 years with at boarding school or some of my friends I’ve known my whole life - you really feel it when you’re with those people and you know that you can always trust them and count on them. I wouldn’t quite say that I’ve had that level of friend yet in this country.
Q: What is the longest you have been away from home?
A: A couple of months. Again, I’m in a fortunate position where I can afford to go back if I really wanted to. But I’d say 5-6 months maybe.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: In a hypothetical world where my life would be completely different or do you mean a realistic dream job?
Hypothetical.
Probably a captain on a boat somewhere in the Mediterannean, somewhere warm, just be able to sail, not literally sail but working a yacht with an electric engine just to be able to go swimming all the time, be on the sea, see nature, have nice weather, surround yourself with nice people and to go scuba diving. Maybe do something with the environment where I work with animals, where I work with nature. That’s probably what I would want to do in the ideal world.
What about realistically?
Realistically become a shareholder of the family business. It’s definitely one of the most difficult positions to get into these days. It’s a very fortunate position to be in for many reasons. But that would definitely be my dream job.
Q: What is the best travel advice you have received about travelling?
A: Just to be yourself. Not care about what other people think, but always stay humble and know your roots.
Q: Do you prefer the city or the countryside?
A: A mixture of both? City when I’m young. But I want to settle down in the countryside.
Q: What is the most interesting animal you have seen?
A: The last Northern White Rhino to walk the planet. And a 210 - year - old land tortoise in the Galapagos Islands along with three other turtles who saved an entire race of species that were gonna go extinct.
Q: Do you believe you have to be wealthy to travel?
A: No.
Why?
I believe that if you are confident in yourself and you are a very open person, are very likeable by many people and you have very good personal skills, you can very easily travel wherever you want if you hang out with the right people.
Q: Have you done any adventurous activities like skydiving or bungee jumping?
A: Yes, too many. I mean not bungee jumping because I’m afraid of heights, but I’ve had to go across canyons with a 600 meter drop, I have had to go down canyons with a 100 meter drop, I’ve had to be on sky glass platforms at 300 meters above cities, I’ve had to do some things that I really didn’t want to do but I have done. Here I’ve been very fortunate, I’ve been allowed to try pretty much every sport from water skiing, snowmobiling, biking, dirt racing, going in a formula one car, you name it. I haven’t jumped out of a plane yet. I got my brother and my dad to do that, but you know the whole fear of heights thing…
I’ve been quite deep underwater. I once went scuba-diving with more than 300 hammerhead sharks.
Was that scary?
No. I mean a little bit. They come up to you and slap your legs and you just have a torch and you see their massive shadows going around. So yeah - that was fun.
Q: If you could choose one place to go, where would you go?
That I haven’t been yet? Australia or Antarctica.
Why?
So I can take another continent off the list. I’ve got a cousin who works in Antarctica so I can just hop over there for a couple of days. And then that just leaves Australia and then I’ve been to every continent.
Have you been to all of the places you’ve wanted to go?
No there are many places I see on social media and stuff that are depicted as very beautiful and lovely where I would like to go.
Q: Based on your own experience, what is the best advice you would give to someone looking to travel?
A: The same advice that I was given. Be yourself. Stay humble. It depends on where you’re going, it depends on who you’re with, it depends on the environment you’re in. If I had to just give a piece of general advice, I’d say always think of the worst case scenario in wherever you’re going and have a backup plan and have a contact that you know can contact at all times. Maybe even have a satellite phone on you or something that you can always stay connected to someone who can help you out if something were to go wrong.
0 notes
Text
Paulo Brenninkmeijer: Words from A World Traveler
Travel To Gain A Better Understanding of Humanity
When walking through the stunning architecture of College Hall at Endicott College, Paulo exclaims, “It’s just like home!” Born in Brazil and raised in the United Kingdom, Paulo has experienced different cultures from the start of his life. Brenninkmeijer has a German heritage and Dutch nationality and has lived an untraditional life through his family’s business. Paulo speaks Dutch, German, and English fluently, but is also in the process of learning Spanish and Portugese.
China, Hong Kong, Greece, Sri Llanka, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Galapagos Islands, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Maldives, Dubai, and most places in Europe and America are just some of the places Paulo has visited. Paulo has seen an impressive chunk of the world before reaching the age of twenty, and has experienced different cultures, the beauties of nature, and rare wildlife.
ABOUT THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Paulo’s legacy comes from a 179-year-old family business which invented ready-made clothing. The business led the discount retail market in Europe for about 60 years since it’s start in 1841, but it continues to succeed today. Paulo exclaims that the company is able to remain profitable in contemporary society when he states, ” the business diversified its assets in 1999 when entering the Real-Estate market and then in 2002 entering the Private Equity sector where we have also been proven to thrive for the last twenty years.” Paulo’s Basisjaar allowed him to travel the world and enter the businessworld at a young age.
SCHOOLING
Because of Paulo’s upbringing in a business environment he had a different schooling experience. Paulo attended Worth Abbey for his secondary school in the United Kingdom, but at the age of sixteen, Brenninkmeijer chose to learn about the family business to develop the necessary skills that could eventually contribute to his success. Now twenty years old, Paulo is a freshman international student at Endicott College studying International Business and Administration.
When asked how his travelling and work affected his schooling, Brenninkmeijer found both negative and positive effects. Paulo states, “when I should have been studying, I was working in a high-paced, fast-moving environment throughout Europe and I didn’t really have the chance to get to university at the age that I should’ve gone.” At the age of twenty, Paulo is almost two years older than most freshmen at the school, but he feels he is more mature and business savvy.
Another negative that Brenninkmeijer has faced as a result of his real-life work is that he didn’t do learn business through the typical system of ‘book-learning’ but he learnt about it through first hand experience. Paulo says that, “in terms of academics I would say I am very slow and need to get used to learning without doing.”
Additionally, because of his ambitious experiences in the working world, Paulo finds flaws in the current business simulations used in his classes at Endicott. Brenninkmeijer asserts, ” the algorithm is completely rigged and it’s nothing like the real business world. I [talked] about it with my Dean and he understands perfectly.”
Although Paulo’s unconventional teenage years have some pros and cons, his experience in travel outweighs what some people may travel throughout their whole lives.
IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL
Brenninkmeijer is a strong supporter of travel and would recommend it to anyone. When asked why travel is important, Paulo articulates that people should travel in order, “to understand humans, to understand different cultures and be able to mix in with them and build yourself as a person – learn to become more open- and not only that, there are also aspects of nature, architecture, there are so many different things that will change your life and help you experience a different lifestyle – you really put a different value on life after seeing more things that are beautiful.” Not only will one be able to value life more after finding more beauty, but travelers have a better understanding of humanity which is crucial to meeting new, interesting people.
According to Paulo, individuals who travel will not only learn about the “circle of life,” but also about themselves. In his experience, Brenninkmeijer has found growth in travel. As he describes this growth, “It’s made me a lot more susceptible to things that I didn’t know were possible or could happen. I mean I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people I didn’t know existed, made loads of good friends, good connections, and obviously learn a lot about cultures,” says Paulo. “And it helps you be more extrovert, it helps you be that person who isn’t afraid of approaching a foreign group and wanting to intertwine with them and work with them.” Making connections is something that Paulo has learned the significance of over the years, as he still keeps in touch with people he has met in his travels.
In addition to growing to be more extroverted and cultured, Paulo remembers to remain true to himself. He explains, “And at the end of the day I still have my own values, I’m still my own person, I didn’t change to belong.” It is crucial to be unapologetically yourself when meeting new people in order to spread your own values and culture to others.
Paulo notes the importance of love when discussing travel. “And then I also think it’s taught me that I guess finding something you love should be everyone’s primary goal in life” he says. “I’m in one of those positions where it’s very difficult to do that whilst always traveling and trying to find the next big adventure.”
There are many things that make traveling important, and Brenninkmeijer has experienced most of them.
EXPERIENCING DIFFERENT CULTURES
As an international student who has travelled to more than a dozen countries, Paulo has noted the importance of learning about different cultures.
Paulo has spent months at a time in America and has observed some significant cultural differences between the United States and Europe. “I am naturally very biased,” Brenninkmeijer remarks when asked the culture of Europe compared to that of the United States. “I think the European cultures have far more to offer in terms of diversity and acceptance,” says Paulo. “I feel like [America] prioritizes power, and government and politics over social needs and the environment, and I think Europe has done a great job as a European Union itself and the United Kingdom supporting them managing to maintain a stable environment and we have free health care, free education, allowing us to make those kinds of decisions through more equal distribution.”
Brenninkmeijer also notes the working differences between Americans and Europeans, He says, “if you are an mployee in a lower-level social working environment in order to prosper, you need to pretty much do it by the book and work your way up. You need to follow the chain of command. Obviously it’s the same in Europe, but from what I’ve heard, Europeans are a lot more open and accepting when it comes to the chain of command. It’s almost considered ‘normal’ to contact your CEO and give them ideas and feedback you think the business could use to improve. I myself have witnessed this during an internship at Savills in the Netherlands.” Paulo also mentions that Americans have potential to greater opportunities due to the effort the government put into supporting start-ups and incubators.
After discussing the business opportunity differences between Europe and America, Paulo goes on to explain the difference in food, religion, and music.
Brenninkmeijer starts out by stating his opinion about American food, “The food in this country is awful.” According to Paulo, the European Food Administration have much higher standards for food and hygiene. Some of the Dutch MacDonalds for example have 5 star restaurant rating and sell real beef burgers for €21 ($22.77)! In his experience in America, Paulo has observed the hygiene in America, “If you go to restaurants around here, you can just tell that the glasses are all stained and those are small things that most people probably don’t look out for. And I also think the government doesn’t make enough effort to advertise healthy food or to put restrictions on the things that are bad for people in this country like they would do in some European countries.” Brenninkmeijer states that he gets homesick sometimes just longing for European food, “I miss having a good European meal.”
In terms of religion, Paulo mentions the difference he sees in how people express their faith. “I would say that we practice faith a lot more in Europe,” he says. “A lot more people go to church, a lot more people are open about their faith, and faith plays a very big role whereas in this mixed-college society, it’s not often spoken about and people aren’t very open about it.”
Interestingly, Paulo enjoys the music in America which he claims to be primarily trap and rap, but he also brings attention to an interesting point. Brenninkmeijer expresses that because of the legal drinking age of 21 in America, American teens do not get the same opportunities to experience the music that many European teens like the best. “I’ve been drinking ever since I can remember and that also has also allowed me to go to nightclubs and bars when you’re 16 and then when you’re 18 you’re allowed to go into the London, Paris, Milan and all the big countries clubs,” says Paulo, and he attributes his love for European club music to his clubbing experiences.
On both an economic and social scale, America and Europe have completely different cultures while still remaining the most prominent places on the globe.
STORIES
As you may have anticipated, Brenninkmeijer has his share of experiences abroad, both positive and negative. He has seen some of the most beautiful parts of the world, observed extremely rare wildlife, and met incredible people with fascinating stories.
Paulo has met some astonishing people in his journeys, but the craziest story he has heard comes from Lakaku who he met during his time spent in Kenya.
Lakaku is a Massai Warrior in Kenya who has 13 wives and 26 children. Paulo tells Lakaku’s story with fascination and passion. “When he was younger he used to be in the drug trade, he used to work for one of the dictators in Africa, and this was between the ages of 16 and 18. What he’d do is he’d take heroin in small medicine cups and he’d basically smuggle them across the border as a travelling man of Massai.”
“Then he met someone named Alex Hunter who was a white man who offered him a way out. He was doing a traveling safari in a car on the edge of the border. Alex saw this young man and (In Massai) basically said ‘Hey do you want to work for me, I have plans to start a camp in the Laikipia conservancy?’ Lakaku didn’t want to do it at first because he wanted to start his own tribe and in order to become the leader of a tribe you have to ‘show great courage’ such as killing a wild cat with your bare hands,” Paulo continues.
“Lakaku managed to do this with a dagger and basically what he did was he made himself bait for a group of hyenas and then when the hyenas attacked him he went for the leader of the pack – he still has scars all over his arms and his back from it – but once he killed the leader, naturally the other hyenas got afraid and they fled. He still carries the hyena pelt that he slaughtered that day and that’s what gave him a name in the Massai Warrior community and that’s what made him have the power and influence that he has in his own right.”
“He owns 13 cows, which in the Massai is probably the equivalent to hundreds or thousands, it has one of the highest values, it’s one of the most valued assets any man of Massai can have and in return for it, he has all these wives and all these children and he has his own village. He was a very interesting person, he didn’t speak any English, wore only a red rag over his shoulder, carried a bow & arrow, a spear, and a dagger on him at all times, he had really big ears because he carried these big, round disks in them, and he also carries one in his mouth, he was very skinny but at the same time incredibly strong, and completely fearless.”
In addition to meeting fascinating people, Paulo has been on some wild adventures and has even faced his fear of heights on multiple occasions. When asked to describe the most challenging thing done when traveling, Brenninkmeijer lists a series of absolutely chilling experiences he has faced. “If by traveling you mean doing a kind of military camp with a bunch of cadets from the UK, then spending 4 weeks in the wilderness almost getting trench foot after having walked through water for about 3 days and having your feet crunch up whilst being ordered to stay in your tent for reaching the 1st stage of trench foot and you barely being able to walk for a couple of days because your feet are so disgustingly shrivelled and wet, then yes, I would say that was a riveting experience,” says Paulo.
“But thats not all… along with that you can probably include going down really wet cliffs and hurting yourself a lot as well as being ordered to learn how to overcome ‘cold water shock’ – having your boat sunk and watching someone almost drown because if it.” Paulo also notes his other fascinating adventures including “being in a warzone in Columbia, working in Ol-Pejeta in Africa having orders to kill poachers whilst protecting endangered animals, going to Israel where two hours away more than 400 projectile missiles had just been fired into the country from the West Bank, I don’t know I think that’s some pretty weird things – or pretty crazy.”
Now most travelers do not run into these troubles, but due to Paulo’s loev for travel, he has faced many (terrifying) adventures in addition to positive experiences. One of these positive experiences comes from his travels to Ecuador when he was working there for four weeks.
“The Galapagos – it’s an omnibenevolent place. It’s so amazing and overpowering when you’re there because of the beauty of the people, the nature, the location, the animals. It’s pretty much a modern version of the Garden of Eden if I had to describe it,” he says. Everything seems perfect – all your troubles, all your worries, everything goes away. It’s just you, yourself, and this amazing awe that the area just emits – and that the people emit which is also why when you go there you just fall in love and you can’t have time for anything back home, you don’t have time for your little worries and little things in the world when there’s just so much amazement surrounding you.”
Nature and traveling can also be used as a therapeutic tool where visiting new, beautiful places can make individuals forget about any stresses they may have.
ADVICE
Paulo has both received advice and given advice to others about traveling.
The best advice he has received is to “Just to be yourself. Not care about what other people think, but always stay humble and know your roots.”
When asked to give advice, Paulo gave his own advice. “The same advice that I was given. Be yourself. Stay humble. It depends on where you’re going, it depends on who you’re with, it depends on the environment you’re in,” he says. “If I had to just give a piece of general advice, I’d say always think of the worst case scenario in wherever you’re going and have a backup plan and have a contact that you know you can rely on at all times. Maybe even have a satellite phone on you or something that you can always stay connected to someone who can help you out if something were to go wrong.”
Safety is important when traveling, and having a back up plan is crucial to feeling comfortable in a new place.
GET OUT THERE
Remember that wherever you go, it is important to “Just be yourself” and experience the world around you. Get ready to learn new cultures, see incredible wildlife, and take in the beauty of the world around you.
What are you waiting for? Go book your flight ticket.
for more visit: kyliebreenphotography.com
1 note
·
View note