We often don’t give ourselves enough credit for simply making it through an awful year. If you are reading this and are beginning to reflect on what you accomplished, what you should have done, what you wanted to do, and couldn’t, let me stop you right there. You are alive, and you are breathing. This year dug its claws into the sides of most people and wreaked havoc. If you’ve made it to December 31st, 2020, then thank yourself. Thank yourself for being able to endure a roller coaster ride that none of us asked to ride.

For me, 2020 wasn’t my worst year. I know people are shocked when I say that 2020 wasn’t my worst year, but trust me, I’ve hit rock bottom and found that it had a basement years ago. For me, 2020 was a blessing, and I’m grateful for the gift that this year has been for me. While saying this, some people are being evicted from their homes, young children are starving, someone is breathing their last breath in an ICU bed alone, and some people’s mental health is at its worst. I recognize that to be able to say that 2020 is a blessing is a privilege, and I acknowledge it fully and my heart truly goes out to those who have lost everything this year. I hope and pray that 2021 brings you nothing but blessings.

For me, 2020 wasn’t the year in which I accomplished anything, and being someone who prides themselves on checking everything off on their long list of goals, that’s a hard pill to swallow. In fact, I lost a lot when most people look at what happened, but I feel like I gained so much more.

Starting from the beginning of the pandemic, I lost my jobs; all forms of income flew out of the window. I had no clue how I would survive. I had agreed to take a position and move to Italy in May pre-pandemic. We all know how that eventually went since I continue to sit in the U.S. Since Italy was no longer part of the picture, I interviewed with a specific government branch. I made it through the entire hiring process and was 95% guaranteed the job. This was a huge relief considering I had been three weeks without employment and was losing my mind on how I would make money.

At the very end of the hiring process, I was only waiting to receive the formal paperwork; they informed me that they couldn’t offer me the job because I had lived outside the U.S. 3 out of the last five years. I guess I can spend the entire first 18 years of my life in the U.S., and those count for nothing. Who knew. Either way, I didn’t get the job, and it was one that I wasn’t going to have a single financial worry, ever. Finding out that I wasn’t qualified for a government job because I’ve lived a life outside of the U.S. triggered me to thinking of just leaving the country altogether, again. I considered moving back to Panamá since I figured if I have to be stuck somewhere might as well be stuck somewhere with nice weather.

The roller coaster ride of figuring out what I was going to do continued for months. I had no clue what I was going to do with my life, where I wanted to be, what I wanted to be. No clue. I honestly still don’t have all the answers to those questions, but let’s be honest, who does?

This roller coaster ride also included a moment of emotional vulnerability. At the height of quarantine, I decided it was time to confess my feelings for a friend. After years of not wanting to admit how I felt, not acknowledging that I have feelings, and having more walls built around my heart than Fort Knox, I decided it was time to be vulnerable. Besides, what else did I have to lose this year?

I had the genius idea of writing a handwritten letter to a friend and confessing my feelings for them. It was like a flashback to kindergarten when we wrote those notes to each other, “Do you want to be my boyfriend?” Circle yes or no. Except this was the 31-year-old version where I explained how I had feelings for him but never had the guts to say anything because I feared messing up our friendship. I didn’t want to ruin years of friendship by having feelings for him, but I figured it’s now or never. I poured my heart out onto the pages and left nothing unsaid. He kindly returned me to the friend zone in which I belong.

Although confessing my feelings, something that I never do if I honestly like someone, was a huge step as far as I’m concerned. I probably would have never told him if it hadn’t been for this crazy year. It would have been my secret that I took with me to the grave, and we would have continued being friends, him having no clue how I felt and me pretending that I didn’t care when deep down, I do care. It was also a friendly reminder that it’s ok to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is what most of us avoid, but we would probably see more rewards if we were more willing to risk it. I may have ended up in the friend zone, but I am proud of myself for taking the risk and also getting the weight of my feelings off of my chest. Zero regrets.

Although I just explained some of my many low points this year, thankfully, one disappointment after another this year led me to continue to go within and figure out who I am, what I want, and what is for my highest good. Facing myself and my fears of not being successful, being rejected, being stuck in one place, not traveling, etc., and work through every one of them has been the biggest blessing 2020 could have given me. Any other year I would be too busy traveling, working, living life to the fullest that I wouldn’t take the time to go within and ask myself, “What is it that you want?” I don’t have all of the answers; no one does, but I’m still searching for them, and that’s the best anyone can do.

2020 stopped me in my tracks and forced me to take the time to sit with myself and work through a lot of the things that I kept pushing to the side. Most of us want to leave everything behind in 2020 and start fresh tomorrow when we wake up. However, I want to carry some things that I’ve learned in 2020 with me into 2021.

The first one is gratitude and being grateful for everything. I’m grateful for this year of hard lessons, my health, my family’s health, and my many friends who have supported me this year. I’m grateful for it all. The second one is vulnerability. Remembering that showing feelings and having feelings isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. The third is my health. I want to continue to stay on a healthy path where I focus on my physical, mental and emotional health. As they say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” so I am going to continue to fill mine so I can serve others.

2020 may have been the year we never wanted, but it is the year in which a lot of our eyes opened to see what matters the most. In the end, all we have is our health, our family, our friends, and our thoughts and feelings. The rest of it means nothing. Instead of saying, F*** You, 2020, I’d like to say Thank you, 2020.

Happy New Year friends,

Janel

P.S. This video of Snoop Dogg thanking himself is what all of us need to be doing at the end of 2020.

The post 2020 Reflections first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post 2020 Reflections appeared first on Janel Has Wings.

For those families whose children are sad because they can’t see their grandparents or friends who have no one to celebrate with but want to feel some holiday cheer, here is a list of places you can see from your car that will help brighten your spirits. Tonight, on Christmas Eve, if you need some Christmas magic to make it through these next few days, look at the lights and remember, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. 

This list is my gift to all of my followers and a way to say Merry Christmas from me to you. 

1. 1249 S Clay St, Louisville, KY 40203

By far, my favorite is Clay St. Christmas. It is created by a local DJ who puts on a fantastic light show with music. It is free to watch, but donations are appreciated. You can donate via Venmo. Christmas Eve & Christmas Day show times are 6 PM-11 PM, Saturday 6 PM- 10 PM, and Sunday 6 PM- 8 PM. 

2. Ashfield Lane, Louisville, KY 40220 off of Lowe Road.

There is no specific address for this one because the ENTIRE neighborhood is lit up. Each house is decorated, and three houses stand out. One has it’s one light and music show, and another had a very special guest- SANTA! That’s right, the big man himself made an appearance, and the little girl inside me screamed louder than Will Ferrel in the Elf, “SANTAAAA!” My favorite is the one with the music and light show because I’m a sucker for music, but all of them did an amazing job. 

3. 8711 Brittany Drive, Louisville, KY 40220.

A hidden gem in Stoneybrook and a real spectacle. The decorations are in memory of Brian Humpich, who passed away from cancer. They ask for donations to Kids Cancer Alliance (KCA) if you enjoy the lights. Some of the items that you can donate are markers/crayons, coloring books, playing cards, small puzzles, play dough, etc. or you can make a monetary donation to https://www.kidscanceralliance.org/

4. 2804 Cleveland Ave, Louisville, KY 40206.

Like the house off of Brittany Drive, this house is over the top with Christmas decorations. There is no way to miss it while driving down Cleveland. It gives off enough light that I’m pretty sure NASA can see it from space. There is a church parking lot in front of the house where you can park to take a picture. 

5. Chestnut Ridge Circle, Louisville, KY 40245 (Lake Forest neighborhood.)

Growing up, Lake Forest was known to have some of the best Christmas lights to see from your car. They even had reindeer at one point. This year Lake Forest isn’t as decorated as years past, but one house specifically decided to show up for the entire neighborhood. When you drive into the Lake Forest neighborhood from the Old Henry exit, you will take the second left, and the house will be on your right. You cannot miss it. Tune in to 92.5 FM to hear the music with the lights show. 

For videos of the Christmas lights make sure to check out my Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/janelhaswings/

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Janel

P.S. My reaction when I saw Santa. I’ll never grow up. 😉

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I know you may be thinking to yourself, say what? The girl who catches flights, the one who is always searching for the next big adventure, is calling 2020 a blessing when she hasn’t been able to travel since March? I know, shocking! The truth is, 2020 is a blessing in its own way. Having to stay in one spot and go on the most intense journey, the journey within myself, is probably one of the best things that could have happened this year.

I’m grateful for the moments of solitude that 2020 has brought me. Being “stuck” in one place has given me no other option than to go within and take a look at what has been missing, what has been ignored, and what it is that I desire. Do I have all the answers? No, I don’t. However, I have more insight into what I want, who I want to become, and what I want to do. Trust me; I don’t plan on giving up travel because one of the answers to what I want to do with my life is still to travel the world, but without taking the time to soul search, I would probably still be roaming the world to look for the answers that have always been within.

This year has been difficult and challenging for almost everyone I know. Some have lost loved ones, some have lost their jobs as I did, some have dealt with unexpected health issues, and others have faced some of their worst moments. This year’s trials feel more prominent than the triumphs, but I choose to remain positive and look at this year as a challenge. A time to step up to the plate and show the universe what you are made of.

The truth is it doesn’t matter what year it may be; there will always be problems and challenges to face. Maybe this year is the one that came in to remind us to remain grateful. To quit taking for granted the small things like going for a walk in the park, talking with friends and family, and sharing a meal with a loved one. These are the things that matter the most. The more we lead our lives in gratitude, the more we realize that we have an abundant amount of items to be grateful for.

With all of this being said, I want to say that I am grateful. I am thankful for this year; however screwed up it may be. I’m grateful for my health, family, friends, passions, talents, and faults. I’m thankful for 2020 and all of the tests, lessons, and blessings it has brought. Last but not least, I am grateful for every single one of you. Those of you who read my blog, follow me on social media, call yourself my friend or family, and am thankful to have each of you in my life. Thank you for following me along this crazy journey called life. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

With gratitude,

Janel

The post Happy Thanksgiving! first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

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An excellent way to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life is by spending time in nature. One of the popular ways to do this in Bali is by visiting a rice paddy. The most popular being Tegallalang in Ubud is the one featured in my photo. If you are interested in a total chill moment, I would suggest visiting a different one. Teglalang is beautiful and is the most popular, and it means that it is packed with tourists. It’s a must-see while in Bali. Now you know where all of the photos of rice paddies on your Instagram feed are coming from.

To book a tour to the rice paddy and other places of interest in Bali check out Adpada Bali Tours by clicking here: https://www.adpadabalitrans.com/

2. Try the world’s most expensive coffee.

I sh*t you not, (pun intended) the world’s most expensive coffee comes from Bali, Indonesia, and more specifically, it comes out of an animal’s feces. That’s right. An animal called a civet eats coffee cherries and digests them, and once they poop them out, they are cleaned and turned into coffee.

I love coffee, and I figure, I’ve tried some weird things in my lifetime, so why not? Kopi Luwak coffee doesn’t taste awful, but I also don’t think it is worth the price that it is sold worldwide, which is about $600 per pound. In other words, I’m not a huge fan.

The other part is that there has been such a high demand for this coffee worldwide that now the animals are put in caged and force-fed coffee cherries to mass-produce the highly sought out coffee. I tried it at a local farm that doesn’t produce on the mass scale and doesn’t force-feed their civets, nor do they partake in things such as animal cruelty. The truth is most people don’t know about the process involved; they hear “World’s Most Expensive coffee” and try it without knowing the backstory.

I’m not blaming anyone. No one randomly googles searches “World’s most expensive coffee” unless they are in the industry or a coffee connoisseur. However, I am a wildlife advocate and want to save our natural resources, so I feel compelled to inform my readers.

For more information on the coffee plantation, I visited and to plan your visit check their website out here: https://cantik-agriculture-luwak-coffee.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

3. Visit a Monkey Forest

One of the popular things to do while in Bali is to visit a monkey forest. The main one on the island is the Ubud Monkey Forest.

Before visiting any Monkey Forest in Bali, you should know a few things;

• They are used to tourists, and therefore they will approach you. Do not make a big scene like running, jumping, or screaming. It will scare them and quite possibly make them aggressive towards you.
• They will steal your glasses, cell phones, hats, wallets, jewelry, etc. If you don’t want to lose something, put it in your backpack.
• Because they are used to tourists, they expect food. Make sure you have plenty of nuts to feed them because they will get aggressive.
• Monkeys in the Monkey Forests are known to do things like bite and throw sh*t at people. These things usually happen when tourists have not brought enough food or have started screaming or scaring them.
• You are in their habitat. Respect them and do not try to hurt them. Remain calm and remember, it’s their territory, not yours.

My biggest suggestion is to not go to the popular Monkey Forest and go to a small one. Why? The monkeys are not nearly as aggressive, and they don’t focus on tourists. They prefer to keep their distance.I went to the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, which is much smaller, and as you can see, one of the monkeys approached me, and it went smoothly.

It’s an exciting experience. The monkeys are not in cages or mistreated by locals, but anytime any animals are involved with tourism, it is best to do your research and know how the animals are being cared for.

4. Visit a Hindu Temple

One thing that is abundant in Bali are Hindu temples. You can find them all over the island and you do not have to go far to find them. The Hindu temples are not only a representation of the Hindu religion which is the most prevalent religion on the island, but it is also a staple part of Balinese culture.

While I traveled around Bali with a new friend that I made who happened to be a local. I asked why I kept seeing people with baskets filled with fruit, flowers, and even money. He explained to me that part of Balinese Hindus traditions is to make a daily offering. If they cannot reach a temple, they will take their offering to one of the many small shrines spread throughout the cities and towns.

My new friend told me that if I wanted to make an offering, I could do so. He went with me to buy what I needed to take it to one of the local temples.

Honestly, it was a unique experience. I guess people will jump and say I tried to recreate an Eat, Pray, Love moment, but I’ve always been spiritual. I like to participate in a country’s culture actively, so for me, it was more about the experience than religion.

5. Visit Nusa Pineda

Nusa Pineda isn’t part of Bali, it is actually a separate island but if you are already in Bali then I highly suggest making the trip to Nusa Pineda. Why? Well, apart from being the second most popular spot for photos for the gram in Indonesia is Nusa Pineda just look at the views.

This small island is a short ferry ride from Bali, and although many tourists visit, it doesn’t feel overcrowded or packed at all. I suggest booking a tour guide or someone to show you around since getting around the island will be tough without a vehicle or motorcycle.

My guide while I was on the island was Tony who can be found on Instagram by clicking https://www.instagram.com/tonygila420/, highly recommend Tony. He is super down to Earth and laid back. He’s also extremely knowledgeable about Nusa Pineda and Indonesia in general.

A fun fact about the island is that Indonesians believe that the island is where evil spirits/black magic resides. Don’t let that scare you, though. Balinese believe that both good and bad must exist to create balance. Indonesian’s aren’t afraid of visiting the island, nor should you be. The island isn’t scary, and you feel like you are in paradise while you are there.

I love small islands because there is an immediate relaxing feeling when you arrive. Less traffic, less noise, fewer worries. I think 2020 has made everyone want to stay on an island for at least a month, and what better location than Nusa Penida?

If Bali wasn’t already on your bucket list then I hope after this list of things to do while in Bali has convinced you to add it. Below are more photos from my trip to Bali that I did not include on Instagram.

Stayed tuned for next weeks post where our virtual journey takes us to Thailand!

To follow my Virtual Trip Around the World on Instagram click here: https://www.instagram.com/janelhaswings/

Your guide,

Janel

Interested in finding out what to do while in Australia?

Make sure to find out what to see in do in Sydney by clicking here: https://janelhaswings.com/your-guide-to-sydney-australia/

Top 5 Things to Do in Adelaide, Australia: https://janelhaswings.com/top-5-things-to-do-in-adelaide-australia/

The post 5 Best Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

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1. Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The first item on my to-do list is the most obvious of all. If you travel all the way to Queensland how are you going to skip on seeing the world’s largest reef system? There are many different ways to visit the reef, one of them being scuba diving and snorkeling. My very first scuba diving experience was in the Great Barrier Reef. I am a swimmer and have been snorkeling plenty of times before but I had never truly experienced the beauty below the surface until I went scuba diving. I loved it so much that I became a certified diver and have been on countless scuba excursions since then. 

When I went I used the company Tusa Dive for my introductory scuba experience. They provide both scuba and snorkel excursions. If you prefer not to scuba dive but are comfortable with snorkeling and want to get up close and personal with the reef then definitely check them out.

For more information on Tusa Dive company and their pricing check out their website here: https://www.tusadive.com/

2. Visit Cape Tribulation

In the name of transparency, I will admit that I had never heard of Cape Tribulation. When I was planning my trip I did what everyone does- I googled places to see in Cairns. One of the areas that continuously popped up was Cape Tribulation. After looking at photos of Cape Tribulation, I decided I had to see it. Port Douglas is about an hour drive from Cairns and apart from it being a beautiful beach, it is also part of the Great Barrier Reef so for those who do not want to adventure into snorkeling or scuba diving this is another excellent option to see the reef without even getting your feet wet! Why is Cape Tribulation on my list? Port Douglas and 4-mile beach are gorgeous beaches that are surrounded by a beautiful, green, and lush rainforest, which brings me to my third thing to do while in Cairns.

3. Visit the Daintree Rainforest

When looking for ways to visit Cape Tribulation, I came across a tour that takes you to Port Douglas, 4-mile beach, and Daintree Rainforest on the same day. I am so glad that I opted for this tour because I feel like I got my money’s worth times ten. First of all, for those who do not know (like I didn’t), the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest continually surviving rainforest in the world. It may not be the biggest (the Amazon) but it is the oldest. While walking through the rainforest I felt like I was in Jurassic Park. The views felt like they were from another world. I could have spent an entire week in the rainforest alone.

The other reason why I feel like booking this tour was the best is because the tour guide that I had was incredible. Extraordinarily informative but also had a very approachable and laid back personality. Basically, he knew his facts but knew how to laugh when people told jokes. The tour company’s name is Uncle Brian’s, and I will 100% book another tour with them when I return to Cairns.

To check out Uncle Brian’s tour and pricing information, visit their website by clicking here: https://unclebrians.com.au/cape-tribulation-1-day-tour/

The Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation, and the Daintree Rainforest are the best things to do while in Cairns and are each something I will recommend to anyone that is planning a visit to Cairns. You seriously cannot go wrong with any of these, and I can almost guarantee that you will wish that you would have spent more time in Cairns after your visit. Please don’t take my word for it though, get out there and explore Cairns for yourself!

Your virtual tour guide,

Janel

Interested in checking out more posts on Australia?

Check out my guide for Sydney, Australia by clicking here: https://janelhaswings.com/your-guide-to-sydney-australia/

See what to do while visiting Adelaide by clicking here: https://janelhaswings.com/top-5-things-to-do-in-adelaide-australia/

Check out my gallery below to see more photos from my beautiful experience.

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The post Best 3 Things to Do in CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA appeared first on Janel Has Wings.

Since I had a friend living there and I knew that I would be staying with her, I left the planning up to her to show me around her new town. I’m glad I decided to let her take over the planning because she showed me some excellent spots that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Adelaide. The following is my list of recommendations for activities to do while visiting Adelaide.

1. Jacob’s Creek Winery

While in Adelaide, I quickly learned that it is Australia’s wine capital. Immediately, it earned a place in my heart. I love a good glass of vino, what can I say? Knowing my undeniable love for good wine, my friend took me to a popular winery called Jacob’s Creek. Jacob’s Creek is a must-see while in Adelaide. The landscape of the Barossa Wine Valley is stunning, as you can see in the picture, and it makes me wonder why more people don’t mention Adelaide considering just how gorgeous it is.⁣⁣ As for the wine, I bought a wine flight because if I’m going to spend the day at a beautiful winery and not try them all, what was the point? I savored each glass to the very last drop and enjoyed the views of the vineyard. ⁣⁣If you live in the U.S. and you would like to try Jacob’s Creek before flying to Adelaide, you can buy it here, but I will say that there is something extra special about having a glass of their wine on their gorgeous vineyard. They offer tours around their vineyard, and their tasting room has lovely views of the vineyard.

For more information about Jacob’s Creek, visit their website here: https://www.jacobscreek.com/en-us/visit-us/tours-experiences

2. Gorge’s Wildlife Park

Time to take a break from city life and bask in nature. It wouldn’t be a trip to Australia if there wasn’t a koala involved. Am I right? ⁣Let’s be honest, most of us learned about the animals of Australia thanks to Steve Irwin, and while everyone else can enjoy the array of poisonous snakes, spiders, and great white sharks that are plenty, I prefer the cuter, friendlier furry friends. ⁣
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Gorge’s Wildlife Park allows you to get up close and personal with several of the animals. While visiting, I was able to hold a koala. They smell like eucalyptus and love. Ok, just eucalyptus, but I loved being able to hold one in my own arms. I mean, how often are we able to be so up close and personal with nature? ⁣

Apart from koal-ity time, I was able to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies as well. Kangaroos and wallabies are hopping around everywhere at the park, and some of them even have babies in their pouches.⁣ One even held my hand while I fed it.
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It’s another experience that I highly recommend while in Adelaide or Australia in general. You can feed the kangaroos and watch them play with each other. Make sure that you provide them with the food at the Wildlife Park and not something else.⁣

To find out more information about Gorge’s Wildlife Park and to plan your visit, check out their website here: https://gorgewildlifepark.com.au/

3. Morialta Conservation Park

If you love wildlife and nature and prefer not to visit a wildlife park but see the natural habitat, I highly suggest visiting Morialta Conservation Park. The trails provide Adelaide’s stunning views, including a waterfall, mountainous lookout, and even koalas freely roaming and climbing trees. Being someone who likes to walk at my local park a lot, my mouth dropped when I saw koala’s just hanging out in the trees above me. It was a very unique experience and one that I probably wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for my friend taking me there.

4. Mount Lofty Summit

If you want some insane views of Adelaide, then head to Mount Lofty Summit. It is found in Cleland Conservation Park, and even though it was cloudy when I visited, the views were still impressive. I’m an outdoor enthusiast, and anything that involves mountains, greenery, and views, I’m there.

5. The Beach

It wouldn’t be a visit to Australia without visiting the beach, now would it? Adelaide has a gorgeous coastline and a boardwalk in Glenelg, filled with tons of cute shops and places to grab a bite to eat. While I visited, it was too cold for me to go in the water because I was there at the end of their winter. Hence the jacket and jeans at the beach.

I highly recommend anyone visiting Australia to make the trip to Adelaide because it is a nice and refreshing slowing down of pace from the busier cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. I hope you have enjoyed my top 5 things to do while visiting Adelaide and if you get the chance to go, let me know if you added any of these to your itinerary.

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Welcome to the land down under! Or for my fellow Americans, the other side of the world–literally. Our first stop is Sydney, Australia, and this post highlights my must-sees and must-dos while in Sydney!

First up, the must-sees. This includes areas and attractions to visit while in Sydney

AREAS TO VISIT

1. BONDI BEACH

One of the must-sees, in my opinion, and if you ask anyone else around Sydney, is Bondi Beach. One of Australia’s most iconic beaches and where you can see surfers and swimmers alike during all seasons. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if the water is arctic cold; you can spot someone in it.

⁣Bondi Beach has a trail that wraps around the beach for about 6 km/4 miles. The path is easily accessible and is filled with stunning views of cliffs and coast.

Apart from the views, Bondi Beach is also filled with cute cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars. While I stayed in Sydney, I actually stayed in Bondi because after doing my research, it seemed to have the atmosphere that I wanted. Laid back, surfer, and care-free. Basically, me, minus the surfer part. (If you know how to surf, TEACH ME!) If you are looking for more of a metropolitan vibe, then I wouldn’t stay in Bondi, but I would definitely visit. It is a must-see while in Sydney, it doesn’t matter if you are not a surfer or swimmer; the views alone are worth visiting! ⁣

2. THE ROCKS

The Rocks is a neighborhood in Sydney near the Sydney Harbour Bridge that is filled with vibrant shops, pubs, and restaurants. Yes, there will be lots of tourists, BUT there are a lot of locals as well. It is a popular hangout spot where both locals and Sydney Siders mingle. I didn’t know about The Rocks prior to my trip, and I discovered it while walking around the city. Let’s just say, it turned into my go-to area to eat and drink. The Rocks has an official website that features a guide of the shopping and gastronomy available in the area. It also has the latest events happening in The Rocks. If you go to Sydney and you don’t go to The Rocks, then you truly will miss out on one of the coolest areas of the city, in my opinion.

For more information on The Rocks, visit their website here: https://www.therocks.com/

SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS

1. THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House can be found in the Sydney Harbour, and not only is it one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, but it is also one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

Why is the Sydney Opera House so iconic? Because it is one of the most photographed buildings in the world and an architectural dream come true. The Sydney Opera House is just as impressive in person as it is on t.v. It is an architectural dream come true, and seeing it in person takes your breath away.

There are several ways to visit the Opera house. You can book one of several of the tours they offer, eat and drink in the restaurant inside or watch a show. Which you choose to do depends on a few factors, your likes/dislikes, and your budget. I chose the general tour of the Opera House, and then I had dinner at a nearby restaurant in the Harbour afterward.

For more information on how to visit the Sydney Opera House, you can visit their official website here: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

Is it the Sydney Opera House, the only thing Sydney has to offer? Not at all.

2. THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know I love nature. If you’re new to the blog, then allow me to explain; I love nature and outdoor activities. As soon as I heard that there was a botanical garden in Sydney, I knew I had to visit.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are like an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Australia’s most populated city. It’s a place where you can go and relax and take in the views. What are the views? Well, the Sydney Opera House can be seen from the gardens and so can most of the Harbour. It’s a great way to take a break from rushing around Sydney and just take it all in. Before visiting, you will want to see their website and see if they have any events or exhibits on display that you would like to see. The gardens are massive, and you definitely want to plan ahead.

To plan your visit ahead of time, make sure to visit their website here: https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

ACTIVITIES

1. SYDNEY TOWER EYE TOUR

Let me preface this by saying, I’m terrified of heights. The only thing that involves heights that don’t totally scare me is riding in a plane even though the older I get, the more nervous it makes me. Which is crazy considering I fly a lot. But fears are meant to be faced, or at least I believe so. The Sydney Tour Eye is the tallest building in Sydney and provides some of the best views of the city. The Sydney Tower Eye Tour allows you to walk outside and around the building while you are harnessed in and attached to the building. I’m not going to lie, I was terrified at first. I felt my heart in my throat when I stepped outside and saw how tiny the world looked below. The great part is that the guides are very knowledgable, and they understand that people are afraid, so they make you feel as comfortable as possible during the entire tour. They take a photo of you for you to keep, and I obviously felt so comfortable that I decided I would jump on a glass floor. Would I do it again? Hell yeah! The experience was totally worth it, and it is one of my favorite Sydney memories.

To book your experience check out their website here: https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/

2. SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB

The Sydney Tower Eye wasn’t my only adventure with heights. I know what you are thinking, “Didn’t she say she is scared of heights?” I promise they terrify the hell out of me, but I guess something about being on a different continent, a new country, and thousands of miles away from home that just screams, “FACE YOUR FEARS!”When I researched things to do in Sydney, one of the attractions or something to do that popped up was the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. I thought to myself, “How many times in my life will I be able to climb across a bridge and not get arrested?” Considering this would probably be my only chance, I booked it. I would be a bold-faced liar if I said I wasn’t totally terrified. The good news is that you are secured in by a harness that is attached to the bridge by a cable, and once you start walking and soaking up the view, you almost forget you are walking across a bridge. The experience was 100% worth it, and I would totally do it again.

*The photo at the head of the article is from the Bridge Climb.

To book your climb visit their website here: https://www.bridgeclimb.com/

There are tons of other things to check out while in Sydney but I hope this lists helps you to plan your visit to the beautiful city of Sydney.

To follow my virtual journey around the world on Instagram click below.

https://www.instagram.com/janelhaswings/

I hope you’ve enjoyed our first city on this Virtual Trip Around the World in 30 Days,

Your guide,

Janel

The post Your Guide to SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post Your Guide to SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA appeared first on Janel Has Wings.

In 2017, I made a Trip Around the World where I started in Australia and ended in Iceland before returning to the U.S. I visited four continents and had a fantastic time. So why not relive some of those moments and show my followers places around the world that could be potentially added to their bucket lists. I mean, we can’t stay home forever. Right?

It has been quite the task to put this virtual “Trip Around the World” together, but it has also helped relieve some of the sadness I’ve felt from not just getting up and going. It has also brought back those lovely feelings of nostalgia and thoughts of “What the hell was I thinking?” The answer is, I wasn’t. I was living.

Not only has this project help me relive moments, but it has also allowed me to relive outfits—some that I probably never want to see again in my life and other staples of my wardrobe. For example, you may notice that I’m wearing shorts and a black tank top for many of my pictures. To this day, my sister makes fun of me for it because I packed a ton of cute outfits, but when I was in Asia, it was as humid as a swamp in the middle of summer, and I chose comfort over Instagram fashion. Looking back on the pictures reminds me that what’s cute to me today probably won’t be in 3 years; wear it anyway.

I’ve also decided to include a few videos. Some of them are of the weird things that I either ate or drank on that trip. I mean, if you are going to experience a country and it’s culture, food and drink are an essential part of it. If you don’t believe that, then just know that Anthony Bourdain (my travel hero) is shaking his head in disappointment at you from the other side.

Therefore for the next 30 days on my Instagram page, I will be sharing different places and experiences around the world and details about my experience of just the destination in general. There are a few destinations that I have included that are not from that same trip, but I wanted to include them. Apart from posting photos on Instagram, I will be posting on my blog weekly about one of the destinations that I have posted. The blog post will include my recommendations on what to do, sites to see, areas to check and out, and my experience.

The link to follow my Instagram page so you can follow along on the visual journey is below.

https://www.instagram.com/janelhaswings/

I’m excited to take you on this ride around the world with me and hope you are ready for a fun virtual adventure!

Your virtual travel guide,

Janel

The post 30 Days Around The World first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post 30 Days Around The World appeared first on Janel Has Wings.

Considering that the entire globe is dealing with a pandemic and travel is extremely restricted in most places around the world, I find it out of place to talk about travel and all of these fantastic places to visit. It feels insensitive to me to discuss travel when there are people who are sick, dying, on locked down, taking care of the ill/dying, or dealing with the loss of a loved one due to COVID19. I understand and respect that there are still people discussing travel, and I do not condemn them in any way or doing so. It’s my personal feeling of not being able to discuss travel while there is so much suffering happening across the globe and be comfortable with it.

Does this mean I’m never going to discuss travel in the future? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I love traveling. It is my passion. Under other circumstances, I would advocate travel and discuss why I believe everyone should make it a priority at least once in their lifetime. For right now, I think this is a moment for me to take a step back and discuss things that are also near and dear to my heart.

I understand that some would love my blog just solely to focus on travel and trust me, I have upcoming travel posts and special announcements for when I feel like it becomes an appropriate topic again. I also know that others are interested in reading my thoughts and experiences in different areas of life. Whether it be about humanitarianism, life experiences, my struggles, grief, my different views about life, spirituality, dating, and the list goes on.

I want my blog to be multifaceted because I, myself, am multifaceted. I’m more than just a travel blogger. I’m a storyteller. I want to introduce more of my other qualities to the world through my personal stories. All of the posts that I create have been, are, and will always come from my authentic self. Just as the world changes, so do we and along with it, our beliefs. Who I am and what I believe today are likely to change with time, but they will only change to align and shift with my authentic self. My promise to the world is to stay true to who I am and what I believe in this present moment. I’m always willing to objectively look at myself and admit when I am wrong or when a belief no longer serves me. I believe that is an essential part of personal growth.

The reason for this post is that I felt compelled to explain to you, my audience, why I’ve been silent and also why my posts have shifted in regards to focus. Is travel still going to be the main topic? OF COURSE! Just now, I’ll include some more personal posts along the way.

I’m looking forward to what will come of this decision and hope that my audience is open to this new addition to my blog. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me and overjoyed that my wings are spreading even further.

The post What Happened to Travel? first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post What Happened to Travel? appeared first on Janel Has Wings.

Honestly, as a traveler, this is probably my worst nightmare come true. Having to stay put in one place for an extended period has never been a department that I excel in. I’m always on the go. Even when I’m not traveling, I find a way to be doing something. It can be work or leisure, but it’s hard to stay in my house for longer than a day. My closest friends even say that my Instagram stories exhaust them because I’m always doing something.

When news of the COVID-19 first came out, I was traveling in Panamá. I, just like many other travelers, brushed it off as not a big deal. The world, in general, seemed not to pay it much attention and brushed it off as just a simple cold. I didn’t want to alarm myself over something that appeared to be contained to only Asia while I was, in fact, in Central America far, far away from the epicenter of the madness. Thinking back on this rationalization, it was pretty ignorant to assume that in today’s day and times where travel is so easy that the virus wouldn’t spread quickly. Jump to today, March 26th, and the virus has spread across the entire globe.

Luckily, I was already back at my home before all hell broke loose. As a traveler, I would typically be all in for being stranded somewhere and just taking it day by day and figuring it out. Right now, if I were to be stranded somewhere, not knowing if my family is safe, I would probably lose my mind. My adventurous side has currently taken a back seat, and my family, my health, and their health has taken priority over everything. I’m concerned with the survival of the ones I love during all of this. I’m praying for everyone around the world. The ones who are suffering because of the virus, whether they have it themselves or have lost a loved one from it.

Although my focus has shifted, this doesn’t mean that I have totally forgotten about travel; it has actually made me appreciate more. I have been looking back on photos and video clips of places I’ve seen around the world. Now, more than ever, I realize how privileged I am. I have been able to see many parts of the world and soak in cultural experiences that not many people can say that they have had. I have been watching GoPro videos of my last sunset on the beach in Panamá, looking at pictures with friends around the old part of the city, and other photos and videos I took while I was there. These fleeting moments have now become cherished memories.

Once the quarantine is over, and we are allowed to freely move about the world, I plan on creating more memories and traveling to more exotic locations. If this quarantine has reiterated anything for me, it’s that when this life is over, I will be taking nothing with me. The only thing we will take with us is the memories that we make. What stays embedded in my brain during this chaos are the images of beautiful sunsets, gazing at the stars with my mom during summer, dancing with friends, walking on beautiful islands, listening to a stranger’s story, and sharing a coffee with a new friend. These are the moments that are engraved in my mind. The moments that I value and cherish now more than ever are the ones that seemed so simple at the time that they were happening.

I can’t speak for every traveler around the world because we are all different, and we are all dealing with this pandemic in distinct ways, but for now, I plan to continue to live in the moment. Worry less about the future and focus on the now. This doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to dream about foreign places and possible trips. Right now, dreams of freedom and unfamiliar places are the glue that is keeping me together at times. Until the last day of this arrives, I’ll continue to live through my photos and videos and vicariously through other travelers’ videos and pictures of places I’ve not yet been to. This also may be the spark that will light the fire for others to want to venture out and see the world. I choose to remain hopeful that this will trigger a positive shift in our mindsets and light a fire in our hearts to continue to explore the world. In the meantime, I’ll let my wings rest like the rest of the world.

The post Quarantine as a Traveler first appeared on Janel Has Wings.

The post Quarantine as a Traveler appeared first on Janel Has Wings.