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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like most travelers, I had a long list of places that I wanted to visit in 2020—Burning Man 2020, Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico, Dublin, Ireland, and Machu Picchu, Peru, to name a few. And then BOOM. COVID-19. I’ve been trying to make a positive out of a negative, and I figured if I can’t travel around the world right now, I can at least do it virtually.
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.
If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know that my blog’s primary focus has always been travel. Whether it be descriptions of destinations, top things-to-do lists, or retelling stories of my adventures around the world, the main focus has already been travel. Therefore you may have noticed that my blog has shifted a little outside of travel. Why is this?
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.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everyone is facing challenging times ahead. People, like myself, have lost their jobs, and the future is uncertain. One question that I have gotten since mass hysteria hit has been, “As a traveler, how does this make you feel?”
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.
One of the most popular destinations in Panamá is a small mountainous town of Boquete. Located about 7 hours away from Panama City (the capital) and roughly an hour away from Costa Rica, it makes for a perfect escape from city life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Some people refer to Boquete as the “Switzerland of Panamá,” and when you look at photos of the landscape, you can tell why people would give it this nickname. It is surrounded by mountains, a river that runs through the main town, and a luscious land that produces some of the world’s best coffee.
Not only is it a popular tourist destination, but it is also a hub for ex-pats. The reason being is that the climate is much more refreshing than the rest of the country. Although it does rain frequently, Boquete has a milder temperature as in 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit or about 15-22 degrees Celcius. The climate, in particular, appeals to ex-pats who look to not sweat to death in the tropics and a way to escape the crazy city life in the capital. Boquete is a win-win situation not only for tourists and ex-pats, but it is also an ideal getaway from Panamanians. Boquete is located about 7 hours away from the capital and is easily accessed via car or public transport (bus).
On my recent trip to Panamá, I was able to return to one of my favorite places, Boquete, and take in all of the waterfalls, nature trails, hummingbird and butterfly sightings, and delicious coffee that this beautiful town has to offer. Here are my suggestions on how to get there, where to stay and where to eat while visiting Boquete.
How to get to Boquete
Option #1- Take a bus from the city to David, Chiriquí.
The first option and the most economical is by bus. Buses leave the city from the Albrook Terminal. The regular bus takes around 8 hours because of the many stops it makes on the way, and it costs $15. The express bus leaves at night and arrives at David, the capital of the Chiriquí province, where Boquete is located at around 6 a.m. It takes 6 hours and costs $18. Personally, I prefer the express option. From David, you will have to take another bus to arrive at Boquete. It costs $1.50 and takes about 40 minutes. The schedule changes, so you must check once you arrive at the bus terminal in David.
Option #2- Fly from Panama City (Ciudad de Panamá) to David, Chiriquí.
Air Panama and Copa Airlines provide daily flights from the capital to David. They average around $180 round trip. It is the most expensive option but also the quickest. The flight takes around one hour from Panama City to David and the airport that you will use depends on who you decide to fly with. Copa leaves from Tocumen and Air Panama leaves from Albrook. Once you arrive in David, you will still need to arrange transportation from David to Boquete. A taxi can cost you between $20-$30 to take you directly to Boquete. You can also get a ride to the terminal and then take a bus from David to Boquete.
Option #3- Rent a car and drive to Boquete.
Renting a car in Panamá is similar to renting a car in the U.S. as far as the paperwork and processing. You can find excellent deals are car rentals with some rentals being as cheap as $20 a day. The downside to this option is that it takes around 7 hours to drive from the city to Boquete, this is including stops of gas and restroom breaks. Not only does it consume several hours of your day, but if you have never driven in Latin America or Miami, I wouldn’t suggest Panamá being your first experience. Between the insane traffic in the city, drivers who have absolutely no knowledge of necessary driving skills, and not the best road conditions, driving in Panamá isn’t for everyone. I have driven from the city to all different locations across Panamá, but that’s because I used to live in Mexico, and if I could drive there, then I could pretty much drive anywhere in the world.
Getting around while in Boquete- If you chose the bus option or flying and not renting a vehicle, then there are two options to get around in Boquete, one being taxi and the other walking. There are no Ubers in Boquete, so you can solely rely on taxis, which are pretty inexpensive compared to other parts of the country. I would never suggest using a taxi in the capital, but in Boquete, it is a safe and reliable option.
You can search for flights and rental cars on my favorite travel website Kayak.com. The bus times, availabilities and prices can be found at the Albrook Terminal.
Where to stay
Boquete has many options when it comes to lodging. It provides plenty of options for anyone between the penny-pinching traveler to the billionaire travelers like Beyoncé, who want a full-on luxurious experience. The following are options that go according to different travel budgets.
Option #1- Budget-friendly.
Hotel Central Boquete is an excellent option for anyone looking for a beautiful place to stay, but that doesn’t empty the bank account. The average nightly cost is $48 U.S.D. a night. What’s to love about Hotel Central Boquete? They have their own coffee shop, amazing views of the mountains, and there are hummingbirds continually flying around the back of the hotel. (That wins significant points for me, obviously.) Apart from that, the hotel is clean, decent beds, and it is not too far out of the main town.
Hotel El Oasis. It is centrally located so you can walk from the hotel to anywhere in the main town with no issues. Your view is of the local river that flows through the town and the mountains that surround Boquete. The rooms are comfortable and are your average hotel style setup. The average nightly cost is $85 U.S.D., and the level of comfort and convenience validates the cost.
Bambuda Castle. It wouldn’t be an actual travel blog post if I didn’t provide you with the spot to stay to make your Instagram feed as lit like a Christmas tree, now would it? I have not stayed in Bambuda Castle, but I have visited and what I can say is this, THEY HAVE HOBBIT ROOMS. That’s right—literal mini hobbit castles. You and a friend (or a lover or partner, no judgment) can stay the night and overlook the mountains while you reenact scenes from Lord of the Rings. I know, the influencer in all of us is just dying to stay there. The good news is that it is incredibly affordable. The average nightly cost is $79 U.S.D., which makes your hobbit dreams much more attainable. The downside? It’s pretty far outside of the main town, so if you didn’t bring a vehicle, you would probably end up spending a decent amount on taxis trying to get back and forth.
https://bambuda.net/boquete
Option #4- Luxury over expense.
Valle Escondido. If money isn’t an issue and you’re trying to experience what luxurious locations Boquete has to offer, then look no further than Valle Escondido. Valle Escondido (“Hidden Valley”) is a hidden resort that offers peace, solitude and nothing but the best in accommodations to all of its guests. It averages around $175 per night, and having stayed there myself, I can confirm that it is worth every single penny. It is comfort, beauty, and convenience all in one. Though it is hidden, it isn’t far from the main town, and while staying there, you don’t even feel the need to leave. There are flowers, streams, and cute gardens everywhere—plenty of places to get beautiful pictures, not just of the luscious landscape but also of the gorgeous resort.
Hacienda Los Molinos- This is for the traveler who doesn’t know the word budget, or at least it is the very last of their concerns. Averaging at $275 U.S.D per night, Hacienda Los Molinos is the definition of luxury. You can rent a villa and say “Adios!” to the outside world, well at least until you run into one of the other hotel guests, but for the most part, it is pretty private and also provides are more intimate experience than the rest. It is also the destination of many Panamanian weddings so don’t be surprised if you just so happen to be there the same day as a wedding party.
https://losmolinoshotel.com/
Where to eat
Although Boquete is a tourist hotspot, it is still a pretty small town. With that in mind, the food options are limited, but there are plenty of good restaurants around. In this category, I have decided to select my top restaurants for different meals.
Breakfast- Sugar & Spice
It is one of the healthiest options for breakfast that you will find in Boquete. They offer items such as pancakes, omelets, breakfast burritos, and typical continental breakfast. You may be thinking, “That isn’t healthy.” Compared to the traditional Panamanian breakfast options, which tend to be fried, such as fried sausage, eggs, and hojaldre (fried dough). Not only is it a healthier option, but I have never been disappointed in a meal since I started going there. Their food is fresh, delicious, filling, and their prices are reasonable. My personal favorite thing to eat is their omelet, but there are no wrong choices here.
This isn’t a healthy option, but if you want to try a delicious sandwich and strawberry milkshake, then you cannot skip out on Granito de Oro. It is located outside of the main town, going towards David. You can only reach it by car or taxi, but trust me, the ride is worth it. My favorite sandwich on their menu is their pork sandwich or “emparedado de pierna” even though I don’t eat pork often, there is no denying that this sandwich is beyond excellent. One of the main things that the Chiriquí province is known for, besides coffee, is strawberries. When visiting Boquete, you cannot skip out on trying “fresas con creama” or strawberries with whip cream, but at Granito de Oro, they don’t sell strawberries with cream. Instead, they sell the best strawberry milkshake that you will ever drink in Panamá. It is an obligatory stop anytime that I am in Boquete. Just be prepared to take half of your sandwich home with you because the portions are massive.
Location: Calle 4ta Noroeste, Alto Boquete, Panama
Dinner- Retrogusto
A lovely Italian restaurant that is t is on the fancier and more upscale level of dining in Boquete. Although it is on the pricier side, the food and service validate the price. The prices are also less than the costs of fine dining restaurants. My favorite plate is the gnocchi, but their pizza is fantastic as well. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a nice meal either by yourself or with the company of someone else.
Location: Avenida Central & Calle 1 Norte
https://ilretrogusto.com/
There you have it—my suggestions for transportation, lodging, and food while in Boquete. Be sure to look out for next week’s post when I discuss my favorite things to do in Boquete. Trust me; if you love adventure, then you won’t want to miss out on the next post.
The classic Boquete picture of the river that runs through the town.
Strawberry milkshake from Granito de Oro
Emparedado de pierna from Granito de Oro
Omelet from Sugar & Spice
When the milkshake is so good that you can’t resist a selfie.
Blue morpho butterfly. One of many butterfly species that can be seen in Boquete. This just so happens to be my favorite.
Inside of where the have their annual coffee and flower festival.
Boquete at night.
Views from one of the mountainsides.
The welcome sign before you enter the actual town.
The banks of the river that runs through the town.
The flowers in bloom during their love coffee and flower festival.
