NYC

I said adieu to NYC last May of 2013 when I ventured off on my international year long journey around the world. It was my home for seven years and I wasn't sure how our reunion would feel having not stepped, smelled, or tasted the big apple in over a year. When I left, I was more than ready to say goodbye. The city does that whole wear you down thing and I was near skeletal remains. But just like any good abusive relationship, it felt so good to be back in the arms of the great seductress. I love you. I hate you. I love you. I hate you. I love to hate you and hate to love you. Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

What did I learn in this relapse? New York has a way of welcoming you back as if it knew of your return. Some things never change, like the women who is still handing out pamphlets with a smile at the same subway entrance in the morning. Or the street performers that you recognize and love. Everything felt as if I had never left and New York pulled at my heart strings and the bagels at my stomach strings.

To make matters even better, I had the opportunity to finally meet my co-founder of El Camino Travel. Yes, we had never met and started a business together via google hangouts and yes we both showed up in hats for our first official co-founding date. #soulmates.

While in NYC, we had the opportunity to scheme with the incredibly creative travel minds of Fathom and Mosey and couldn't be more excited for what's to come!

One week felt like a New York minute. Where did the time go??? Check out NYC via my iPhone.

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I also learned that Citi Bike is amazing, Über is way cheaper than a taxi, and Mister Sunday in Brooklyn is just about the best dance party I've ever been to.

Until next time NYC!

 

JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA

JOSHUA_TREE_1Since being back in California, I had to visit my beloved Joshua Tree National Park. The landscape is unreal and the stars are glorious.

This camping trip was featured on Ardent Magazine in a two part series. Here is Part I and Part II.

Stay at Hidden Valley Campground if you want to be nestled among amazing boulders.

Below are some images that you might not see in the Ardent feature. Watch out for coyotes!

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Black Star Canyon Road | OC, California

When most people think of Orange County, better known (or worse known?) as 'The O.C.' they probably think of either Disneyland, or reality T.V. (Housewives of Orange County, The O.C., Laguna Beach). Truth be told there is beautifully wild side to Orange County absent of the cliché. Enter Black Star Canyon. There are urban legends and tales of the supernatural associated with this area which make it an even more interesting destination. Look out for ghosts. The images below were taken on Black Star Canyon Road in Santiago Canyon. To get to Black Star Canyon, walk Black Star Canyon Road about a mile past the gate and turn right. Happy trails. BLACKSTAR_1 BLACKSTAR_2 BLACKSTAR_3 BLACKSTAR_4 BLACKSTAR_5 BLACKSTAR_6 BLACKSTAR_7 BLACKSTAR_8 BLACKSTAR_9 BLACKSTAR_10

Road Trip With Dad

Now that I am in LA, I've been able to spend some quality time with the folks. I've also been able to appreciate the natural beauty of California as well as indulge in delicious Mexican food. My dad and I took a short road trip down south so he could hit the jackpot at the casinos and I could lounge by the pool. These photos are all off Highway 76 where we stopped off at the amazing Jilberto's Taco Shop. RoadTrip_1 RoadTrip_2 RoadTrip_4 RoadTrip_5 RoadTrip_6 RoadTrip_7 RoadTrip_8 RoadTrip_9 RoadTrip_10 RoadTrip_11 RoadTrip_12 RoadTrip_13 RoadTrip_14

He didn't hit the jackpot, but we did enjoy the view.