Logistics and Cultural Information

As soon as I get excited about a new trip, I go online and start booking. Technology makes it so straightforward!  I'm sure we all have mishaps, bring frustrated  at missed or cancelled flight, or dinner plans that went awry. I find that being resourceful and hungry will create a better and new experience.

 In Rome, Italy I randomly found All'Antice Vinaio, an Italian sandwich shop, after not finding our original locale!  All'Antice Vinaio makes incredibly delicious and budget friendly sandwiches! https://www.allanticovinaio.com/roma/  This chain has opened up shop in NYC and LA! Check it out! 

My job in this section is to share logistical and cultural knowledge so that your travel is as smooth and pleasurable as possible! Travel feeds our soul, mind, and body so my goal is to share as much experience as possible!

Mexico

  • Cultural tips - Mexican people are very hospitable.  A buenos Dias (good morning) and gracias (thank you) will take you far. Also if you are not fluent in Spanish,  En donde esta..? (Where is ?) and Cuanto cuesta (how much is it?) are helpful. Even further, Donde esta el mejor.. (where is the best...)?  I found the best seafood restaurant, Mariscos Los Cabos in Rosarito due to locals (and not even located on Yelp). https://g.co/kgs/H8k7YYC
  • Health concerns - Montezuma's revenge can be real. It has nothing to do with Mexico! Our organisms may not be used to the local diet. You can go to any pharmacy and buy over the counter diarrhea medicine called Treda. It works great! Be sure to eat seafood in locales that look clean. Recently, I had a bad reaction from seafood. 

Mexico City

The best time to visit Mexico City (known also as CDMX) , is in Spring or Fall. It's also located at 7350 ft. 

Best location is Roma or Condesa for art, architecture, trendy bars, restaurants, and nightlife. 

Mexico has an excellent subway system . Efficient bus lines are best for day trips or you can book a tour! Use Uber and /or DIDI too! 

*A 3-4 day trip is recommended and use one for a day trip!

Some food recommendations are (street and restaurant):

  • Tacos naturally -Tacos al Pastor, great ones can be found everywhere and at varied prices

  • Tortas - Sandwiches with a variety of ingredients. My favorite is the Torta Cubana, with roast pork!  A guide: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-mexican-tortas.

  • Quesadillas de Huitlacoche - mushroom from corn, a great veg. option.

  • A must in CDMX - visit the picturesque restaurant  Cafe Tacuba 

  • High end eating - Visit Pujol, listed on the top 50 best restaurants in the world.

Sonora - 2014

  1. Best time to go: Fall, Spring or Winter. Summer is extremely hot (over 100 degrees F.)
  2. Getting there: Fly to Hermosillo Sonora (HMO), rent a car at airport, then drive 1.5 hrs to San Carlos. From CA, fly to San Diego, take the CBX bridge crossing go Tijuana Airport, then fly go Hermosillo. Flying from Tucson or Phoenix is a good option
  3. Accomodations - Hotels near the beach or Airbnb type of rental (my preference) with a pool are the best options. I recently booked a house via VRBO. I definitely recommend it. https://t.vrbo.io/1hIry1LJCSb
  4. Shopping: Guaymas City (next city) main market is the best place for Souvenirs. San Carlos can be pricy unless you are looking for unique art and pottery!
  5. Cuisine - Must try: Seafood tacos, ceviche tostada (mayo is added, a Sonoran tradition),  crab, oysters, fish, carne asada, cabeza tacos (Taqueria El Chino) has the best cabeza tacos.  Tbe Sonoran dogo (hotdog), and flour tortillas. *Some recommendations can be found: https://www.latimes.com/food/la-fo-hermosillo-sonora-mexican-food-patricia-escarcega-20190626-story.html: 

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Peru

Cusco - Machu Picchu - 2017

  • The best time to visit is in May - October ( Peru's fall/winter). Cusco's rainy season is generally November - April. However during these rainy months there are less tourists and prices tend to be lower. Pick the best time for you!
  • Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) or Lima (LIM) and visit Lima first, then fly go Cusco.
  • To avoid altitude sickness - The recommendation is to chew on coca leaves. I found a great hack: buy coca leaf tea packets and  make tea. Let it cool, and make it ice tea to drink throughout the day! I added it daily to my water bottle! 
  • Eats: Peruvian cuisine is one of the best in the world. The sacred valley however has local specialties: https://www.salkantaytrekking.com/blog/gastronomy-in-cusco-7-famous-foods-you-must-try/  My favorite is choclo con queso (large kernel corn with chunks of cheese. (a great vegetarian option).  
  • *Cultural awareness! The Incan flag is similar to the LGBTQ+ flag but they are not the same. The Incan flag has an extra (light blue) stripe,  and the Incan coat of arms.

Gualala, CA 

  • Getting there: Drive up the coast on highway US 101 and CA 1-N.
  •  photo reflects the beauty of the coast. stop and enjoy along the way some state parks and beaches: Bodega Head, Goat Rock Beach, Stengel Beach, and

    Schooner Gulch State Beach

    *A guide go CA coast travel:  https://highway1roadtrip.com/
  • Accommodations: There are many campsites