Working....

Man, is this the stroy of my life. Since leaving Las Vegas (I think there is a movie by this name), I have had 1 day off:( No violins please. I really should be grateful I have a job.

Thankfully, work has a computer so when I am not busy delivering babies, I am searching for travel locations to here:







And here:







And here:











And here:











And finally here (note this is only a SMALL sample of my future destinations!)









So many places...so little time!

Something to look forward too!!

I have been working way too much. One of our Midwives broke her finger and we are already down 2 midwives! F!

I have been known to be a workaholic. I work hard so I can play hard. But, with a man in my life, I find that I'm not as eager to work a lot and I'm tired. yet, I have no choice to work now. We have our own practice and if one midwife calls off, is on vacation or breaks her fucking finger, the rest of us have to make up for it.

But tomorrow, tomorrow I have a day off. I actually have two days off.

In a row!! woo hoo!!

So, me and my Mister are going to Santa Barbara to see Blame Sallie, an all girl band, play at a local restaurant.



We met one of the band members when we stayed down in Laguna Beach (She is the second one on the right side). She gave us a CD and we loved it. I signed up for newsletter and saw this gig and decided we were going!!

We booked a cute B & B. Quiet. Romantic. Fun;)

Greetings from Costa Rica!

So, I have only been here 2 days and already I missed you all so much, I had to say hi.

My trip got off on a sour note which always makes me a little nervous. I'm, by nature a negative person but I self talk a lot so I can turn it around.

Landed in Miami at 445am and didn't take off until 1200pm! Originally, I had a 4 hour layover that turned into 7 hours due to mechanical problems. Sat on the plane for 1.5 hours. We deboarded,*never a good sign*, for 1.5 hours.

My negative Nellie was having a party in my head but thankfully I met some cool guys who were so damn funny, my positive penny was prevailing.

Landed in Costa Rica at 3pm and my driver was there to pick me up. Whew!

My driver, Roberto was awesome. I was his only passenger and he waited 3 hours for me. I was so hungry so we decided to get something to eat. Interesting conversation in broken Spanish and broken English.

Arrived at the hotel 6pm. This is when it dawns to me that I'm not really on a tour. Talk to the hotel tour operator who tells me that I'm on my own just everything booked through the agency.

I'm totally fine with this. It's been an amazing 2 days so far and I will share more later. Computer access is limited and people are waiting.

Cost Rica trip

I have so preoccupied by Mr. J that I haven't blogged about my scheduled trip to Costa Rica.

I had hoped girlfriend would accompany me but she can't afford to take time from work. Poor thing has 2 kids in college so money is tight.
i don't have a problem traveling on my own but it sure would have been nice to have company.

I like to travel independently meaning not with an organized tour group. But in some regions and especially being a single woman traveler, an organized tour is better. I did, however, for a brief time considering doing this trip on my own.

After much researched, I booked through a travel company based in Costa Rica called Costarica4me. They offer small groups, no more than 12 in a group. This is awesome because larger groups tend to scare off wildlife. This company has been fantastic and very helpful.

Here is a copy of my itinerary:


Darlene’s Costa Rica Getaway
Feb 3: Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival to Juan Santamaria International Airport, you will be greeted by a Pacific Trade Winds S.A. representative. Private transportation will then be provided to the 4 Star Arenal Springs Resort & Spa located in La Fortuna. This fun little tourist town is located in the shadow of the imposing Arenal Volcano. During your stay, you will enjoy a Junior Suite equipped with your choice of two queen beds or one king size bed, A / C, fan, cable tv, phone, wireless internet, mini-bar, coffee maker, safe box, oversized bathroom with volcanic rock surroundings, hair dryer, and front patio providing an outstanding view of Arenal Volcano. Breakfast included daily. (Rental Car can be substituted for provided transportation. Please see below for difference in pricing.)
Feb 4: Today you will soar through the tree tops of the rainforest on your gondola style Sky Tram adventure. This is a comfortable way to view the wildlife that inhabits the canopy. After Sky Tram, professional bilingual guides will lead you through a series of zipline cables on your Sky Trek Adventure. The canopy zipline is a one of a kind tour which is Costa Rica's most popular adventure activity with thousands participating annually.





Feb 5: Today you will go on a river boat ride down Rio Frio in the wild Caño Negro National Park. A bilingual naturalist guide will point out the abundant wildlife, flora & fauna that call this park home. This reserve is another important sanctuary for a wide variety of endangered species. Lunch included.
Feb 6: You will go on an easy hike through the Rainforest, with a bilingual naturalist guide who will point out the abundant wildlife, flora & fauna. When you reach the clearing, you will be at the closest observation point to Arenal Volcano. Being the third most active volcano in the world, Arenal erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. After approximately 45 minutes of viewing, you will be able to visit the geothermally heated Baldi Hot Springs where you will be able to relax & bathe as Arenal erupts in the background.

Feb 7: Our famous Land-Boat-Land transportation to Monteverde. After crossing Arenal Lake which provides some of the best photo ops of the imposing volcano, you will be brought to El Establo Resort. During your stay, you will enjoy a Deluxe Room equipped with 2 Queen size beds with Orthopedic mattresses, Cable TV, Bathrooms with separate bath tub and shower, Safe Deposit Box, Refrigerator, Telephone, Coffee Maker, and Hair dryer. Breakfast included daily.
Feb 8: A bilingual naturalist guide will lead you on an easy hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Your guide will point out and describe many endangered species, as well as educate you on the importance of sustaining this vital reserve. At an average elevation of 1,400 meters, this forest is home to numerous species of wildlife, unique to this area.



Feb 9: Transportation will be provided to The Falls Resort located in Manuel Antonio. This new resort offers a refreshing approach to luxury accommodations in Manuel Antonio. The resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and waterfalls, providing a serene environment and splendid views. During your stay, you will enjoy a standard Suite equipped with king size bed, full bath with large walk in shower, cable television with DVD, mini-bar, overhead fan, air conditioning, covered porch with sitting area and a hammock for relaxation. Breakfast included daily.






Feb 10: A bilingual naturalist guide will lead you on a tour of discovery through Manuel Antonio National Park. Along the way your guide will point out the abundant wildlife, flora & fauna. This park plays a vital role in the global environment as it is home to a wide variety of endangered species.
Feb 11: Today you will go on a Catamaran Cruise Coastal Adventure. This is a great way to possibly observe whales, dolphins & sea turtles. After cruising along the beautiful shores of Manuel Antonio, you will stop at a secluded beach to Snorkel above a Tropical, Coral Reef and enjoy a provided Hot Meal.

Later, private transportation will be provided back through the Cloud Forest of the Talamanca Mountains to the Grano de Oro. During your stay, you will enjoy a Superior room. All rooms are furnished in Tropical Victorian styles with wrought-iron beds and rich damask fabrics in three jeweled color schemes - navy, burgundy and forest-green. The art and furnishings are handcrafted by Costa Rican artists. No two rooms are alike. Private baths are blue and white Italian tile adorned with gleaming base fixtures. Breakfast is included daily.

Feb 12: Private transportation will be provided to Juan Santamaria International Airport scheduled to arrive 3 hours prior to your departure.
Pura Vida!

I can't wait to Zipline (canopy tour). Scare. The. Hell. Out. Of. Me.
And that is exactly why I'm doing it.

I have a travel journal and will write about my trip and then transfer when I get home.

BTW, still stuck at work but help is on the way!!

Booked my flight...

Now I need to find a tour in Costa Rica. I have it narrowed to two. I just need to make up my mind. Girlfriend can't go so I'm looking at tours.

I really didn't want to do a tour but I am a little nervous to be on my own in Central America. I have no problem traveling alone in Europe but I think I will feel better in Costa Rica in a group.

Decision time.

Saturday matinee

I decided to do something today that I had never done before.
I went to a movie. Alone.

Yep, I have traveled alone but I have never been to a movie alone.

I went to see The boy in the striped pajamas. A very disturbing movie about a German boy who befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. Overall, the movie is just okay. The ending is quite disturbing.

After the movie, I went to Vroman's book store and decided on my next travel destination.





I sat in the bookstore for over an hour reading about Costa Rica. I'm so excited. I hope girlfriend will go with me.

If not, I will go.

Alone;)

Travel girl's Salzburg Summary

Oh Salzburg.

Salzburg, a charming, pictureque city in Austria. I spent 3 days here which I felt was more than enough time. The city is so small, you can easily see the city in two days.

I took a train from Vienna to Salzburg. The train left at 8:05. On the nose.



The train was pretty empty and I had a compartment to myself most of the journey.



I took my own picture. What. A. Dork!



Beautiful scenary along the way.




I loved my hotel in Salzburg. The staff so friendly and the breakfast outstanding.
My room was damn cute and ya gotta love the twin bed;)




A walk through the city.














The hotel has a small bar. I met a couple from Australia and 2 couples from England. We sat around, drank and chatted about healthcare, politics and our travels. They were all suprised to learn that I traveled alone.

The Brits took pity on me and encouraged me to go with them on a tour of the salt mine.

I happily accepted.

Since I was a single, I sat in front of the small bus. Oh, but lookie what I saw.








New friends.


I got back in just enough time to do my tour to Salzkammergut. I was the only tourist on this tour. It was fabulous.
It's a gorgeous place but most shops were closed as they were taking a break before the busy Christmas market.










I was prepared for snow with clothing just not my shoes. What a dope huh?
I slipped so many times on my tour. F!
By the time I got back to the hotel, I was WAY over the snow!

The advantage to traveling off season is the cost is significantly lower.
However, you must be willing to put up with the weather.

Travel girl's star rating for Salzburg:
****

Now go out and see the world!