A Paris dream comes true

Bonjour Paris!! 

So beautiful and full of energy. A city where love is truly on the air. 

I know I travel solo, but during my planning, I remembered that in NYE I asked my mom what was her wish for 2015, and she told me that she wanted to go to Paris. For years, she had always told me that things would get better and we would both make a trip to Paris one day. Of course I would laugh then as it sounded very hard to do. Well, this was the time! On the spare of the moment, I booked her flight to meet me up in Europe for a week. Seeing her at the airport in Paris with her backpack and big smile was priceless!! Our dream had come true!! 

Of course it was a little challenging to adapt to travel with someone else, as going solo is different, but she was open to anything. I am glad she was because we went through a lot of things that were completely off schedule, but will forever be remembered! 

Our AirBnB apartment was in a perfect location where the Eiffel Tower could be seen from the window. We were walking distance from the tower and bars (coffee shops) that were incredibly good and not turisty at all. The con is that not many people spoke English or Spanish, but mimic was our specialty.

I lost count on how many crepes we ate, but I do remember us walking 15 miles one day, so I am okay wih that. On Easter Sunday, we attended mass at the Cathedrale Notre Dame. It was a beautiful experience. When we arrived, there was a very long line to get in the church for the tour, but noticed a sign that indicated the entrance for mass. It was the same door towards the same location, so we went through that entrance inmediately, looked around the church and then sat down for Easter Mass. Great trick to know if you are up for the challenge of going to mass on a foreign language. It was beautiful and it saved us from waiting in line. 

The next day we had reservations for lunch at the Eiffer Tower. I tried to book a trip up to the tower but they were sold out online. The cost was € 20, and noticed that there was a restaurant called 58 Tour Eiffel on the first floor that would serve lunch for € 40 a person. That would grant you access to the tower as well. That is exactly what I did. As we arrived to the tower, noticed a long line to get up there, but we walked right to the front with our reservation and were granted inmediate access. We had a fantastic lunch overlooking Paris and then went up the tower. Definitely recommend that to anyone visiting Paris. 

Another tip for your trip to Paris is the 2 or 3 day Paris Pass (we got the 2 day for € 42. This is sold by the Visitor's Office and it grants you access to over 50 museums in Paris, including the top ones. Not only that, but you also do not have to stand in line and walk right up. No time to waste when in Paris! 

One thing mom really wanted to check out was the Moulin Rouge. Wow!! What a show!! Definitely book ahead of time. It was pricey as we got a package that included a guided Paris tour at night, entrance tickets and transportation. Well worth it. Prepare for some champagne and topless dancers. (P.S. This is the only place my mom did not "check-in" on Facebook). 

We witnessed the most beautiful sunsets in Paris and fell in love with the city. I am guilty for doubting that we would ever be together in Paris. To be honest, I cannot believe that we were there! I learned that I need to have more faith and trust the plan that He has for us. While watching the Eiffel light up at the top of the hour at night, I felt like God was telling me, "In your face!!! See what I can do??". Incredible. 

A Europe romance with/in Barcelona

Oh Barcelona!! How not to fall in love with you? Your streets, your food, your people, your beach! 

After the fun delayed flight from London, we finally made it to Barcelona. I had a few hours to show my mom a little bit of the magic of Barcelona. As soon as we arrived, and checked in at our AirBnB apartment next to La Sagrada Familia, I could tell she was already in love. We started off our quick tour with the right foot by stopping by a hidden gem that I visited on my first trip and was counting the days to come back. The cava and the food make it a must stop for anyone visiting the city. If you show up and people are crammed inside the hole in the wall trying to get an order of cava, do not expect to come back and find it less busy. You might as well join the crowd and fight your way to the bar because it is always packed. 

Made it to La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, Pg de Gracia, Barcelona's Port and ended the day with a delicious Paella. Next morning, my mom was on her way back to the US after spending a week with me during my trip and I was alone again. "Come home with me, hija!," she would tell me the night before. Not gonna lie, I thought about taking an earlier flight back for a few minutes.  For the first few hours after her departure, lonliness invaded my heart. As any other strong feeling that I get while traveling alone, I let myself feel it, and then do my best to move on. That is one of the biggest lessons when traveling alone. You share your feelings, good and bad, only with yourself. You really get to know who you really are because no one is there to help you manipulate the feelings, make them better or worse, or overcome them. It is all about you and how you deal with it. 

A few hours later once I was installed in my hostel and laying on the beach reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the feeling of lonliless was gone. I just have to remind myself that I am never alone. 

My stay in Barcelona was tremendously relaxed. This was my second time there, so I had seen all the turisty things that I wanted to check off my list. This time, I was there to enjoy myself, relax and grasp the culture more. From 3 days, I extended the stay to 6 days. One night in Milan would have cost me the same as 3 nights in Barcelona. Transportation was a piece of cake, food at La Boqueria was cheap and delicious, and the beach became my best friend. The morning that I had to take my original flight to Milan, I went to a coffee shop, and while sipping on my orange juice and cortadito, I realized that I did not want to leave. I would rather stay and not see as much of Milan. To be honest, there was nothing in Milan that I was dying to see. So, I missed that flight and stayed. 

A Europe trip is not complete without a fun and short romance. Am I not here to Eat, Pray and Love? Well, I was missing the Love part. I met a guy named Mark. He was a Psychoanalitic man from London who happened to be in Barcelona living temporarly while renovating the new apartment that his family bought and investing on some properties for hostels. 

We don't know each other's last name and if we ever said them, we don't remember. That was not important. Our life stories, background and present were all that we cared about. No one needed to talk about a future, how many kids we each wanted, and what would happen after my departure. That was not necessary. He was mostly busy with builders, furniture shopping and site visits, and I was busy exploring the city, getting a tan and doing whatever my heart felt like during the day, but we always had a dinner date to grab my favorite cava and explore some restaurants in the hidden gothic streets of Barcelona. It was something nice to look forward to and it felt like we knew each other from years. I had fun making out in the allies of Barcelona and remembering that romanticism is not dead. It shouldn't be dead. It's a choice. The last time we saw each other, we kissed good bye just like any other day under the pink sky of a sunrise and went our own ways. We exchanged numbers in case we are ever at each other's cities, but no pressure to stay in touch. Perhaps we will, or perhaps we will not. It was a fun Barcelona romance. I went to Barcelona to love and I promisse to come back again.

Daniela Guevara

The Capital city of crime in Italy, is definitely the capial city of Pizza!

Protein powder in Italy? At least, not at nutrition stores or healthy food places. At every city, I have attempted to buy some to compensate my body for all the protein that I am probably lacking and all the walking I am doing. No such thing yet. I have asked and looked, and all I get are weird looks. Oh well, I'll just have to go with it. 

Arrived to Naples on a crapy train and was eager to find out what was the magic about this city. Cheating my "backpacking" status, I stayed at a hotel. In reality, I booked my accomodations the night before. Somehow, I dont worry as much about the pre planning anymore as I did in the beginning. I am confortable just going with it and it somehow works out better. I was craving a big bed and my own bathroom. Perfect. 

Hours after my arrival, I realized how different Naples was. It is true that men in the south of Italy are more "fresh". If I had been feeling crappy-looking because I lack glamour when traveling, the men in Naples made sure that I felt sexy again. Not one block without my boobs being stared at (I was not even wearing anything revealing), a "bella" comment being told to me, or a more descrete flirtitious smile coming from the Naples men. After my Rome incident, I was unconfortable, but decided to let it go and just make up a fake Italian husband and have fun with it. It worked everytime. 

My exploring led me to streets full of vendors. I could have bought anything from underwear, to grapes in one block. I quickly learned the game of avoiding being run over by a scooter and walking with purpose to avoid looking like a tourist. Even though, I'm sure my Nike shoes gave it away. 

Being in Naples, I had to confirm that it was the best pizza in the world. 

After walking the busy and crowded streets of Naples on a Friday afternoon, I headed down to I' Antica Pizzaria Da Michele. This place is a local's favorite and also the set for one of the scenes on Julia Robert's Eat, Pray, Love movie. As I approched it, you would have thought that some kind of celebrity was about to leave as people were crowded at the door. No, it was people waiting over two hours to taste the true flavor of pizza. I walked in to get my number and was psychologically prepared to wait a looooong time. The old Italian man, who seemed to have the control over everything and everyone there, refused to give me a number and told me to just wait one minute. What is going on? Two minutes later, i was told to just go and sit anywhere with a free chair since I was by myself. Are you telling me that I don't have to wait two hours? Well, the catch is that they sit you down on a table with random people who are there together. I was put on a table of a group of 3 friends from London who just took their final exam to become doctors and took off to Italythey had been waiting 2 hours amd were starving. It was awkward. Really awkward at first. I felt terrible, but thankfully we all oke english and the conversation flowed. I did crash their party, but they were totally lay back and really sweet. Eager for food, we ordered the same pizza Julia Roberts has on the movie, a delicious margarita with extra cheese. Wow!! Pizza will never be the same after my taste buds metthereal deal. After this experience, of course gelato and a walk through the streets of Naples was on the list. 

That night, a local invited me for a drink. Being cautious, I asked the front desk to get a copy of his ID when he picked me up. Also, I told them to call the police if I didn't come back by 5am.  The guy was cool with that, so off to the nightlife in Naples we went. 

He took me to a strip of bars on a street where parking seemed to be a novelty. Cars parked anywhere you could imagine. Once there, he told me to look the opposite way, and it was a beautiful view of the ocean. Stunning. We could see the islands from across the street from the bars. Geat night! ... and for some reason, bartenders kept giving us shots everytime he would ask to tab out. It's a "thing" in Naples. Free shots! 

By the way, I did make it back to the hotel safe and sound right at 4:55 am. 

The next day I headed out to Almafi. I heard great things about it and I wanted to see it. Packed my beach cloths and off to the coast I went. It was an amazing ride as the views are incredible. I had planned to get off the bus, but the weather started to get crappy and cold and rainy. People were begging the driver to let them in. We were at full capacity the buses only run once an hour and this people were waiting in the cold to get back. I realized that it would be me if I got out of the bus to look around. I was not wearing the proper attire to be out in the cold and I did not want to be out at night waiting for this bus and hoping it had capacity to take me back. So, I just stayed on the bus and rode it back to Sorrento. The weather got terrible, so I felt pretty good about my decision. I got to see the amazing views from the conform of my seat. It was a long ride, but definitely worth it. Hope to come back, but would definitely not rely on the public transportation and rent a car and make sure it's warmer. 

The next day, off to Paris to meet up with my mom I go! 

Daniela Guevara

There is no such thing as a free lunch

Big, energetic, full of history and overwhelming are the perfect adjectives for Rome, based on my experience. Is this the NYC of Italy? Perhaps. No tall buildings or yellow cabs are necessary to make this city vibrant. Highlighting on my map the places I wanted to see, I might as well color the entire thing. So much to see, and so little time. Rome was definitely not built in a day, and you cannot see it in one either. 

One of best days ever. Arriving to the Vatican, I notice an audiance waiting on something to happen. Minutes after I place myself in a very good spot, the Pope comes out. How incredible is that? One of the most influential people in the world was right in front of me. My whole trip to Rome was worth it at that point. After a 3 hour tour and 500 steps to the top of the Basilica de St. Peter, my day couldn't get any better. Wish I had paid more attention to my History teachers in school.

Trying to stay one day longer in Rome to attend an event at the Vatican, I had to change my train ticket. Stood in line for 2 hours in the morning with no success and came back in the afternoon. Waiting, a guy came and stood next to me asking friendly questions. After a short exchange and his offer to direct me on the right direction, he asked me for money. Why was he helping me? There is no such thing as a free lunch. Shocked, I declined. He insisted. I declined. He became rude. I moved back. He moved towards me and insisted more. It was making me really uncomfortable. I know the trick. You open your wallet, they see how much you have and they grab what they want. It happened to a girl I met earlier. When he satated reaching out for my bag, I started talking louder. With my broken Italian, I chose to go off on him in Spanish. A Colombian guy noticed the situation and reached out for me. Asked the guy to leave me alone and pulled me towards him to keep me safe. Who should I trust at this point?

The bad guy became really rude and almost got on a fist fight with the Colombian guy that stepped in to defent me. Was this really happening? How did the situation escalated so fas? Should I just run? 

After a few threats, the bad guy left. On the corner of my eye, I could still see him looking at us from far away. I decided to leave and head back to my hostel. A few steps later, I could still see the bad guy behind me. Was he really following me? Scared, I walked around the train station hoping it was just a coincidence. Sure enough, he was following me. Scared to leave the public place and head home by myself, I went to the police. Of 5 officers, only one of them spoke very little English. I explained the situation and asked to be walked to my hostel. Their quick answer was a "no, we cannot". What?? The look in my face must have been really hopeless, that after some insisting, one of the cops decided to walk me only one block. 

So far on this trip, I had never felt so alone and far away from home. If anything happened to me there was absolutely no one that I could call. At the other cities, at least I had a new friend or a host that I could reach out to. This time, I felt unsafe and unprotected. 

After talking to my mom and a good friend about it, I was calmed and determined to give a report to the ambassy in case anything happened. I thought it was an exageration to do that, up until the moment when I was walking a few blocks away from my hostel and I saw the guy again later that evening. After the second encounter, I was speed walking to the ambassy, just to arrive and find out that none of the officers spoke English or Spanish and the office would open until the next morning. Holly cow!! Was this really happening? No questions asked, I headed back to the hostell and left Rome first thing the next morning. I was uneasy and unconfortable and did not want to let that guy ruin the trip for me. It was best for me to move on to another great adventure and not leave with fear one more day in Rome. 

Despite the experience, Rome is a stunning city and I cannot wait to go back to experience some more of it. It would probably take half a year to really get to see everything that it has to offer. I wouldn't consider it a "relaxing" city at all. There is too much to do and explore. The wine was not as cheap as Venice, and the city is definitely more complex than Florence, but it has it's own magic. Just be aware and do not trust anyone. 

Daniela Guevara

Sad news: Pizza should never be eaten with wine.

."Strangers are just friends that you haven't met". 

Great quote hung on the wall of my AirBnB room in Florence. After reviews, I decided to give AirBnB a try, and what a great experience it was. Traveling alone is a rolling coaster because sometimes you might really crave a connection with someone just to exchange thoughts and opinions and other you are just grateful to be alone getting to connect with yourself. After some research, I found Savino on AirBnB. He is a young Italian man who has been opening the doors of his home to adventorous souls from around the world who add Florence to their travel list. What a great host! He met me at the train station, and I must say that it was such a relieve, specially after my lovely wet and long experience in Venice. With a warm heart and welcoming smile, Savino welcomes travelers and makes them feel right at home. 

On the first night his friends came over and we all had delicious pizza before heading out to dance. They were all very friendly, welcoming and at times I would forget that we had just met an hour ago. Language was never a barrier, in fact a couple of them liked practicing their Spanish and English with me, while I absolutely enjoyed listening to them speak in Italian as I am trying to catch words. "So, you are Mexican and live in the US, so you definitely can twerk, right?". Exactly the words of Lorenzo. If there was a question about it before, it was clear now that we felt confortable with each other. 

Florenze was wonderful. The city was not what I expected at all. My expectations were too low compared to what this city has to offer. It's magical, fun, beautiful, and safe. 

I refuse to stand in long lines for museums, but meeting Michelangelo's David was a must. After an hour standing in line, David and I met. As soon as I snap a picture of him... my camera dies. If you remember, at this point I dont have a cell phone, so it was just me, David and my intentions to take in every breath of the experience to see him live as most likely I was not going to get a picture with him. Before walking away, a light bulb went off.  My iPad!!! With 8% of battery and a terrible camera, I got a shot with this masterpiece that represents triumph in the most humble and courageous way. 

A few hours and a hike from hell uphill later, I got to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets. I am a freak about sunsets, and this one has definitely topped off all of the others I have chased. 

At that point, nothing could ruin the day... except getting on a bus that was going the opposite direction, and getting to a point where the bus driver turned off the bus and got off along with everyone else in the middle of nowhere. Yep! That happened. I freaked out for two seconds. Then decided that the smart thing was to wait inside the bus for something to happen. 30 mins later the driver came back and we departed again. Ugh! Walking home from the train station, when I though the day was over, the unmistaken beat of salsa music was coming from one of the buildings. What do I do? Of course I go inside to investigate. Sure enough, there was some kind of latin party going on! We really are everywhere! I sat there for a few minutes to enjoy the music, but after a guy's request to have his baby, I left. Can't be more random. That was a great day. 

Savino marked my map with great places to eat at, so my second day in Florence was all about hitting the right spots for the famous salami from Florence and gelato, of course! 

Tracie, the American girl that I met in Venice, happened to be in Florence so of course we hung out, met a friend of a friend and "cogliere l'attimo". 

I must mention that on the third day, I nailed my way back home on the bus! 

Ciao! 

Dani G. 

P.S. Kuddos to Savino for even having a really cute friend ;) 

Venice "the maze"

No matter where you are, the Italians definitely know about fashion. Walking the streets of Venice is such a show. No matter the age, sex, or social status, they have a special style of which I am envious. If I thought that hipsters knew how to dress in KC, this is way above our heads. 

Venice has been so good to me. Except my arrival. I made a quick stop in Pisa to do the touristy stuff and see the Leaning Tower. The rain didn't ruin it for me, but it sure made it more difficult since I was carrying a 30lb bag and wearing TOMs. Not smart of me. 

I literally made it to my train to Venice half a minute before departure. Once I got to Venice, I got off the train at the wrong station, so of course the directions to my hostel were making no sense. Bursting out my GPS, I realized that I was 6 kms away. Haha! That hike was not going to happen. After rude customer service since I spoke to the guy in English (I refuse to admit that I speak English so that I can try harder to learn the language), I jumped into a train that would take me to the right place. 

Venice streets are magical, but also a freaking maze! The cheap wine and small plates make up for the hassle. I would stop at an Osteria to grab some prosecco, spritz or vino rosso everytime I would get lost. It was a perfect way to find myself on the map, but by noon I would already feel the Venice happiness in my veins, so I would either get more lost, or not even care anymore. 

Also, I learned a few tricks while walking the streets of this beautiful city. It costs 1.50€ to use the public restroom... so instead, I find an osteria that is tucked in between the streets (those are the best), pay 0.85€ for a glass of their red house wine, and use their toilette. If it's too early, grab a coffee for 1€ and do the same. Everytime, the bathroom was cleaner than the public ones anyways. Another trick for backpackers is to not have a seat down dinner. They charge fees over fees for that and you are stuck with one dish. Instead, hop around the local spots for tapas style dishes that run between 1-4€. That gives you a chance to try more things, and mingle with the bartender and other locals. A local recommended the Campo Santa Margharita area. Also, I found great local spots (where my new American friend and I were the only tourists) in the Santa Croce area. Walk the streets without being afraid to get lost. Seems like every turn is a new adventure. 

Yesterday was a tough day. I got lost pretty bad, tourist were annoying me, the rain had my shoes soaking wet, and my phone went for a swim in the toilet. What else could go wrong? I had to stop, take a step back and look at the big picture. I was in freaking Venice!!! Who cares??? So, I went on a shopping spree for Italian shoes and make up, and it solved the issue. Of course I lost the shopping bag later and went around the city tracking it down, but I found it! Don't judge. It was between shopping or eating gelatto, and my waistline could not take the hit anymore, so my wallet had to. 

Speaking of waistlines. What do Italians do to keep the levels of obessity so low? Seriously! With so much food and drinking, you would think that Italians would be rolling all over the place, but that is not the case at all. We are definitely doing something wrong in the US. 

Last and not least... I quickly have learned that making eye contact with a man in Italy is dangerous. It is not to be done, unless you are flirting. Will not disclose the stories that this has created. Lesson learned. Moving on. 

Dani G. 

Benvenuti in Italia!

The journey began oficially with plenty of leg room on a 7.5 hr flight. Despite the sleeping pills, I stayed awake for most of the flight watching Taken 3 (yes, I had the guts to watch it right before my trip alone), and Eat, Pray, Love (who knew that movie would hit home so hard for me?). By the way, how many times do they feed you on these flights? It felts like everytime I would open my eyes, there was water or food being handed to me. Right before landing, I freaked out about my Italian and crammed in a few phrases to say to the immigration officer. Too bad he didn't say a word to me. He could have been my first victim at my attempt to sound trilingual.

Eight hours, three trains, a bag of pistachios with strange australians, many pastries, and a crazy one-mile uphill walk later, I made it to my first hostel. Unlike my first hostel adventure back in 2012 in Madrid (where I spent 2 nights with 3 Australian and German males), I shared the room with 2 brave american girls from Wisconsin. Back home, I would get wide open eyes when I told people about my long trip. On the other hand, these brave girls responded, "Great, our trip is the same lenght".  Ha!! I forgot how amazing it is to meet like-minded people that make you sound less crazy. We'll all just be crazy together!


After wine and real pizza, a 12-hour sleep put me back on track for my hike to Cinque Terre. The hike consists of going through the five villages walking through the mountain with amazing views. Due to the weather and slow season, I was only allowed to hike the 4km/2hr trail from Moterosso to Pazzea. Pretty strong experinece if you are doing it alone, as it is just you, the vineyards, the beautiful view, thousands of "steps" uphill (which look more like staggered rocks), and your thoughts.  Being stuck with your thoughts for a long period of time without technology, society, or others, is pretty incredible. But, isn't that one of the main reason I decided to take this trip? Perfect start to my journey.


Refusing to speak English, I have been practicing my very little Italian a lot (even if it got me sparkling water instead of regular water and a pedicure that included some techniques that I have only dreamed about). Made my way through Vernazza eating gelato, talking to the locals, and saboring some Trofie con ragu de ricciola. Corniglia welcomed me with 375 steps just to get to the town where narrow and colorful streets led me to panoramic views of the Cinque Terre. Manarola has been my temporary home, and it exceeds at having hills everywhere, but magestic views. Riomaggiore, my last stop, embrassed me and kept me at la marina for hours just staring at the Ligurian Sea (of course I had to get fresh calamari after that!).

The
Yeah, I got lost already on the train, I have spoken some pretty bad Italian, and I have eaten items that my MyFitnessPal app cannot find, but who cares? Tha is the whole point! Not many people can get out of their confort zone to explore the world. After my adventures today, I have realized that life is too short and the world is too big to hold on to questions and things that we want to say. Sometimes we hold on to questions because we don't really want to hear the answer. Sometimes we don't say what is in our heart because we don't want to find out the outcome. This world is too  beautiful to have a heavy heart, it's too big to think that one bad experience is the end of it, and it's too full of surprises to hide in a confort zone.

Baci da Italia!

Dani G.

Of course, a new adventure!

I'm pretty sure that by now my dad is used to my calls that start off as, "I have an idea! Guess what I want to do?". Well, as expected, I'm up to something new! 

I quit my awesome job at AMC Theatres, packed up my bags, gave up my apartment with big windows in the middle of midtown, and said good bye to great friends and co-workers in Kansas City. Why? Because I am single, on my twenties, and with no one depending on me. Most importantly, because I can and life is too short.

In 2012, I went backpacking through Spain by myself for 10 days. Not going to lie, I was terrified and on the edge of crying when my friend took me to the airport. If it hadn't been for her, I would have backed out. She assured me that the trip was going to change my life, and she was absolutely right! Going on a trip over a thousand miles away by myself, was a turning point in my life. Not only did I get to know myself better, but I got to connect with my wants and needs without the pressure of friends, family and society. It was all about what I really wanted to do. Also, I became more independent and confident. Now, I don't have a problem walking into a place by myself, going to a bar alone, starting a conversation with total strangers, or trying something new just for the sake of adventure. 

Remembering the feeling of freedom and adventure, I wanted to do it all over again. This time, I am going to Europe for a month. Plan to get lost in the streets of France, eat my way through Italy, and hike with memorable views in Switzerland. 

I couldn't go on with this adventure and turning point in my life without documenting it, so here I am. Adventure awaits. 

"Adventure is out there" -Up. 

Dani G.