Attending North America's Biggest Pool Party

When I got the opportunity to attend Wet Electric on Saturday for free (a friend won free tickets and gave me one) I was beyond excited to go to what's known as "North America's Biggest Pool Party." The event was held at Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe, AZ on April 25-26, 2015.

Saturday at Wet Electric

We got there around 1 pm. The event ran from 11 am to 9 pm and had an assortment of DJs playing at the wave pool all day, and around 7 pm the headliner Tiësto came on stage. The floating stage was at the far end of the wave pool.

First we stored our stuff in a locker ($10/day) before exploring the event space at the park. We saw there was also a headphone disco ("silent disco") where you could trade your ID temporarily for a set of headphones. We returned to try that out a little later but didn't stay very long.

Food & Drinks

There was a makeshift "bar" set up near the wave pool where you could buy an assortment of drinks, including: $10 mixed drinks, $12 vodka + Monster, $8 Jell-o shots (which came in a plastic syringe - like a "shot"), and some canned beers. There was a decent assortment of drinks/alcohol to choose from, but it wasn't a "full bar" considering it was a makeshift table set up area.

After a few hours of listening to the DJs in the wave pool, we made our way to a food stand and shared a $9 plate of chicken strips and fries. The chicken wasn't very good, but that is to be expected from a water park. No outside food or drinks were allowed into the park (understandable) so we knew there was going to be limited healthy/quality food and it would be inevitable to eat it since we were there for so long.

Tiësto at Wet Electric

Tiësto came on at the end of the night and his set was my favorite from the day. The wave pool was filled with the crowd and every time the beat dropped everyone would start splashing. We were drenched! It's safe to say that you shouldn't worry about doing your hair (or curling it beforehand like I did - ha!). This was definitely a different experience than when I saw Calvin Harris and Alesso at Super Fan Fest earlier this year.

Overall

Looking back on the day, the event was underwhelming and I think I had built it up in my head to be more fun than it actually was. We were waiting to experience the Saturday event to decide if we wanted to purchase tickets for Sunday because we wanted to see Dillon Francis and the other DJs, but decided it was not worth it, despite having a decent ticket price compared to some other concerts.

It would have been worth it to maybe just have come an hour or so before Tiësto - not because the other DJs weren't good, but because the event seemed to drag on.

Also, the bathrooms increasingly became dirtier as the night went on, which is to be expected (and has nothing to do with the event company since it's the location), but I'd rather not experience using those restrooms again. However, I will say that they were well-stocked and never ran out of toilet paper, soap, or paper towels.

Lastly, since it was at a water park there weren't chairs/lounge chairs like you'd have at a typical hotel pool/beach club. There were cabanas you could purchase beforehand as an optional upgrade, however, they didn't seem worth the price and looked kind of cheap. The picnic tables we sat at to eat our food were dirty with trash from the people at the event.

I had expected the event to be more in the likes of a Las Vegas-style beach club, but it was not the case in my opinion.

Hiking Camelback Mountain For The First Time

Coming from the Pacific Northwest, hiking in the Arizona desert is a completely different experience. Arizona was definitely a scene change for me. Lush forests with thousands of evergreen trees on treks through the Cascades were replaced by big piles of rocks with a few cacti thrown in. Jokes aside, hiking in Phoenix is very beautiful, especially once you realize that it's going to be very different from a traditional forest setting. Plus, absolutely perfect weather in the springtime is the cherry on top.

Last weekend a friend and I hiked Camelback Mountain, the most popular mountain to hike in the Phoenix area.

The weather: Mid-April, low 70s in the morning, mid-80s around noon, clear skies and sunny

The trail: Cholla. There are two trails to choose from: Cholla and Echo Canyon. Since neither of us had hiked the mountain prior, a friend suggested we start with the Cholla Trail, which is a more moderate route (unlike Echo, which is known for its intensity and difficulty).

Time: A little over two hours round trip, including time to stop and take photos/rest at the top (plus 15 min. walk each way to get to/from our cars).

Hiking Camelback Mountain For The First Time

We arrived in the trail area around 7:00 am. The skies were starting to clear and the weather was in the low 70s; very comfortable for 7:00 am. We parallel parked on Invergordon (64th Street) quite far down the road since there were plenty of early risers that beat us to it.

The trail was simple to start. The path is somewhat wide and smooth. Once we started to increase in elevation, the trail started to get rockier and there was more "fancy footwork" to be done.

As someone who's not an experienced hiker by any means, I will say that while I started to feel a little more of a workout at this point, it was still fairly easy. We kept going and stopped at the first viewpoint to take photos. Downtown Phoenix looked so small!

After this section was complete, next came the infamous rock climbing portion. I had heard from numerous other people that you have to "legit rock climb to get to the top." (Before I had left that morning, I idly thought about bringing my rock climbing shoes from when I used to take climbing classes. I obviously didn't though. Ha!)

The thought of rock climbing slightly freaked me out, but when I saw that there were numerous jagged edges and pieces of rocks to hold onto - and that it wasn't literally a vertical slab of rock (it's at a slight angle) - my nerves ceased. Don't get me wrong - it's still pretty vertical, but not where you'd need ropes and a harness.

I really enjoyed the "climbing" part of the hike, and before we knew it, we were at the top. Once there, we took in the views of the valley and snapped a few photos to celebrate our effort up the mountain.

On the way down we realized the importance of hiking shoes. Both of us were in Nikes, which were fine, though the trail is well-worn and the gravel made it slippery. We had a few moments where we almost fell, but even if we had fallen, it probably would've only amounted to a few scrapes and bruises.

Tips For Hiking Camelback Mountain

Start with Cholla

I haven't done the other trail, though from countless stories from friends (and reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp), Cholla is the best one to start out with. It's not a walk in the park, but it doesn't require the expertise that Echo does.

Go early in the morning, and be careful depending on the time of year

Spring in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere is actually summer in Phoenix. Starting the hike a little after sunrise in April was the perfect temperature - comfortably warm and not too hot. Since it's snowbird season the trail was a little crowded but it was still enjoyable. Also, the earlier you get there, the better chance you have at getting a closer parking spot.

When I first moved to Phoenix last July, I looked into hiking Camelback and was reading Yelp reviews. The reviews read more like warnings: many were saying that people can have heatstroke, pass out, or even die from the heat in the summer. The desert temperatures rise well over the 100s in the "true" summer months, so please be careful if you consider hiking during that time of year.

Wear hiking or sturdy athletic shoes

While the Cholla Trail is more of a moderate hike, you'll be making a mistake if you try to do it in flip flops. The path begins to get rocky about 1/3 of the way up, and sandals would definitely slide off in the last portion toward the top. On the way down it gets a little slipperier with loose gravel.

Bring - and drink - water

This is a given for any physical activity, but considering the heat is dry and not humid, you may forget to hydrate as you move along. I used my Nalgene water bottle which came in handy as I attached the handle onto my backpack when I needed to use both hands for the climbing portion.

Overall, my first experience hiking Camelback was a very positive one. It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect, and it was just enough of a good workout without being brutal. I'd definitely return to try this trail again, or even work my way up to Echo Canyon.

Phoenix Flea 2015

Phoenix comes to life on the weekends, with numerous festivals, outdoor markets, concerts, and food trucks. And with the March weather officially ringing in spring at a delightful 86 degrees, one simply must take advantage of everything going on in the valley.

I had the pleasure of attending this year's Phoenix Flea, which features booths selling locally made art, food and baked goods, crafts, and vintage fashion.

The event is located in downtown Phoenix at Heritage Museum Square with the entrance behind The Rosson House.

We couldn't resist getting waffles loaded with Nutella, raspberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the Waffle Crush truck.

These macarons from A BakeShop almost looked too pretty to eat. Their treats are delicious, by the way!

Loved the woodwork art pieces from WhiteFive Designs.

Float Balloon Tours were handing out yummy samples of virgin mimosas. I've wanted to ride in a hot air balloon for a while, so this is definitely something I'm going to look into!

There were a number of booths selling artsy prints that would liven up any room.

It's been nice to have weekends back to do fun things like this. Traveling to faraway places is amazing, but I feel like we often get caught up with only exploring abroad and don't take the chance to explore our own backyard. I'm definitely looking forward to discovering more of what Phoenix has to offer!

Denver, Colorado: A Winter Wonderland

Denver Horses 4

Denver Horses

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Denver Horses 2

aus shepherd dog quinn

Last week I had an opportunity to go to Colorado to see some friends. While I'm not too fond of cold winters, it was a refreshing break from the desert sun. The Rocky Mountains were showing off underneath a blanket of snow, surely providing evidence to the fact that Colorado has some of the most beautiful winters in the world.

Around The World On A Budget

Is traveling expensive? It can be, but it doesn't have to! Instead of getting discouraged immediately after checking the price of flights, start to think outside the box when it comes to planning your next trip. If your dream destination is somewhere warm on a beach, look into Southeast Asia - there are hoards of beaches there. If it's classic European architecture, check out the castles and cathedrals of old-world Eastern Europe. If it's something adventurous or outdoors-y, look into Central or South America. For somewhere totally exotic and different, head to Central Asia.

Below are a few destinations around the world on a budget that will still satisfy your desire to travel that won't drain your bank account. This list can help get you started when thinking about where to go!

Also read: Where To Find Cheap Flights

Asia

Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

Countries in Southeast Asia are extremely inexpensive to travel to. This region is often called a "backpacker's paradise" due to being safe, cheap, and with multiple countries that are easy to get to. Get started with a Full Moon party in Thailand, waterfalls in Laos, pristine beaches in Cambodia, delicious fusion food in Singapore, or bright green rice fields in Indonesia.

South Korea

For an Eastern Asian adventure without the Tokyo price tag, head to South Korea. Sing karaoke, eat Korean barbecue, and take trips through the lush countryside to see this stunning country.

Europe

Eastern Europe and The Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania

This region of Eastern Europe is far cheaper than its western counterpart. While London and Paris are amazing cities, you can find accommodation for days in parts of Eastern Europe that cost the same as one night in the former two. You'll get a more in-depth experience and set foot in parts of Europe that many travelers never get to. The castles and architecture are gorgeous, too!

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Turkey

Istanbul is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, partially due to its influences with both the West and East. It's really cheap, and the farther east you go, the cooler it gets. Hot air ballooning in the Cappadocia region is a popular activity these days, as is taking a cruise along the sparkling Mediterranean Coast.

Greece

Greece is a European country that many people assume is outrageously expensive but is far more affordable than you'd think. Read the Greece section on this post for more reasons why.

Africa

Morocco

Morocco tends to be more on the inexpensive side for tourists, especially if you're getting there from Western Europe (in which case, it will seem very inexpensive). Avoid tourist scams to save your money, and enjoy the beauty and exotic flavor of this country.

Madagascar

If you can get to Madagascar, you'll notice that prices are on the lower range for accommodation, transportation, etc. You never know, it could be worth it to see the Avenue of Baobabs in person, where baobab trees reach heights of about 100 feet.

The Americas

Peru

Peru has Machu Picchu which is already awesome, but you'll also find jungles and beaches in this South American country. Go to Lima or Cuzco for a city vibe, or head out to Lake Titicaca to marvel at this huge lake that sits over 12,000 feet above sea level.

USA

North America in general can get pretty pricey, but if you want to go to the US, shave down the cost of seeing big cities in different parts of this large country by driving instead of flying. This will significantly cut down your costs and allow you to stop at unexpected spots on the way! Popular routes include:

-Historic Route 66 (California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas-Oklahoma-Missouri-Illinois)

-Deep South (Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia)

-Pacific Coast Highway (Washington-Oregon-California)

-California to New York

-Florida

-I-90 (East-West interstate highway along northern states)

-Southwest loop (Los Angeles-San Diego-Phoenix-Grand Canyon-Zion NP-Las Vegas)

Panama If you're craving Central American beaches but aren't digging the idea of Costa Rican prices, go a little further south to Panama. Rainforest, tropical birds, beaches, diving, and surfing are a few of many great things to see and do in Panama.

Oceania & The Pacific

Islands: Fiji, Northern Mariana Islands

Aside from Australia and New Zealand, which are both notorious for being pricey, look into islands in Oceania. Fiji is a great alternative to the Caribbean if you're looking for a beach getaway. Also check out some other islands, such as the Northern Mariana Islands - Saipan is on the US dollar and is relatively inexpensive (read more about Saipan here and here)!

Travel Guide: 24 Hours in DC

Washington, DC is one of my favorite cities in the world. Beyond the politics and power is a charming city with plenty of things to do and see. There is such an energy in DC. If you get the chance to spend a day here, here's what I'd recommend:

Travel Guide: 24 Hours in DC

(Yes, some of these are "touristy." But there's a reason why they're touristy - they're worth it! Please add any additional items to this list in the comments below.)

9 am: Have brunch

DC is known for having fabulous brunches all across town. Get your seafood fix with the Chesapeake Bay Crab Omelette from Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, or Eggs Benedict with with thick cut ham from Graffiato. You're bound to find great options anywhere you go. Don't forget the mimosa!

10:30 am: Visit the White House

Take a free tour of the nation's most iconic building, where the President and his family live. Note: you need a reservation at least three weeks in advance to take a tour.

1:00 pm: Walk around the National Mall

The National Mall (not a shopping mall) is lined with Smithsonian museums across many different subjects. Marvel at the Hope Diamond in the Natural History Museum, see the First Ladys' gowns from Inaugural Balls in the American History Museum, or learn about journalism at Newseum.

You will also find the Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and plenty of memorials, such as the World War II Memorial or the Lincoln Memorial.

3:30 pm: Head to M Street for shopping and a bite to eat

M Street is known for its adorable charm and abundance of shops and restaurants. Try Clyde's for a traditional DC staple, Bodega for Spanish tapas and wine, or The Tombs for a Georgetown college bar classic. Have a Georgetown Cupcake for dessert!

5:30 pm: ...then take a walk around the Georgetown neighborhood

The homes are adorable and have that east coast charm. The Georgetown campus is beautiful, too.

6 pm: Go to Happy Hour

Like brunch, you'll find happy hours all over. Check out this article and this article for more in-depth info on the nightlife scene.

There is so much more to do in DC - if you have time, head to Dupont Circle, take a boat out on the Potomac, visit King Street in Old Town Alexandria, or go up to Annapolis. This list just scratches the surface of the many things to do in the nation's capital!

10 New York City "Tourist" Activities That Aren't Overrated

There are many "tourist" activities all over the world that are overrated - it's all hyped up, but then when you go to do or see it for yourself, it's a letdown. Like going to the Leaning Tower of Pisa just to take that picture of you "holding it up," and then realizing there isn't much else to do in Pisa. (No offense, Pisa). I've been lucky to have been to NYC four times in my life so far, and to be honest, most of my time was spent doing "tourist-y" things. I'll have to head back for a longer trip to get more of an extensive feel for the city, but in the meantime, here are some so-called tourist-y activities that I totally don't find overrated.

1. Seeing a Broadway Show

New York is the capital of entertainment, and live musicals are no exception. The actors/singers/dancers are amazing and among the best in the world. Seeing a Broadway show is definitely worth it!

2. Strolling around Central Park

Clear your mind away from the hustle and bustle in this huge park.

3. Scouting out film locations from your favorite shows and movies

From the Gossip Girl filming locations to the Central Perk from Friends (plus SO many more), New York City is the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies. Scout out the locations of your favorites and get excited when you see them person.

4. Window shopping on 5th avenue during the holidays

Yes, it's very crowded, but the window displays are beautiful during the holiday season. And if your budget allows, head inside the stores and shop!

5. Ice skating at Rockefeller

Another holiday favorite is skating at the rink at Rockefeller Plaza. How fun would it be to skate in one of the city's most well-known centers (and next to NBC Studios)?

6. Boat cruising around Lower Manhattan

I'm not sure how popular this is, but I went on a boat cruise here for work last summer and it was incredible. Not only is being on a boat in the summer already fun, but the views of the skyline - and being so close to it - are amazing.

7. Taking a picture on the Brooklyn Bridge

Stepping foot on this iconic bridge is a cool experience. Plus, there are plenty of photo opportunities on the bridge, of the skyline, and of the water.

8. Staying in the Plaza like Eloise

The Plaza Hotel is one of the most famous and historical hotels in the city. If you were a fan of Eloise growing up, check out the Eloise suite. If you're a fan of The Great Gatsby movie, the scene in the Plaza Hotel was actually filmed there.

9. Spending a day at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is among the world's best art museums.

10. Arriving at night when the city is all lit up

Driving out from the airport and into the city is a purely magical experience at night. The bright lights of the skyscrapers invite you as you edge closer and closer. There truly is no other city that feels this magical.