Amalfi Coast and Lake Como: Why Winding Roads Are Worth It

The Amalfi Coast - Go Seek Explore

Not all the beautiful places in the world are easily accessible, but in most cases, they're definitely worth the effort. I've had the pleasure of visiting two of my favorite places in Italy, the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como. Lake Como (northern Italy) and the Amalfi Coast (near Naples) are only accessible by taking a bus or car through narrow, winding roads on hills or cliffs.

The Amalfi Coast

In Amalfi, the pastel houses and hotels are built into the cliffs, and I definitely recommend driving down during the day so you can appreciate the beauty. As you wind into Sorrento, you'll see the houses, the cliffs with the fog/clouds hovering above, and the gorgeous beaches. One of the funniest memories from my study abroad experience (the first time I went to Amalfi) was when our bus got wedged next to another bus going the opposite way. We were literally stuck, with the drivers backing out and backing back in dozens of times to squeeze through. Meanwhile, Italians were honking their horns and shouting behind us (their anger was well-understood).

Lemon Groves in Positano

When I went to Lake Como with a friend last year, we took an hour-long bus ride from Como up to Bellagio, the center of the lake. (The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y). We were both still really jet lagged so being on a bus definitely didn't feel the best for our queasy stomachs, however the view driving up was absolutely incredible. I will never forget the adorable houses lining the water from looking out the window on our way up. It was one of the highlights from the trip and I'm glad we went up to Bellagio instead of staying at the bottom of the lake in Como.

lake como - go seek explore

bellagio - go seek explore

If you find yourself in Italy during the summertime, I highly recommend these two locations - they are even more breathtaking in person.

8 Majestic Time Lapse Videos: World Cities

Last week, I featured eight majestic time lapse videos from US cities. Today, we're going outside America to view eight more cities all over the world, through time lapse. 1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This one is AWESOME. Trust me.

2. Paris, France

The charming city of light in time lapse.

3. London, United Kingdom

I always wonder what the guards are thinking when people take photos with them...probably something like "Get away from me." Haha.

4. Moscow, Russia

A little eerie at times, but definitely gorgeous.

5. Rio de Janerio, Brazil

The sunrise at 0:40 is incredible.

6. Accra, Ghana

A cool video of the city with narration, too.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Stunning views of clouds hovering at the top of Table Mountain.

8. Guangzhou, China

Cool intro shots with people/local culture. The time lapsing starts around 0:50.

The Ultimate Travel Guide For Seattle

This is your ultimate guide to the must-see attractions you'll need to check off your Seattle bucket list. If you're headed to Seattle soon, you've probably taken note of the typical sites to see, like the Space Needle or the original Starbucks. Already been to the city or want to get away from the tourists? Scroll down halfway to hit off-the-beaten-path gems I recommend as a Seattle native. The Main Attractions:

Space Needle

The Space Needle is the most iconic Seattle landmark and is nestled just a smidge off the downtown skyline in order to make it stand out from the crowd. You'll notice it driving south along I-5 on your way into the city, or peeking out from the buildings as you wind around the exit leaving I-90. Ride up to the top of the Space Needle to get the best panorama view of the whole city.

The Original StarbucksAny Starbucks fan must make a pilgrimage to the original shop that started it all. Right in Pike Place Market you'll find the original Starbucks, in all its glory, back from when it first opened in 1971. Though it's often crowded with tourists, you'll get to be at the original shop that spawned the 23,000+ locations worldwide. (Know what's crazy? I get Starbucks every single day, though I haven't been to the original shop, ever, in my 17 years of living in the Seattle area. Why? Well...there literally is a Starbucks everywhere you turn, so I don't really need to. I know, shame on me for not being a better Starbucks fan.)

Pike Place Market

Now if you're headed to the original Starbucks, you're already in Pike Place Market, so you might as well explore the rest of it. Pike Place is the downtown farmer's market with local produce, inexpensive but beautiful flower bouquets, and lots of fish. The fish even fly. Locals often wander around playing music on saxophones or guitars, which adds to the overall ambiance of the market.

Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders Games

If it's sports season, find yourself rooting for the pro teams of Seattle. Cheer on the Hawks (2014 Super Bowl champs, I might add) and the Sounders at Century Link Field, or for the Mariners at Safeco Field. Lining the streets by Safeco are snack stands with hot dogs and kettle corn, but inside holds the true fan favorite: garlic fries. Just make sure to bring a breath mint - or three.

Experience Music Project

EMP is the museum of every music buff's fantasies. I've been a few times and it's pretty cool. Some of the current exhibits include Nirvana and Jimmy Hendrix.

Sculpture Garden & Seattle Art Museum

For the modern artists. Personally, I haven't been to the SAM but have heard great things about it. I have been to the Sculpture Garden a few times though. One of those times included a school field trip in the pouring rain. Needless to say, I did not enjoy it at all. However, the sculptures are unique and if you're into it, then it might be a place to add to your list.

For a More Local Feel:

Local Coffee Shops

Seattle is known for its coffee, but not just because of Starbucks. Find one of the many indie coffee shops around town and you're sure to not be disappointed.

San Juan Islands

The San Juans may not be "lesser-known," but not as many people venture out to the islands in the Puget Sound since they're only accessible by ferry. However, Bainbridge Island is so close that you can still see the skyline from it. Whidbey Island, Friday Harbor, and Roche Harbor are popular summer spots for all kinds of summer activities.

Lake Washington

Take a boat out on Lake Washington in the summer when it's sunny and I guarantee you'll have a good time. On a clear day you'll get the best view of Mt. Rainier. Your Instagram uploads will be so #nofilter they'll rival any others in the feed. You can also rent canoes by the hour through the University of Washington.

Snoqualmie/Cascade Mountains

Drive a little east to the mountains and you'll have plenty of skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing options in the winter. Hiking or camping in the summer is great too with spectacular views from the top.

Dick's Drive-In RestaurantHow could I not include Dick's Drive-In on this list?! Dick's is THE iconic, local fast food restaurant of Seattle where you can get a greasy (and delicious) cheeseburger for only $1.65 all day/night until 2am. (We stopped by for late night food after my high school prom, so you know it's good. Oh, the memories.) There are five locations throughout the Seattle area. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes await as you sit in your car like a classic drive-in, or eat on a bench outside. (Oh, and it is way different than the Dick's in Spokane, WA which is owned by a different person.)

 Lake Chelan

Drive east past the mountains to Lake Chelan in Central Washington, a popular summer spot. Great for lounging in the summer sun, spending some time on the lake, or wine tasting at the vineyards. It's a small town so if you're not there in the summer, there's really not much to do.

Craft Breweries

For beer fans, check out the craft breweries and alehouses from the northwest. There are plenty to choose from, and the Seattle Alehouse (home to Pyramid) is right across from Safeco Field, giving you a great opportunity to cheer on the Mariners game from their beer garden.

Alki Beach

For the BEST views of the Seattle skyline, head to Alki Beach on Lake Washington. It's sandy so it's great for the summer, but sunsets and city views are stunning all year round.

10 Non-Cliche Travel Quotes

I recently posted 10 Cliche But Inspiring Travel Quotes - the typical "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer" and "Not all who wander are lost" sayings. While I believe that those quotes are very inspiring and get me amped up to travel, I want to feature some more that are aren't as well-known (or at least all over Pinterest!).

1. "If we were meant to stay in place, we would have roots instead of feet." - Rachel Wolchin

2. “Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.” - Unknown

3. “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." - Susan Heller

4. “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

5. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard Kipling

6. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” - Aldous Huxley

7. “I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.” - James Baldwin

8. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.” - Mohammed

9. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” - Scott Cameron

10. "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” - Mark Twain

Ireland: Imagine The Greenest Scene Ever, Then Multiply It By 100

Irish Countryside

As Europe's arguably most charming island country, Ireland is home to Guinness, endless green countryside, and the friendliest people I've ever met. It tends to be less expensive to fly to from the US compared to other European countries - and that extra money can be put to good use! Spending a few extra days to explore the countryside and castles, having some pints at the pub - whatever you feel like doing, you'll find it in Ireland. I've been to Ireland once so far. We had a four day weekend during my study abroad program, so me and a couple friends went to Cork, Limerick, and Dublin.

Cork Ireland Blarney wanderlust

Eating at the pubs was a treat as well. I had been to a few Irish pubs around Italy, but being in a true Irish pub was a treat. I still remember my first meal in Ireland: peppered mackerel with soda bread, coleslaw, and a Guinness. So delicious.

Irish Pub

Since we took a bus from each city, we drove through the countryside. Photos cannot truly express how absolutely gorgeous and green the country in Ireland is. Imagine the greenest scene you can imagine, then multiply it by 100.

Ireland

Two of the main highlights from the weekend were visiting the Blarney Castle in Cork and going to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. While those are two "touristy" things to do, they were well worth it and I definitely recommend them to anyone who goes to Ireland!

Blarney Castle Ireland

Playlist: Memorial Day in the USA

Today is Memorial Day in the USA, and with the holiday off of work/school to honor those who fight for our country, I thought I'd share a fun playlist. Complete with American-themed songs, a little country, and a few other catchy tunes, this will be sure to liven up any Memorial Day BBQ. A "USA" chant is optional.

Photo of Newport, RI found on Tumblr

You Shouldn't Feel Guilty For Traveling

I've had friends say, "I'm excited to visit you when you move to (insert destination here) because then I'll finally have an excuse to go!" While I'm flattered my friends would take a trip to come visit me, I often wonder why my being there is an excuse to go someplace they've always wanted to go. I do understand that having a friend as an "insider" showing you around is an asset, as well as catching up with your friend. But what really irks me about this statement is the fact that people feel like they need an excuse to travel.

In the US, the culture is generally work-work-work 40+ hours/week to save money for retirement, and when you've retired and "officially earned" a vacation, you take it. Even during paid (or unpaid) vacation weeks throughout the year, some people will only take vacation while feeling the need to justify it in some way. With jobs being scarce these days, constantly overworking yourself often seems like the only way to keep a job and move up with a company. While I don't find anything wrong with working hard or ambition to improve (I definitely value those qualities and personally strive to hold them), I do think it's sad that people feel guilty for traveling when they get time off.

If you have the means and the time to travel, then do it! Even if it's just a weekend away or a few days of your allotted vacation time. Usually the biggest thing holding you back is yourself. Traveling (and even the anticipation of traveling) brings happiness and helps relieve stress. Especially if you're going to a foreign country, you learn so much about yourself and the world. Life is short. If you wait until retirement for a trip you want to take now, you may never do it. Go now while you can.

And don't feel guilty.