Traveling Millions of Years Through Time (Grand Canyon)

My measly 25 years on this planet is like a spec of dust compared to the millions of years in front of me. There is no other place (I think) on this planet in which you can literally see the millions of years of Earth's history with a single glance than at the Grand Canyon.

I wound up in the Southwest because of my job in January this year. And of course, if you're going to be in Arizona, you absolutely have to go see the Grand Canyon. I flew in a few days earlier just to get a chance to experience this world famous landmark.

Prior to my visit, I always imagined the Southwest as just a hot dry dessert. I never even considered any other weather conditions. Boy was I wrong! I hit a major snow storm on my drive up from Vegas to Flagstaff. Actually, I have never in my life driven in such a winter snowstorm (and I've live in Chicago for 20 years!). The highway was moving less than 10 miles an hour with almost 0% visibility and skidding vehicles on all sides. Not only was it one of the most scariest drives I've ever had, I was also by myself in the middles of nowhere. There were no exits until you reach the city. What's more, all the road signs were covered in snow and cell phone reception was impossible. I almost had a nervous breakdown, actually I probably did. But I just kept following a truck, carefully outlining its tracks in the snow with my car just so I wouldn't get stuck. I took a gamble on taking the second exit as we approached Flagstaff (the first one was dark and seemed like it went to nowhere). Thank heavens my hotel was right off the highway exit as you approach the city. Phewww! Survival.

So, as I learned firsthand, some regions in the Southwest have really bad winters, especially in high elevation. But there was no way I was going to let the snow keep me from seeing the Grand Canyon. A long hot shower later, plus 10 back to back episodes of Hardcore Pawn and Chinese food, I was passed out, eagerly awaiting my trip to the Grand Canyon the next morning.

I woke up super early and set out to drive to the Grand Canyon. Luckily, the snow storm passed and the roads were cleared. I even broke a personal record: for the first time in my life, I hit over 100 miles per hour while driving. And the more I though about it, the more it made me realize that speed is just relative. When driving through the barren snow covered land, going 100m/h feels no different than 10. You see nothing but the road in the horizon.

Visiting the Grand Canyon during the winter turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Because there aren't as many tourists as in the summer months, it gives you a chance to really personally enjoy the beauty of the landscape.

It felt surreal seeing this vast wonder with your own eyes. It was such an indescribable feeling approaching the edge of the canyon, looking down at the depths below. I just kept thinking about how lucky we are just for being on this planet. Being there, you cant help but think how minuscule you are in front of mountain, how powerless you are in front of a river, how insignificant you are under the stars. It was both humbling and empowering at the same time.

The Grand Canyon reveals millions of years of Earth's history. The plains of the Proterozoic and Paleozoic strata (yes, I do Wikipedia everything) were uplifted because of continental shifts. A few millions of years thereafter, the Colorado River has persistently cut through the layers of rock. Thus, the Grand Canyon is unique in exposing some of the oldest layers of rock on this planet.

I also found it really interesting that there are still some Native American tribes that live inside the canyon. I also heard that mules, as well as helicopters, are used to deliver items to the villages.

Wandering the icy pathways, it's pretty freakin' terrifying approaching the edge, especially cause many places don't have a fence or anything between you and the cliff. You can literally walk right up to the edge and look down below. The ice and snow does not help.

I asked one of the bus drivers if there are many accidental deaths at the Canyon. Boy, as soon as one question was out of my mouth, he did not stop talking as he graciously shared information about the Canyon and the people that lived there. Although I cannot recall most of the facts he told me, he did say that surprisingly there are not too many accidental deaths, but some suicides do occur every year. What a scary thought.

When not wandering the frozen pathways, the Bright Angel Lodge is the place to warm up. They had delicious soups and sandwiches. And if you're ever there, ask for Paul. He’s cute.

My Secret Diary

When I was little, my mom would threaten me by telling me that she would throw my diary into the collection box at the library if I misbehaved. Oh boy, did that work! I was on my best behavior for twenty straight years.

Now, as I read my diary from my 10-year old self, I can't help but burst out laughing at the major life dilemmas I faced as 3rd grader: Kathy didn't share her scissors with me during art class. I'm not talking to her anymore! Tomek is cute, but he won't ever walk with me, even though we walk home the same way. My mom is making me clean my room again. Life is so unfair!

I still write a lot to this day. I keep a journal (not a diary! those are for kids). I have lots of random notebooks of reflections, feelings and ideas. Actually, it's so nice to see how much my grammar and sentence structure has improved thorughout the years. Phew!

I wonder if ten year from now, when I read what I write now, I will be laughing at myself too?

I guess that is just part of growing up.

Grade school: Olena & Kathy (and Kathy's little sister).

My sleeping arrangements at age 10.

Following In The Dinosaurs' Footsteps

Just imagine, voracious raptors scouring the land over a million years ago at this very same spot that I am standing on today. It seems surreal to imagine how different the land was back then, as compared to what it looks like today. Nevertheless, its history is preserved in the hard rocks of the Arizona landscape.

You can be an archaeologist for the day as you rummage through the rocky arid land in northern Arizona. In a dessert of 7,000 feet elevation, you can explore the Earth's history through its numerous fossils that have been preserved in this very dry landscape.

This Dinosaur Outpost (a few miles west of Tuba City, also about an hour east of the Grand Canyon) offers a tons of rocks in which you can find footprints and other interesting imprints from a million years ago.

Standing next to the dinosaur tracks in Arizona.

The Dinosaur Outpost is free and right along side the main highway (map below). There are guides available, usually local Native Americans, that offer guided tours around the area for tips. There are also merchant booths set up that sell beautiful handmade Indian jewelry and artisan-work.

I always like to ask a lot of questions and learn about the Native American culture. One thing that I learned from a Navajo woman is that in their culture long hair is a symbol of wisdom. That is why it is traditional to keep hair long for both men and women.

Native American jewelry for sale

Do You Dare Wander into the Valley of Fire? [PHOTOBLOG]

In a magical land far, far away from Vegas (about an hour drive north) is the Valley of Fire. Entering this National Park feels like you just arrived on Mars, with deep orange and red rocky landscape all around. Especially during sunset, the colors are magnified to which it seems the land is about to burst on fire.

Hardcore explorer

This really exotic landscape was featured in several movies, including Star Trek Generations, Transformers and Need for Speed.

The Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest state park. The park derives its name from red sandstone formations that were formed from the shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs.

Check out these photos from my trip:

^ grandma driver

Entrance to the State Park

The Beehives

American Capitalism At It's Best (Las Vegas Strip)

You don't have to travel the world, just come to Vegas to blow all your money. Vegas has everything you could ever want and everything you don't need, just as long as you have the Benjamins to pay for it.

Honestly, before I arrived, I thought Vegas would be overrated. And if it wasn't for my work that brought me to the American Southwest, Vegas was not on the top of my list of places I wanted to visit.  But to my surprise, Vegas exceeded all my expectations! (But maybe I'm also just a sucker for shiny things).

I thought the Strip was just a section of a street with big hotels and casinos. Oh no no no! Honey let me tell you: the Strip is a maze of castles and  movie scenes; its a fantasy land that combines the past and the future into one; its a magical playground that entices you to give in to all temptations. Welcome to Sin City.


The world's most famous spots are all under one roof—the Pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower of France, the gondolas of Venice, Times Square in New York and more. And by roof I mean one super-lit, flashy, sexy boulevard in the middle of a desert.

 Las Vegas Boulevard

You cannot just walk here. The bridges, escalators, sky-walks and malls will have you lost in seconds so that you literally cannot make your way out of this place until your wallet is empty.  There are advertisements in every direction and everyone here is trying to sell you something. On every corner, there are people handing out stripper flyers. They will even take you in the limo to the strip club, but you will have to find your own way back. Good luck with that.

Blinded by the lights—no joke, your eyes start to hurt if you spend too much time on the Strip. There are huge LED digital screens in every direction your eyeballs may wander. Normal street lights? Pffft, not in this fabulous city. Vegas has lasers, lightshows, strobe lights, neon signs, and radiating tv screens. You just stare in awe as you take in the grandeur of American commercialism.  


Sin City is know for its strip clubs, sex shops, casinos, bars, clubs and shows. Millionaires from all over the world come here to blow their money. No doubt in my mind that this city has more slot machines and poker tables per capita than any other city. Even when you arrive in the Las Vegas airport, you are immediately greeted by the slot machines that are oh-so-conveniently placed for your enjoyment.

Casino life

When not gambling, Vegas is shopping galore. Every luxury boutique has a shop on the Strip. There were even some stores that wouldn't even let me step foot into them. Sorry, I'm not interested in your $1000 dollar undergarments anyway.

No money? No problem. Put on your sexiest clothes and go find yourself a sugar-daddy billionaire. Afterall, this is Vegas, baby.

Where did I find this charming and handsome dark chocolate candy bar who can seduce you in 3 different languages? Argentina. But he's already taken. Go figure! (Thanks again Scott for being such an awesome host. Love ya!) 

The Bellagio Fountains. Absolutely Amazing! I could spend all night watching the fountains dance to the music. This is my favorite spot on the Strip.

The Unofficial Bacardi Girl (Puerto Rico)

Piña Colada? Cuba Libre? Mojito? 

Si, señorrr, I'll take all of the above.

I am the unofficial Bacardi girl. Earlier this year, my dance partner and I won the 10th Annual Bacardi Summer Salsa Competition in Chicago. The grand prize: round trip tickets to Puerrrrrrto Ricoooo! My bags were literally packed the next day.

While visiting the tropical island, I went to the Bacardi Rum Factory. I had my heart set on meeting Mr. President and thanking him personally for sponsoring my trip. Although I adamantly requested to see Mr. Bacardi to several tour guides, I had no luck. They all probably thought I was crazy and gave me polite vague answers telling me that the President was "not able to see me at the moment." Ha!

Hey, it was worth a shot...

Not to despair, I spent my time with my partner in crime, Chiarra, at the bar "sampling" all the Bacardi products. Although technically you are only given two sample tickets, we had no problem sweet-talking all the bartenders in letting us taste the entire variety of the Bacardi products (for research purposes, of course). I know, I know, it's a rough job but somebody has gotta do it.

Hanging out with Chiarra at the bar.

Drinking a Cuba Libre on a boat in the Caribbean. 

Damsel In Distress (Puerto Rico)

Phew! What an adventure it was arriving to Puerto Rico. I don't think I've ever felt this many emotions all in one day. Let me take you on my roller coaster ride. Strap yourselves in tight.

I arrived at O'hare airport at 4am in the morning, pimped out with the following items:

• an obnoxious hot pink sunhat (special thanks to Kathy)
• my movie-star sunglasses (also hot pink, stolen from a bartender in Scotland)
• a pink boarding pass (not pink on purpose, I was out of black ink)
• a backpack stuffed with all the skimpy summer clothes I own
• a cocky attitude

Yes, people did look at me and probably thought to themselves, "Now is that really necessary this early in the morning?" I didn't care. I was going on vacation to a paradise island in the Caribbean. Of course I'm going to flaunt it. And as obnoxious as I probably looked, I did receive several compliments about my hat.

"We are now calling all first class passengers to board the aircraft..."

Yup, that's me! "Excuse me, excuse me, VIP coming through...."

This was my first time ever flying first class. (I had to make a phone call to Delta to book the flight a couple weeks ago and the lovely lady I spoke with gave me a free upgrade to first class. Score!)

The minute I sat down in my seat, I passed out. It was too early to function. In no time, we landed in ATL. I got off the plane and tried to orient myself within the hoards of other travelers. When I finally found my connecting flight to San Juan on the giant television listing, I realized they were already boarding the plane! I sprinted like a madwoman towards the magical train that takes you from one terminal to the international terminal.

Upon exiting, I hear, "Final boarding call for San Juan, Puerto Rico."

"WHAT!?!?!" There is no way I was going to miss this flight! Of course, my gate is miles away, at the very end of the terminal. I don't think I ever ran as fast in my life!

Oh, I made it alright! The flight attendant greeted me with a glass of champagne. I chugged. Then breathed a sigh of relief and made myself comfortable in my seat. OK, I'm ready. Take me away to paradise island...

Three hours later, we land in Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Whoop whoop!

When I left the airport, I had a really hard time finding the bus stop to take me to the city. A couple of cute security guards pointed me in the right direction. After I got on the bus, we kept driving and driving and I didn't hear my stop. Well maybe we just didn't get there yet. So wee kept going and going...

At this point, I was 100% sure I was not at the right place. I decided to get off, figuring I'll just go to the bus stop across the street and take it back.

Yep, like may things in life, not so simple. There was no bus stop across the street. I walked along the road, still in my obnoxious pink hat, completely disoriented, with no map, carrying my heavy bag in the hot and humid weather, sweating profusely, trying to figure out what to do. Every Puerto Rican that drove by was staring at the pink blob on the sidewalk, me. Obviously, I didn't belong there. I reach a gas station and ask the attendant for help. She had no idea about how the bus system worked. She recommended I ask the men outside.

So lil' 'ol blonde me approached a couple of big tattooed Puerto Rican men in a questionable neighborhood with a sheepish smile.

Boy, I thought I knew how to speak Spanish. They tried to help me, but I couldn't understand their Spanish. After trying to decipher what was being mumbled for 10 minutes, I realized that this isn't going anywhere cause they also had no idea what I was saying. They recommended that a taxi was my best bet. So I go back inside and ask the gas station attendant to call a taxi for me as I waited around. She comes back and tells me that she called a couple companies but because it's Sunday, they don't operate. WHAT?!? Why!? That doesn't even make sense. Dammit Puerto Rico! What the heck am I supposed to do now? Where am the hell am I? How the heck do I get out of here? This is not my fantasy paradise island, but a sketchy neighborhood in the middle of nowhere.

I was freaking out on the inside, thinking that my life is probably over and I will probably have to sell my body on the street. A small Puerto Rican lady that overheard my conversation mentioned that there is a bus stop a few blocks away. So I grabbed my things and walked out. The second I step foot outside, it starts raining. First it's a light tropical drizzle, but a minute later, buckets of water are spilling from the sky. At this point, I am completely soaked and completely miserable. I may have even shed tears but I was so wet that I couldn't even tell.

I stood at the bus stop and stared at the cars drive by like a lonely lost puppy...

That's when I found Elsa. Gracias a Dios! Elsa is an older Puerto Rican lady that came to the bus stop with an umbrella in hand. First, she looked at me questionably. I got scared. Then she inched her way over and put half her umbrella over me.

Elsa was my savior that day. She explained how to get back to the airport and how to get to the city. She explained the bus system and pointed me in the right direction. She even talked with the bus driver to make sure he would stop at the right place for me. Boy, I couldn't thank her enough for saving my day.

Wet, starving and tired, I finally made it to my hostel. A fellow traveler was cooking some food and kindly offered me a warm meal. And that was all I needed. I was content. Even more than content, I couldn't be happier.

Today made me really appreciate the kindness of strangers, because everyday we cross paths with new people, and even the smallest of gestures can make the biggest impact.

Looking out from the airplane at San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Season Of Change

No other season brings a blend of raw emotions like autumn—of mystery and pensiveness, of reflection and nostalgia, of melancholy and excitement. There is something magical it.

It is the time of year that you that needed long walk in the park where you ponder endlessly. You put on that favorite over-sized sweater and hit the streets wearing your heart on my sleeve. You slip the headphones into your ears and let the the songs fill the heart.  You simultaneously feel the summer sun's lingering rays and the coming winter's cool blows.

As you walk, you can see the world change its colors, admiring the golden leaves being swept into the wind and then reluctantly falling to the ground. The crisp cool breeze kisses your cheeks as you squeeze the warmth of your sweater.

You observe the strangers that slowly pass you by, each lost in their own thoughts. You reflect on your past and imagine a perfect future.  You slowly and carefully organize all the little compartments in your brain. You let go of old and make room for all the new that is yet to come your way. Your mellow heart mingles in between the summer's commotion and winter's lethargy. As the world changes its colors, you too make changes within your heart and mind. You  piece together the puzzles of your life.

The days grow shorter, the nights get colder and your heart gets fuller.

You look forward.

Autumn is the time to sip on the hot chocolate, to swing in a hammock, to sleep-in those extra 5 minutes, to bite into the caramel apple, to read a classic, to snuggle underneath the blanket, to smell the spices, to eat your favorite comfort food, to give in to temptation, to indulge, to cuddle, to hug, to reflect ...

... and to feel like all is right with the world again.

Love, Locks and Lovers (Paris)

Thousands of delusional lovey-dovey couples flock to Paris every day. Paris is said to be the city of lovers, one of the most romantic place on earth.

Flowing through the heart of the city is the Siene River. One of my favorite parts of the city are the adorned bridges that are filled with hundreds of colorful love-locks. As tradition goes, lovers would get a lock and inscribe their names onto it. The couples would then lock it onto the metal bridge and throw the key into the river, symbolizing their eternal love and commitment for each other. How rrrromantic! (insert girly sigh here)

As you stroll on the bridges, you can admire or detest (based on how you feel about your current relationship status) the ocean of colorful padlocks adorned with little hearts and names of the lovers who proclaimed their everlasting love. Perhaps you can even add to the collection if you're there with a special someone, hmm? (insert nudge and creepy wink here)

Anyway, I later learned that the heavy metal locks quickly overwhelm the bridges as thousands of hopeful lovebirds of the world come to proclaim their never-ending love. As a result, every couple months, the city has to go around and clip the locks from the bridges. I hope those relationships last longer than the locks. So much for never-ending love, huh?

I think we all know the real winners of this tradition: the lock making business must be pretty lucrative in France.

The Language of Love

Our languages may be different, but our emotions transcend all barriers.

I know a couple (a Chilean muchacho and a Russian devotchka) that are head over heels for one another, yet neither of them speak each other's language. But it doesn't matter, because there is no stopping love.

I see them romantically stroll though the streets, as one hand squeezes the palm of their lover, while the other hand clutches to a small worn-out translation dictionary. Que romantico!

I suppose love goes beyond words.

A look, a wink, a smile, a kiss- the language of love is universal.

10 Things We Can Learn From Dogs

Ever notice the uncontrollable pure bliss of a dog as you barely step foot through the door? Dogs never fail to take pleasure in the simplest of things. Just seeing you, and they become ecstatic.

I've never had a dog when I was little because my mom always told me she was allergic. However, now that I'm older and gave it some more thought, I have become suspicious that those allergies were all just a scam because she didn't want to get stuck doing all the work.

Over the last few days, I've been hard at work dog-sitting two adorable pooches. My job description entailed ball tossing, smothering the pooches with attention, napping, swimming in the pool, and strutting my stuff.. err I mean, walking the dogs around the block. Spending my days with these pooches, they've taught me a thing or two. Or ten...


Here are 10 things that I've learned from these simple furry creatures:

1. Be hysterically excited to see everybody. The second you hear the doorknob turn, jet uncontrollably towards the door an jump all over the person in front of you. I mean, doesn't everyone want to be greeted with such enthusiasm every time? If we humans could add a little (or a lot) more pizzazz into our greetings, I think the world would be a better place.


2. Your good looks can let you get away with anything. I mean, who can resist that adorable puppy face? At the very least, it's always worth a try. 


3. Smell everything. A dog's nose is always twitching, sensing the world around them. We, too, should be smelling everything- food, flowers, treats, new people, potential mates and everything else in between. 


4. You're never too old to learn a new trick, or two. Yea, it's always hard in the beginning, but in the end, it may bring you never-ending amusement and satisfaction.


5. Nobody wants to be left alone. A quick run to the store left my dogs in despair. I couldn't even sleep in another room or take a shower without them scratching at the door. 


6. If it's not wet and sloppy, it's not a real kiss. Can't argue with that.


7. Always be curious. Who knows what you may find around every corner, under the rock or behind the bush? The world is a fascinating place, so never stop exploring.


8. Grooming is important, but sometimes you just gotta get down and dirty. Don't slack off on your personal hygiene, nobody around you likes that. But sometimes you may be offered with an opportunity to run wild, play in the dirt or swim at a beach. Don't ever pass up those moments of diversion and revelry.


9. Take lots of naps. A nap is the answer to any problem. Whether you're overworked, underpaid, overwhelmed, or undersexed-- a nap lets you recharge and gets you ready to tackle anything. 



10. Cuddle whenever possible. Period!

Trying to do some work on my computer, but somebody strongly insists we go for a walk instead.

La Vie En Rose (Paris)

"Parlez-vous français?'

Qui qui...

Eh...

... nope. Uh uh. Absolutely not. That accent is way too hard to learn. The best that we Americans can do is just to make fun of it. (oh-hoh-hoh-hoh)

Boy, who doesn't love the French? ... French fries, French toast, French dressing, French horn, and even French kissing. This country has got it goin on.

It was a real treat to visit the glamorous City of Lights. Paris (pronounced "pah-ree" in a nasally ostentatious voice) sure brings all the style, glitz and glamour that you see on tv and in magazines.

Paris is the world's most visited city, bringing millions of camera-strapped travelers to this city each year. And the Eiffel Tower is the most famous landmark in the world. I, too, joined the herds who flock to see this gigantic metal concoction. "You have to see it to believe it," and I must admit, standing in front of this protruding internationally-known structure made me feel speechless as I gazed in awe admiring its powerful presence in the sky.

Standing underneath the Eiffel Tower

The best part (and I'm not sure who's idea it was but it's friggn' brilliant!) was the thousands of strobe lights that were installed inside the tower. During the evenings, on the hour, every hour, for a couple minutes all the lights go off and the whole tower just glitters, like diamonds dancing in the sun. It was absolutely captivating! I tried taking photos and videos, but they don't even come close to capturing the true essence of the spectacle. You have to experience this breathtaking view in person. 

The Tower was originally supposed to be built in Barcelona but the idea was rejected because it did not "fit in" with the infrastructure of the city and was too expensive. Instead, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and his company entered a competition to build this design as the entrance arch to the Worlds Fair in Paris. They won and the tower being built as  temporary structure that was supposed to move with the fair to different cities. The tower sparked a major controversy in the city because many Parisians did not want the cold metallic structure within the beautiful artistic city. However, it turned out that the structure attracted so many visitors and the French, too, fell in love with the tower so much that they didn't let it go and Paris remains the permanent home to this iconic modern structure. The Eiffel Tower is nicknamed "La Dame de Fer," meaning 'the Iron Lady." And I must admit, I couldn't help but blush as I walked underneath it's legs. Looking up, you could see all the layers, arches, stairs, elevators, and thousands of metal rods that are all so perfectly placed to hold up this magnificent structure.

On the steps of La Basilique du Sacré Coeur / Sacre Coeur Basilica

I continued with the tour of the city. I loved the city, but  the tour was killing me. I was the only non-lovey-dovey-honeymooner (puke) and ended up being each couples' photography slave as we visited the different landmarks around the city. 


When not being photo monkey, I did get a chance to stare up at the gargoyles of the Notre Dame, pass through the biggest art museum Louvre, see the monument of the Joan of Arc, stroll through the major retail Avenue des Champs-Elysees, and admire the tokens and trinkets at overpriced souvenir shops. I also attended a French mass at the Sacre Coeur Basilica. I find it rather amusing that this famous holy catholic church overlooks Quartier Pigalle, aka "Pig's Alley," aka "the redlight district." Down the hill from the holy Basillica are streets lined with sex shops, clubs, a gigantic Sexodrome and the world famous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge.

In front of the Moulin Rouge

Put on your art appreciation hats. At the Louvre alone, thousands and thousands of pieces of art are in display. Rumor has it that if you just spend 30 seconds at each piece, you would be there for a few months to get through everything. So, much like the rest of the crowd, I joined the masses and went straight to see the famous Mona Lisa. The painting is a whole lot smaller than I always have imagined it to be in my mind.

A typical day of Mona Lisa at the Louvre

One of my favorite parts of the city were the romantic love locks that clung to various bridges throughout the city, symbolizing each couples the eternal love for another. How romantic!


As I strolled through the streets in Paris, I devoured delicious pastries for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pastry shops in Paris are around every corner and each offer their own unique delicacies. I also ate exorbitant amounts of cheeses and drank too much wine. Boy, if I ever lived in this city, I would either A) become a pastry chef apprentice and eventually open up my own shop B) become a snobby wannabe wine connoisseur C) lose all self-restraint and become an overweight drunken cat lady, or D) all of the above.


Finally, I also learned that you don't need a wine opener to open a bottle. You can just put the bottle in a shoe and bang it against the wall and eventually the cork comes out. I swear, it works! You can probably find some instructional videos online if one is really interested, or desperate.


P.S.


Thank you, thank you, thank you, Scott, for kindly letting me crash at your place, as well as graciously offering your time to show me around the gorgeous city!

Olena and Scott

My Love Affair With Dance

You are standing in a dark crowded room. You feel the beat of the music pulse through your veins. You slowly scan the room, taking in the surroundings, when suddenly you lock eyes with a stranger from across the floor. You flash a smile, as he extends his hand to you. You squeeze the palm of his hand and slowly follow him to the dance-floor.

You stand face to face as you put your hand around his shoulder.You listen. You feel. You take a small step as you begin to sense the feel and rhythm of each others bodies.

There is a fire burning inside of you. You're enveloped by the senses- the look of his gaze, the feel of his touch, the smell of his cologne, the sound of the music, the thirst for another breath of air.

You lose complete control as you give in to the beat of the music. You don't think, you just feel. It's raw emotion. It's pure passion. Your feet flawlessly fall into step, your arms swing around each other, your hips move to the beat of the drum, your back arches, your hair sways, you breathe harder and harder. 

You twist. And turn. And dip. And twirl.

Your heart is beating a thousand times a minute as you desperately grasp for air. The world around you blends with colors and the images becomes abstract.

Your bodies are completely consumed by the rhythm.

Your spirit soars.

That beat, that rhythm, the connection, the movement, the passion- that is what creates the magic in dance.

It's style. It's art. It's my inspiration.

The Lens Through Which We View The World

"It's not necessarily the reality that shapes us, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality."

Shawn Anchor, a positive psychologist and Harvard lecturer, shares some funny stories and offers some great advice in helping us understand the happy secret to better work. He argues that actually happiness inspires productivity, rather than the other way around. And we can control our happiness  through the lenses in which we view the world. 

This is one of the best speaker videos I've seen. I hope you like it.

Around Town Chicago With OJ [VIDEO]

Lights. Camera. Action!

Featuring my first on-camera debut:

Whether you're a thousand miles away from home or in your hometown, we never stop exploring. Join me as I show you around my hometown, Chicago.

On my way to becoming a TV travel host, maybe?

A special thanks to my devilishly handsome cameraman, Zach, and personal English coach, Nick. We ended up with 30 minutes of footage, but only a small portion of the actual content was used to create this 90second rated-G clip, as all the background inappropriate comments and shots from the very mature and professional aforementioned production crew had to be cut out. Always a blast! Stay tuned for the blooper video...

Chicago skyline aerial view

I Am Left Brain. I Am Right Brain.

From adsoftheworld.com,  Paint by Mercedes Benz

Left Brain says:

“I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.”

Right Brain says:

Do Not Forget To Be Happy!

Pablo Neruda, a poet and a legend, always captures my heart through the way he paints with words. 

In fact, it was through his love poems that I was learning Italian when I was in Rome. My Couchsurfing host had a book of love sonnets by Pablo Neruda that were in Spanish on one page and Italian on the other. Every night before I went to sleep, I would read his poems as my heart melted and I soared through dreamland. Yep, I'm now one of those- a hopeless romantic. You would be, too.

Below is one of my favorite poems, not a a love poem, but just as good. It offers us a reflection about the way we live our daily lives: (English version below)


Original Version in Spanish

Muere lentamente quien no viaja,
quien no lee, 

quien no escucha música,
quien no halla encanto en si mismo.