Experiences You Should Have

Experiences You Should Have Show Notes: Biking from Alaska to Argentina with Guests Kristen and Ville Jokinen

Ville and Kristen Jokinen did the impossible. They went from Alaska to the tip of Argentina via bike while only spending (on average) $800 a month! This couple lives in Bend, Oregon and they decided they wanted to have an adventure of a lifetime, and boy did they find adventure. Click on the play button to listen to this episode, or listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts.

 

A Little About Ville and Kristen

Ville was born in Tampere, Finland. He grew up playing all kinds of sports and in his teenage years, he made the decision to focus on football (soccer). After graduating from high school he tried his wings in professional soccer in Finland and Algeria. After a few years of serious playing and several knee replacement surgeries later, he decided to hang the cleats and go to college. After college, Ville worked for 7 years as a financial analyst for Toyota.

In 2008, he decided to take off work and travel to South East Asia for 3 months. In Vietnam, Ville met a crazy, loud and beautiful American girl named Kristen. Listen to the episode above to get the behind the scenes on their first meeting. After that, they've been traveling the world together and he's very thankful for finding someone who loves the same adventures.

Get to Know Kristen

Kristen was originally from Bend, Oregon, born and raised. Because she grew up in such a beautiful place so connected to the outdoors, it drew her to explore the great big world we live in. She graduated from High School early to go backpacking around Central Europe alone and you could say that is where the travel lust began. Kristen moved to San Francisco to work as an AuPair for some big-named families, saved money, bought a house in Bend, worked as a wildland firefighter, nanny, waitress, teacher, tutor all while going to school. She signed on for an internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand and when she finished teaching, she met a handsome Scandinavian Stallion on a Scuba Diving boat in Vietnam. Again, listen to the episode above to hear about this meeting.

 

They traveled the world and when they ran out of visas to stay together, they hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) while dating, which was her first time sleeping in a tent. After that adventure, they got married.

 

Why Did Ville and Kristen Decide to Bike From Alaska to Argentina?

The adventure was an idea formed on the PCT and became a  reality once they finished. They both know the importance of not wanting to live your life, and the planning began. The plan is to thoroughly wear out these crazy bodies and when they have no more get-up and go, they will have some incredible memories to share while they swing life away on their front porch somewhere.

 

This is a couple who knows how to live life.

 

Map of the Ride

 

How Did They Bike From Alaska to Argentina?

Kristen and Ville had their bikes shipped to Alaska. That's where their adventure began. Starting in Alaska, they saw over 60 polar bears and they had a fright of a lifetime when they scared away a mama bear who was charging at them by acting loud and big.

They then went to the Yukon, British Columbia then hit up the San Juan Islands. Just an FYI, Lopez Island is a fantastic island for bike riding and it's a very friendly island. They biked the 101 from the Pacific Northwest, down the coast of California, then into Baja. From there, they took a ferry over to the mainland then biked through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica. They had to take a plane across some sketchy borders from Panama to Columbia, then went to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

 

They chose to go over the Andes mountains in South America rather than the coast, which let them experience small towns (and very friendly people) off the grid.

Biking Huascaran National Park in Peru,

Learn about hiking the Appalachian trail and why you should add the AT to your thru-hike bucket list.

Explore Sahalie and Koosah Falls in Oregon: Podcast Show Notes

Welcome to Experiences You Should Have, your how-to guide for amazing experiences. I’m your host Gail and today we are venturing into the Oregon wilderness to Sahalie and Koosah falls.

Why You Should See Sahalie & Koosah Falls

What I love about these waterfalls is that they are very accessible and you can get to them right off of the highway and they are stunning.

If you pull off the road into the Sahalie waterfall parking lot, you will see there is a ramp (or stairs) that will take you to see the falls within a minute of walking. The ramp is also wheelchair accessible in the summer and early fall months.

You’ll soon be staring at Sahalie falls with is about 100 feet tall. There’s a fun trick you can do with your eyes which is follow the water in the waterfall from top to bottom. Do this with your eyes at least 8-10 times in a row, then look off to the land to the left of the falls and you’ll start to see the land move. It’s called the Waterfall Illusion that allows you to see movement or motion where there isn’t motion.

The Amazing Waterfall Trail that Connects Sahalie and Koosah Falls

What’s really special about these waterfalls is the trail that connects the two. This trail is not wheelchair friendly and there are lots dirt stairs without railing, so keep that in mind if you have limited mobility. The trail is short, but along the trail, I have seen the bluest water I have ever seen. I think the blue water on this trail is even more beautiful than Crater Lake (which is definitely a must see location you should add to your list).

What’s really special about these waterfalls is the trail that connects the two. This trail is not wheelchair friendly and there are many dirt stairs without a railing, so keep that in mind if you have limited mobility. There were areas on the trail where I could stand and gaze at the blue water below me and an instant calmness took over. Science even backs up that seeing blue water puts us in a meditative state that can make us have less anxiety, feel more happiness, and creativity.

Explore Koosah Falls

If you keep on going down the trail a half mile down you will find Koosah falls. Koosah falls is about 70 feet high and is known as a block fall because it descends from a wide breadth of a stream. Sahalie above it is a segmented waterfall because it diverges into 2 or 3 parts as it falls.

How to Continue on the Waterfall Loop

You can head up the way you came and make the entire a hike 1-mile total. However, if you’d like to spend a long day here, you can hike a full loop which is 2.6 miles long with 400-foot elevation gains.

In order to do the loop, park at Sahalie falls, then walk left down the path to Koosah falls, downstream. To stay on the loop, keep right at all junctions after Koosah falls. After .4 miles you will find a gravel ride near Carmen Resevoir. Follow the road for about 150 yards until you see a trail sign and take that path. After 100 yards, turn right onto the McKenzie River trail which heads upstream past Koosah then Sahalie falls. When you get to the footbridge, cross over it, then turn right for .4 miles then you will end up at the Sahalie falls parking lot.

I promise it will be a memorable hike and is a place I love to bring guests to when they visit Bend, Oregon.

Look for Oregon Wildlife, the Pacific Harlequin Duck

When you’re on the trail, keep an eye out for Oregon’s Pacific Harlequin duck, Oregon’s only anadromous duck. Take note that the Pacific Harlequin is the only duck in the world that lives in the sea and in the mountains (Nwf).

This is a Free Experience!

Also, take note that is completely free to park and hike around Sahalie and Koosah Falls. There is a bathroom that is ADA friendly at Sahalie falls, but there aren’t other facilities. Make sure you bring good walking shoes, a hiking stick, your camera, and snacks. And please remember to not leave any trash on the trail.

Visit Yachats, Oregon During Whale Season: Podcast Show Notes

Welcome to Experiences You Should Have, your how-to guide for amazing experiences.

I’m your host Gail and today we are exploring the Gem of the Oregon Coast, Yachats during whale season. Yachats is one of my favorite towns on the Oregon coast and is nestled between Newport and Florence, Oregon. It currently has a population of 757 people and if you drive too quickly, on highway 101, you might miss it, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you missed this amazingly quirky town.

There’s nothing like checking out top Oregon coast attractions like Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn in Yachats and also getting a peek of Spouting Horn during high tide.

There are pathways leading down to the ocean from the highway, and you really can’t go wrong if you pick one and continue walking through the fairyland forest. The Oregon coast is not like your typical beach. It’s lined with majestic cliffs, rocks, and forest that looks like it came straight out of a storybook. There’s something about staring out at the rough Oregon ocean and contemplating life.

After you’ve contemplated your past, present, and future, and gotten lost in the Oregon waves, if you’re there during whale season, you can scan a few waves in front of you for migrating grey whales. I was in Yachats during whale watching week (which was the last week in March) and asked Liz who was part of the Whale watching Spoken Here volunteer program through Oregon State Parks.

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

I kept on waiting and waiting to see a whale. You may see one, you may not, but if you do, it’s really exciting. Now you can see whales up and down the Oregon coast if you go at the right time. If you’re on the Oregon coast Mid December - Mid January or March - April you can see the Grey Whales Migration.

Why Visit Yachats, Oregon?

So you can see whales off of the Oregon coast, but why go to Yachats? There’s something magical about this little coastal town. It’s not the typical town that tourists flock to, but even though the population is around 700 people, you can truly experience the funkiness of the Oregon Coast. First off there is a grouping of galleries in Yachats selling amazing photos, pottery, jewelry, and amazing art.

My favorite coastal bar and restaurant is right there in Yachats, called the Drift Inn. When you walk in, there are multiple murals of mermaids.

Umbrellas and multi-colored glass lighting hang from the ceiling. And Every night from 6-8:30 there is live music. Just a few weeks ago, Randy McCoy and his family got up from their dinner and started harmonizing on stage. I stood there with my jaw open, as their music was amazingly perfect. Check out Randy McCoy's Music, Here. 

 

Pretty cool for a small coastal town. There’s something about Yachats that brings the ocean to life as well as the Oregon coast culture. The people there are artists and you can feel warm energy when you’re there.

The only chain store that I saw was a Dollar General. Everything else is local. Luna Sea is bringing in crab and fish they caught that day. They have a local brewery serving up fermented foods and even Vegan fare. The Green Salmon Coffee Shop sells every coffee combination possible and offers a multitude of alternative milk, CBD coffee, and even boasts about the importance of mushrooms.

 

There’s art wherever you turn, and even a beautiful mural on the side of a local building. But if you were to road trip on Highway 101, and not stop in Yachats, you would be missing out on a magical experience. If you’re lucky, you might see a heart-shaped spout from a Grey whale passing by. It’s the simple things that matter, and sometimes you need to stare off into the ocean to give you clarity.

 

I always feel like I go back in time when staying on the coast, because we always end up playing cards, watch movies on VHS, walk into places and have real conversations and then there’s something ab...

Live and Travel Like a Local in Rome, Italy: Podcast Show Notes

I interviewed Sarah Mikutel from the Postcard Academy Podcast about living like a local in Rome. When we say live like a local, we mean staying in Rome for an extended period, a month or two, or more. I've never been to Italy (it's on my bucket list), but Sarah gave the complete rundown of top places to eat, stay, and culture tips.

Listen to the episode above to experience Rome (at least in your headphones). While you're thinking about it, also subscribe to Experiences You Should Have on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Get to Know Sarah from Postcard Academy Podcast

Sarah hosts the Postcard Academy podcast, a weekly travel show sharing the best food and culture tips from expats living abroad.

 

 

She got the travel itch at 18 when she spent a summer in England’s Lake District working as a waitress/chambermaid. She wanted to stay in Europe forever, but it seemed impossible for Americans. Years went by. Finally at some point, while living in New York City, she realized she might be eligible for Italian citizenship due to her Sicilian ancestry.

 

She started gathering all the documents she needed to apply for Italian citizenship while she lived in New York. But then the American woman translating her documents suggested another route: move to Italy and apply there. Like Sarah, she had the right to apply for dual citizenship thanks to jus sanguinis — the right of blood — and she received her Italian passport a month or two after applying there.

 

So, on this advice of a stranger she met on the internet, Sarah left New York, moved to Italy, became a citizen, and has had the time of her life living and working abroad, traveling around Europe, and forming amazing friendships with fellow citizens of the world.

 

Why Should You Travel to Rome?

Rome is so beautiful and it is especially great if you love history. There's something about walking through the ancient sites of Rome; it feels like you're living in a museum. You add that to the food scene, it's a match made in heaven.

 

Let's Talk Food: What to Eat and Where to Find the Best Pasta & Pizza in Rome.

 

Pizza! Naples is famous for its pizza, but Sarah actually prefers the Roman version, which is thinner. Everyone orders their own pizza in Italy and they eat the entire thing in one sitting. At first, this seemed crazy to Sarah, but now she eats pizza like a local. Go order your pizza from Ivo a Trastevere, which is in the very popular Trastevere neighborhood by the river.

Cacio e Pepe is another must-try. It’s a simple pasta dish made with black pepper, pecorino, and tonnarelli (like spaghetti). Try it at Velavevodetto.

 

 

What is Italian Dining Etiquette?

 

Spaghetti and meatballs do not exist in Italy, so don't bother trying to order it. They also use a lot less cheese in their pasta dishes — they like to experience the true flavor of their foods without mixing a bunch of extras into it.

Even though there are public fountains all over Rome where you can fill up bottles with quality water, tap water is not a thing in restaurants. Be prepared to order still or sparkling. You’ll get bread on your table and will likely be charged a cover charge for this, about 1-3 euro a person.

 

Drinks during the meal are usually water or wine and sometimes beer if pizza is involved. Never coffee during a meal. In fact, cappuccino is considered a drink for breakfast and Italians don’t drink it after noon. Sarah does, though, because she loves cappuccino and they haven’t run her out of town yet.

Sarah's Favorite Day in Rome

But one of Sarah's favorite memories was what they in the U.K. call a ‘city break,’ a 3- or 4-day weekend. Sarah had been working long hours in London and flew to Rome to take a break and reunite with an Italian friend. Her friend was from the north and had never been to Rome,

Open Ocean Safari Podcast Show Notes

I interviewed Byron, the owner of Kona Honu Divers (my favorite dive shop in Hawaii) about a truly unique experience, the Open Ocean Safari. This is a once in a lifetime experience where you can go out on a fast boat that takes you into blue water. You're getting into the open ocean where pelagic (non-reef living) animals pass by. If you have ever wanted to swim with dolphins, sharks, whales, or manta rays, this is a day trip that could make it happen. This is an adventure of a lifetime and not your average snorkeling in the bay experience. Press play above (or listen wherever you listen to podcasts) to learn more.

Why Should You Experience an Open Ocean Safari

You get to be up and close with wild animals. You might come across a pod of pilot whales, whale sharks, sperm whale, manta rays, sharks, spotted dolphins and more. You probably aren't going to come across a pod of whales in the bay, but if you take a high-speed boat out to the blue water, that's where you can pop on a snorkel, mask, and fins and get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

There are over 13 different cetaceans in the Kona area, plus random other animals that come through.

If you are a water person, freediver, snorkeler, and ocean adventure lover, then this is an experience you should not miss out in life. This is an experience that will stick with you. This is not your average day on the beach, this is a day that you will never forget.

Byron's First Time on the Open Ocean Safari (Swimming with Whales, Sharks, and Dolphins in Kona Hawaii)

They jumped on the boat (which is a Navy seal boat). It goes about 70-80 mph, but normally they drive about 50 mph, depending on the water conditions. As soon as they left the harbor they ran into spotted dolphins (which is rare to see around Hawaii). They headed north and swam with some Manta Rays then headed into the open ocean and found a sperm whale. The sperm whale is the largest predator in the world and it's a very special experience to see and experience a sperm whale. On their way back in, they swam with a pod of pilot whales. A bull pilot whale can get up to 15 feet. Byron was right in a pilot whale's face.

At the end of the day, they went to Kealakekua Bay by Captain Cook's monument, which is a beautiful place to end the day.

Photo by Jeff Milisen

Tips for This Bucket List Experience

Byron has done this trip 4 times, and 3 of the 4 times, they saw animals in the water. You may want to book this experience multiple days in a row to maximize the number of animals you might see. You're on a safari, you're heading out into the open ocean to find these huge creatures.

You are getting in the water with big creatures, so you do need to be cautious.

How Does the Open Ocean Safari Differ From Swimming with Dolphins in Kona

Snorkeling with dolphins in Kona is for everybody (or almost everybody). While the Open Ocean Safari is for those who truly want a bucket list adventure in the open ocean.

Requirements for the Open Ocean Safari

Must be able to stand for 4 hours. You are standing on the boat pushed up against the backrest so they can move faster.

Very comfortable in the water, specifically the open ocean

No back issues

Can't be pregnant

Over 4 feet tall

Under 280 pounds

No major surgeries in the last 6 months

Be able to climb a ladder on the side of the boat

Freediving skills (Check out this freediving course in Kona to get the full benefit of this day)

Gear Needed for the Trip

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Good hat (that will stay on)

Towel

Rash Guard

Swim Suit

Mask and Fins (if you don't have these, they will be provided)

Worst Time to Do this Trip

Around the time of a storm

Winter (could have swell conditions)

Busy holidays (unless you book in advance)

When To See Specific Whales and Sharks in Kona, Hawaii

Hammerheads - January/February

Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai Show Notes

Each podcast episode I dive into a specific experience that can be replicated and then give you a how-to guide to make it happen. Today we are getting our fingers dirty and we are talking about experiencing a Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai, Thailand. These are the show notes for the Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai.

Please listen to the episode above or wherever you listen to podcasts.

How I found the Thai Farm Cooking School

6 weeks ago when I was leaving Koh Lipe, Thailand (listen to the last episode if you’re interested in Koh Lipe), I met a family at the Elephant Café and they started giving us their tips for visiting Chiang Mai (which is the 2nd largest city in Thailand located in Northern Thailand). They gave us a full itinerary and they recommended a cooking school in Chiang Mai called The Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School.

I’ve always been the cook in my family. I read cookbooks for fun, but truly homemade Thai cooking has always intimidated me, so thought a Thai cooking class in Thailand would be a great way to be introduced to homemade curry pastes, sticky rice and more.

My Full Day at the Thai Farm Cooking School in Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai Thai Farm Cooking School was fairly full, but they had one spot for me on the 9 days I was there in Chiang Mai. For you listeners out there, go ahead and book early if you know you’re going to Chiang Mai.

 

This school offered 2 classes, a half day and the full day. I opted for the full day and was picked up at my hotel in a nice van with about 9 other people.

We first stopped at a market in town (where no other tourists were at) and our teacher, Kim, explained the difference between sticky and non-sticky rice. You can actually see the difference and you use different methods to cook each. Take note to never boil sticky rice, it just won’t work.

Kim also walked through how to make each dish vegetarian and the correct substitutes for fish sauce and oyster sauce.

Life at the Organic Farm

We continued on our drive to the Organic farm where the Thai Farm Cooking School was held. When we got to the farm we all put on straw hats and headed to the field. Kim showed us ingredients I haven’t seen before like Thai Eggplant and dynamite chilis. I took too big of a bite out the dynamite chili I tried, and it was spicy! There wasn't milk outside either, let's just say that I made a little bit of a scene!

Going into the farm brought a whole new experience to food. It was to smell and taste each ingredient, bringing in all of the senses.

Back in the kitchen, it was time for us to make our own curry paste. We could choose in between red, green, or yellow. I chose green… it had lots of fresh ingredients and I had to muddle my own curry. It was hard work making my ingredients into a paste. Each time my instructor stopped by, I thought mine was done but she told me to work harder. I have so much respect for people who make their own curry paste!

At the school, we also got to choose a soup to make. I chose Thom Kha soup, a coconut milk based Thai soup and I swear it was the best soup I’ve ever had in my entire life. I could taste each ingredient, and the flavors danced on my tongue. Really everything I ate at this cooking school was my best meal in

Thailand.

We also made a chicken cashew stir fry, spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and we learned how to decorate our curries. We used coconut milk for cooking and coconut cream for the décor. You’ll see that we made fun designs on top of the curry using coconut cream. We ate at many restaurants on our trip in Thailand and no one else plated like the Thai Farm Cooking School.

Why Should You Take a Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai?

You will make new friends, plus you'll be around like-minded people who love to eat and travel too. We came from many different parts of the world including Chile, France, the US and

more.

Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes

You may have heard about an amazing island called Ko Lipe (or Koh Lipe) in Thailand. This gem of an island is located in the Andaman Sea and the turquoise waters will blow you away. Ko Lipe has even been dubbed the Maldives of Thailand because it is that beautiful there. Yes, Koh Lipe is amazing and beautiful (plus you can find excellent food there), but this episode is about using Ko Lipe as a jumping off point to experience a deserted island in the Andaman Sea.

Please press the play button above and listen to this podcast episode with Clare Hartley on how you can experience a deserted island in the Tarutau National Park.

Why Should You Go to Koh Lipe & Then to a Deserted Island?

We've all seen those movies where those good looking movie stars are on beautiful beaches, surrounded by jungle and it looks and feels like paradise (well maybe before they all die). You can actually get to a deserted island and have your own slice of paradise without being a millionaire.

First off, Koh Lipe is gorgeous. The waters surrounding Koh Lipe will delight your eyes and your soul. Also, you can find some amazing eco-friendly lodging (with air conditioning) and even a vegan beach bar where you can enjoy the most delicious breakfast smoothie bowls while looking out at the turquoise green water.

What's special about Koh Lipe, is that it is part of an archipelago of 60+ islands that are uninhabited. You can show up to the water taxi stand on Pattaya Beach or Sunrise Beach and get a boat to a neighboring deserted island for as little as $6 US. The boats run 7-5:30 PM. If you want to stay after 5:30, bring a tent and the boat will stay with you overnight and take you back in the morning. It will be a night you will never forget!

Show up with your friends, some food, water, mosquito repellent, and be prepared to have an amazing time in paradise. Also be mindful to leave as little as a footprint as possible.

 

How Do You Get to Ko Lipe (Koh Lipe) Thailand?

You can only get to Ko Lipe by boat. There are no airports on Ko Lipe, so you're SOL if you're not into boats. The two main routes to Ko Lipe are:

Speedboat or Ferry from Langkawi, Malaysia

Speedboat or Ferry from Hat Yai (via Pak Bara Harbor)

I was coming to Ko Lipe from the United States so I flew into Singapore, spent a few days there, then got a direct flight to Langkawi (about $40 US). It cost me about 40 ringgit to get from Langkawi airport to the Telaga Harbor where I hopped on an hour ferry to Ko Lipe.

2019 Schedule from Telaga Harbor (Langkawi, Malaysia) to/from Ko Lipe

There is a daily service from Telaga Harbor (in Langkawi, Malaysia) to Ko Lipe.

January - May 1st, 2019

Departs Telage Harbor: 9:30 A.M. and 2:30 PM

Departs Ko Lipe: 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM

You can view an updated schedule and buy tickets at Telaga-Terminal.com

Speedboat vs. Ferry When Traveling Around Thailand Islands in the Andaman Sea

We took a ferry from Malaysia on the way to Koh Lipe, which was fine. It was a little rough, but nothing we couldn't handle. On the way back, we were en route to Pak Bara, then Hat Yai and we took a speedboat. The Andaman Sea is known to be rough, and our 1 hour speedboat ride took over 2 hours and we hit some huge 15-20 foot waves. Everyone had their life jackets on and clung to the seat in front of them.

Somehow my 4-year-old daughter fell asleep on my lap. They didn't have any children's life jackets, and I wrapped her up in multiple adult life jackets and held onto her. It was quite the adventure trying to make it to the harbor. Our suitcases were soaked, including all of our clothes (and my husband's rabies paperwork, because he got bit by a dog on the island and needed shots). But it was a story to tell and we did make it and were happy to get on a 2-hour bus to make it to the Hat Yai airport.

Best Time to Go to Koh Lipe

Even though the high season is Dec-Feb,

Swim with Humpback Whales: Interview with Susan Bird (Podcast Show Notes)

Here in the US, there are strict laws on how close you can get to Humpback whales, which is why whale watching boat tours are offered in Hawaii, California, Alaska, etc. However, there are a few areas in the world where you can swim with humpback whales in the wild and the Dominican Republic is one of the best places to do it.

 

I interviewed Susan Bird (please listen above), who leads multiple expeditions in the Dominican Republic to swim with Humpback Whales. She is also amazing at energy work, check out her site. Now, these expeditions are not a tourist trap. These expeditions require a permit, a liveaboard boat that may only have 15 guests or so on it. They require a guide and a boat that can read the whales' movements and know when and where to put people in the water.

 

Photo by Susan Bird

The Right Mindset to Swim with Humpback Whales

You need to have an open mindset for these experience and patience. There could be bad weather days, some whales may just cruise by and may not be open for an encounter, you need to come with an open heart and good energy because you are now in the whales' territory and these animals can feel your vibration and energy. It's important to swim with humpback whales with only the best of intentions with love in your heart.

 

Susan Bird is very experienced with energy work and she can help guide the group into putting out the best energy and love to encounter these amazing creatures. In the podcast episode above, Susan shared one of her top favorite experiences when she encountered a mom and calf humpback whale and how they responded to their energy in the water.

 

Photo by Susan Bird

Why Should Others Experience Swimming with Humpback Whales

This circumstance is out of the ordinary, you are on a liveaboard, 85 miles from shore, and it pulls people out of their day to day experience. This experience helps you break from your structure. You're surrounded by water and the stars and there's no internet. It's a great way to pull yourself away from your comfort zone and help you experience amazing beauty in nature.

 

It expands your consciousness and awareness and this type of experience gives people a new appreciation for the ocean. The ocean is represented as another level of consciousness and when you enter the ocean it's like you're entering a subconscious and then you're exposed to a new world underwater. Then you add a 35-foot creature come up to you and look at you in your eyes, it shifts something in their hearts and souls. Many people become proponents for ocean creatures and ocean conservation after swimming with humpback whales.

 

Photo by Susan Bird

Should You Swim with Humpback Whales in the Dominican Republic (Silver Bank) or Tonga?

The Dominican Republic and Tonga are the 2 most popular places to swim with humpback whales. The difference in between the two is how many boats are out, permits given out, and how you see them. In Tonga, you would stay on the island then go out each day, where is as the Dominican Republic, you would be on a liveaboard.

 

In Tonga, the biggest concerns are the number of boats and operators and they give out around 35 or 36 permits to boats. There are usually a good solid 20 boats out at a time. The people in Tonga are wonderful, but Susan is a proponent for restrictions and safe ecotourism that is beneficial to the people and the whales.

 

In the Dominican Republic, there are guidelines and restrictions for the number of boats and the guidelines prioritize the highest well being of the animals. Only 3 boats operate in the silver banks (off of the Dominican Republic) which gives a more intimate experience for the whales and the guests.

Photo by Susan Bird

What Types of Skills Do You Need to Swim with the Humpback Whales?

You need to be proficient at snorkeling

Comfortable in open water

Image by John Shedick (Creative Commons License)

Experiences You Should Have Show Notes: Loi Krathong & Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Interview with Stephanie Perry

At age 41, Stephanie Perry quit her job to travel the world. She spent 12 months bathing elephants in Thailand, volunteering on an organic cricket farm in Cambodia and (most uncharacteristically) working as an au pair for a family in Australia. Stephanie started Vaycarious to help other women take off the Superwoman cape and spread their wings on a grown-up gap year.

I asked Stephanie Perry about a specific experience in the world that can be replicated that others should experience too, and she immediately responded with 'Loi Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festivals in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

It's so easy to look at pretty photos on your computer screensaver or look at vacation photos on Instagram, Pinterest, etc, but it's 2019 now, and it's time to make those amazing photos you've seen across the web a reality. It's also time to start planning your trip to Thailand so you can experience the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festival this fall.

Press play on the player above to hear this podcast episode on the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng lantern festivals in Chiang Mai with Stephanie Perry (or listen where you listen to podcasts).

Why did Stephanie Go to Thailand for these Lantern Festivals?

Stephanie was tired of looking at the screensaver on her computer for years and years, she wanted to experience life. When she turned 40, her life wasn't where she wanted it to be at this point. She didn't have kids, and it was upsetting to her. One day she said, either I'm going to be miserable about this, or I'm going to turn this into an opportunity. She decided it was the time to pick up and go, and this was her chance.

The first thing she decided that she was going to see the world. She decided she would take 12 months, empty her savings and see the world. She picked out festivals in cheaper countries and landed on Thailand. With only $14,000, she was able to spend a year in Thailand, which equates to $1200 a month.

She started in Phuket and then went North, then East and wanted to be in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng and Loi Krathong festival.

What is the Loi Krathong Floating Lantern Festival?

Loi Krathong is a festival that takes place in Thailand, known as the Thai Festival of Lights. Loi means float and Krathong means lantern. It takes place on the first full moon in the month of November. It coincides with Yi Peng, however, it is a different festival. Thousands of candlelit floats are released into the Ping river in Thailand, while sky lanterns are being lifted off in the sky for the Yi Ping festival. Each lit lantern floating down the river, contains wishes, thoughts, and prayers.

As your Krathong floats away, it's known to float away your troubles.

This festival will be taking place around November 11-13 in 2019. The dates do change every year, so definitely look it up!

Photo by Stephanie Perry

What is the Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival?

This festival is to show respect and honor to Buddha. It's a time to celebrate the new year and wish good fortune and letting go of bad fortune that had happened in the past year. It's a time for renewal and celebration by sending off thousands of sky lanterns.

Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai During the Festivals

Get there early and watch the city come alive before the festivals

Buy your plane tickets early and book your hotels well in advance (2 months in advance at a minimum)

Definitely find yourself some mango sticky rice, your taste buds will thank you.

Use tuk-tuks to get around or if you're really on a budget you can get around via red pickup truck taxis (songtaew) that you can use to get around town. Just ask them if they are going in your direction.

Get your typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations before you go

Come with an open spirit to embrace and explore and feel this amazing communit...