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Personal anecdotes from around the world. I’ve hopped around the map a few times and these are some of my favorite moments! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1594707237594-NZM8NPA27SF29V8HDBAD/D45BC84C-B391-4263-9EAC-F1AE72B23BF8.jpg Home - Professional Portfolio. From website development to branding and logos, check out my work. I’d love to help you discover your image! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1594714938330-LMKGFL3CYXZRIXHREYPB/750905E9-A67E-4290-9EB3-39B3511991C8_1_201_a.jpeg Home - Personal Writings. Random musings, thoughts, prose, +poems. https://thewildblonde.com/about-me daily 0.75 2023-08-31 https://thewildblonde.com/getintouch daily 0.75 2020-09-28 https://thewildblonde.com/portfolio daily 0.75 2020-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601327619369-OD33SC4N57OBLK65XGQX/Screen+Shot+2020-09-28+at+5.12.46+PM.png Portfolio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601146000655-PST0F3EVDQ7WAHS66W1H/logos%402x-8.png Portfolio https://thewildblonde.com/portsmouthscuba daily 0.75 2020-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601151927697-PCQTXF6G7GAL21W29RSX/20190802-SDNP2197-Edit+%281%29+copy.jpg Portsmouth Scuba - Portsmouth Scuba. A total redesign and revamp I did for a local client, Portsmouth Scuba, complete with a new brand image, logo, and slogan! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601150748079-107UIIFE6YA2T0B458KV/Screen+Shot+2020-07-07+at+3.37.32+PM.png Portsmouth Scuba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601150802685-1I2Z020J66WQT10TK4PV/Screen+Shot+2020-08-18+at+11.45.44+AM.png Portsmouth Scuba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601151610503-C5KT28P93S72497S27CR/Screen+Shot+2020-09-26+at+4.19.50+PM.png Portsmouth Scuba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601151729942-GR0T9RWJD4JRE225DVQF/breathethesea%402x-8.png Portsmouth Scuba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601151360362-3N98V3B428SOV7O29T92/Artboard+1%402x-8.png Portsmouth Scuba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601151446875-TRJADYP0CSKRGM8OE3QD/2.jpg Portsmouth Scuba https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601151398760-OEQC5JQQFHW0MJITDY3F/3%402x-8.png Portsmouth Scuba https://thewildblonde.com/logos daily 0.75 2020-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601146886655-7KS4Y7MDBI4MCHY1QV39/Screen+Shot+2020-07-07+at+3.37.32+PM.png Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601146936736-P67KYZ4XIO2KJM09MFN5/Artboard+1%402x-8.png Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601146957929-805UAICC6O2WNLLGJN2X/2.jpg Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601147355150-PXBWVXJTMIIQD1KFU76N/2%402x-8.png Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601147350417-4HLHRDGVARE1UJRZVNQP/1%402x-8.png Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601147360447-VMBPGG019R0PCPS9CQ3N/3%402x-8.png Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601147371065-Z7MOO3BYY42KR8WN2BB9/sdnp%402x-8.png Logos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601147384009-B3Y8FVMJF7IZWZ5B97GN/4%402x-8.png Logos https://thewildblonde.com/travels daily 0.75 2020-08-09 https://thewildblonde.com/travels/venice monthly 0.5 2020-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543186404-ZSTMTUXEOVBTBLKCRA2D/IMG_1110+2.jpeg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543378619-ZWXKUV3ALTP24XAFY6I7/IMG_1238+2.jpeg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543479966-KFG6BP6BR1XNAVCSABA2/IMG_1510.jpeg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602562570513-D20Y9OKPKLXSKH52FWV8/IMG_1198.jpg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543589441-1EE150TTA80DOYHKPEBE/IMG_1518.jpeg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543669531-1P5MLU7VN5RWDWNZZQQI/IMG_1628.jpeg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543748492-SZFAE8N1TU7RRL8EEIYG/IMG_2843.jpeg Travels - Venice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544182079-WNLN1V9NEBPJ0AOFGDMF/IMG_1566.jpeg Travels - Venice Mom was so excited to have the canal right below our window; she had to say hi to everyone who went by! Isn't she the cutest?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543974485-G3BUZFBURTQRBV8UTKW7/IMG_1156.jpeg Travels - Venice The famous Rialto Bridge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602543991346-2HDXLT9XS3GZN6OIDYE4/IMG_1175+2.jpeg Travels - Venice We had to take a picture atop the famous bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544006530-M1TPC56MLZIK4ST6SVHY/IMG_1211.jpeg Travels - Venice We had the best gondolier, he sang to us the entire time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544125069-2DLREMPMWMBDEJKBD09J/IMG_1524+2.jpeg Travels - Venice It was fun to watch all boats come in an out; it seemed like they never took a break! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544027939-E76N3ALC6BDY6NBEYWFA/IMG_1227.jpeg Travels - Venice I loved the look of this washed out pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602562287902-6Y6DV5RCH9D06V04U7RT/IMG_1515.jpeg Travels - Venice I must've taken a photo on every single bridge we came across; they all provided such beautiful shots! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544365939-ZKSLH6LQBTWLP3FFUFHV/IMG_6768.jpeg Travels - Venice Mom's spirit animal is the lion and she was so excited when she saw this statue! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544045070-LJC47GD3MG6W42HQ7GIC/IMG_1277.jpeg Travels - Venice Mom standing in the Piazza San Marco! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544062042-3E4RPYJF2B5A3KVE0028/IMG_1340.jpeg Travels - Venice Mom in front of the Palazzo Ducale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544155890-QP5IHWCCPCPE8GU8IM5Q/IMG_1529.jpeg Travels - Venice The city was so photogenic, we couldn't stop taking pictures! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544212336-3NUY7OSFGL04ETZCVQ8E/IMG_1623.jpeg Travels - Venice Mom loved the tiramisu! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544288247-PVW2DEU7859WPTICYQ78/IMG_1625.jpeg Travels - Venice This must've been my 19th gelato of the trip.. it was so good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602544348482-S5WQDYGMHAHOWNTUF1JX/IMG_1641.jpeg Travels - Venice I just couldn't get enough pictures of Venice, I was so in love. https://thewildblonde.com/travels/greece monthly 0.5 2020-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320319250-ZJ5F5S8KSOW2U1XD8PY8/IMG_1931.jpeg Travels - Greece Greece is a place I had always wanted to visit since I was a little girl. My heritage is divided into quarters, French, German, Czechoslovakian, and Greek, with Greek being the most vivid and filled with lore from my childhood. Maybe it’s because the history of Greece is filled with so many rich tales of glory, heroes, and Gods that it stuck out the most or simply because of the traditions we grew up celebrating. I also look most like my mom, her being the Greek parent, but needless to say, the Greek part of my heritage is the part I have always identified the most with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320368040-ALOD0I2UCGJAT1GQGO8S/IMG_4519.jpeg Travels - Greece - This trip was totally unplanned and spur of the moment, born out of a drowsy Sunday afternoon where I had the sudden inclination to call my mom and see if she’d be up for a mother-daughter trip. So naturally I called her up and told her to go get her passport, we were finally going to Greece and Italy! Exuberant, she asked when and I let her know “next month” and that she had 30 days so she better go tomorrow and expedite it. She thought I was crazy, but it occurred to me that these were two places we both always wanted to visit and had talked about extensively over the past ten years, so now was the best time we were ever going to get. We rallied and got our tickets, Airbnbs, vacations approved, and took off! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601322258182-76Y5PAU2SXF59TR3YH95/IMG_3488.jpg Travels - Greece - Our first stop was Athens where we checked into our Airbnb that had a direct view of the Acropolis! After getting settled in, we decided to make our way down to the heart of the city for some exploring. We visited the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea, the oldest Greek Orthodox church in Athens and lit a candle for my Yiayia (Greek for Grandmother), her mother, and then made our way to Plaka, the oldest part of Athens and the original city. Another highlight was the oldest Ouzo distillery in the city where we made friends with Chris the bartender! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601324481836-0L657FRDJEE79N2SYJOG/IMG_1460.jpeg Travels - Greece - Other than Athens, Greece is probably most famous for the Cyclades, a group of islands located in the Aegean Sea, often heralded as some of the most beautiful islands in the world. So it only made sense that our next stop was to head there! We chose Milos as it had only been opened to foreign tourism a few years prior, meaning much of the landscape was as of yet mostly untouched and not built up commercially. We were not disappointed. We flew from Athens in our swimsuits so we could head straight to the beach, saving check in for later. Talk about priorities! Fun Fact: The Greek Islands are most notably recognized by their architecture, iconic whitewashed walls with bright blue trim. This beautiful stark contrast matches that of the deep blue of the Aegean and the white sands. While beautiful, the white+blue dynamic serves a deeper, symbolic purpose. During the ruling of the Ottoman Turks, Greece wasn’t allowed to show any Patriotism. So in revolt, Greeks turned to painting their houses white adding the blue to match their flag. What a way to unite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601326467070-4Y2562I25OBUVOGI3P97/092709F3-CAA7-43DA-8E1A-A4C75E4ADA6C.jpeg Travels - Greece - Milos also afforded some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve been lucky enough to experience. We got to eat dinner on a fairly isolated cliff while watching the sun set over the balcony. Funny story time: If you look closely in the picture, you’ll see bruises, dirt, and scrapes all over my arm! Earlier that day we had heard about a castle ruin atop a cliff located just outside of the village we were staying in. Overwhelmed with excitement, I immediately had to go check it out. Unable to find a direct route to the top, I decided the best option was to free climb the side of the cliff to the top. I probably slipped and almost fell off the side of the cliff three or four times. Clinging to the side with determination, I inched my way up and eventually made my way to the top where I climbed over the edge to the top of the cliff. To my amazement, I was not the only person up there, in fact there were 10-15 other people there too! Shocked as to how they had made it up there knowing what I had just gone through to get there, not to mention how no one else was covered in dirt, I asked a woman how she had made it up here. Confused, she told me by the stairs of course. Stairs! Turns out there were a perfectly good set of stairs on the other side, with a direct route to the top. Goes to show how patience is usually a good idea, along with asking a local for advice. All that hard work just made the view and the castle ruins that much sweeter. Definitely not the smartest decision I’ve ever made, however one of the most memorable for sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601319820568-LYZRFNAVIJRNSSL03MJQ/IMG_1934.jpeg Travels - Greece - I learned so much about my history and where I come from, saw some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable, ate food so incredible I didn’t think it was possible, but getting to experience it with my mom was the part I will hold the closest to me. Standing on the ancient citadel that’s undoubtedly influenced who I am was the perfect moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204398301-HWQJ17R80S8N7T5GR9UP/IMG_1792.jpeg Travels - Greece Mom standing on top of the Acropolis. We made it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320668553-HX3VNDQGFBJCTW57G22R/IMG_1922.jpeg Travels - Greece Mom with Chris the bartender! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204323081-7H76XR9ZCX0RPTDNGI0N/IMG_2289.jpeg Travels - Greece Taking an ice cream break on Milos! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601324542388-PKB2RDQTM6V5DN14IFR8/IMG_2788.jpeg Travels - Greece Enoying Papafragas all to myself! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320715980-T0JT1W430E0W3DOKVYKG/IMG_2605.jpeg Travels - Greece Wading in the perfect azulean waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320696869-67OFE1C817WCU85HGCOY/IMG_2493.jpeg Travels - Greece The water was a perfect turquoise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204048326-CZPJVOB6TMVXXK81OGCG/IMG_2484.jpeg Travels - Greece The famous rock off of Kleftiko Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204022343-V3A4T5M6C1LVDA6DPG38/IMG_2432.jpeg Travels - Greece Another super cool rock formation. The island was full of them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204280069-5LYOJMA1U7SLTIAIFRU9/IMG_2609.jpeg Travels - Greece Keeping a lookout as we sailed around Milos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320735522-58AFVEVBGIYIO37NLNZ7/IMG_4421.jpeg Travels - Greece Hanging out at Sarakiniko Beach, where in stead of sand, the beach is formed of bone-white volcanic rocks, smoothed over from years of wind and waves. Also referred to as the lunar beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204214892-MD1ZAQMV0QF82K3IY3SX/IMG_2619.jpeg Travels - Greece Mom hanging out on the volcanic rocks on Sarakiniko Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320672907-1A8KUNQUYYLDOYHFTL3W/IMG_2058.jpeg Travels - Greece The most delicious dish we had on Milos, the Mediterranean grilled veggies from O! Hamos! Tavern. I still dream about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320726674-R37T78IRLRLLTDAGZ1O6/IMG_2236.jpeg Travels - Greece Stopped to take this picture as I was climbing up the cliff to the castle ruins. Quite a perilous view to the bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1601320795993-BXJKX06EYMJNIBV7CA53/IMG_2238.jpeg Travels - Greece The view from the top of the cliff! You can see the remains from the battlements surrounding the edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602204185535-8G4MV6BVEKUOQHRDTMPI/IMG_2827.jpeg Travels - Greece This guy was definitely giving some sass! https://thewildblonde.com/travels/costarica monthly 0.5 2020-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602194741894-URTK4DV6TZ9PJBNT5H19/IMG_6294.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602193571632-RTJJWWSJLA1WKPOQB1X1/IMG_1497.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602199570332-WYY1DHN3BTKCF2YBFM26/IMG_6532.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602199732870-0XGSHYQJFSPSEF872OUN/resort.jpg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602199848018-V1LIBVKR1P7IO1KQDW95/IMG_6094.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602199801467-YLJHK1NCMNUD0MFNUAW6/IMG_4588.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602199701572-7VETJCE1FFLIRHAYKIP3/IMG_5662.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602199887325-YWIWM2BCA6QGR6HNYC8X/waterfall.jpg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602201127705-WX35RNVYVN4GVMTBULMH/IMG_5673+2.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602200451869-3FZ3JDVP0HUAQHTMKR6P/IMG_6007.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica I was completely in awe of the beauty that is the rainforest canopy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602202098624-P1C0VLAIBQSV7G3HHLZW/IMG_4642.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica Fried plantains make the perfect breakfast snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602212054858-W879GO5BWE9YXOBW3IHH/IMG_4894.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica Credit to my best friend for capturing this picture of the Manuel Antonio Beach. The epitome of tropical paradise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602200551905-HNF6848F5QDG8V0Q97II/IMG_6248.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica Standing on a little balcony in the trees overlooking the Manuel Antonio beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602202129231-EQYV2HXHZQ7UTZJ07T7D/IMG_4876.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica This little guy made for the best photo-bomb ever. We were standing on this little platform taking pictures when not one, but three monkeys ran right past! They were so fast that if we hadn't been taking pictures that second we wouldn't have captured him. Right here he's mid-bound on his way to the trees on the other side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602201968357-FC3J4MM1ZCPOMFADRUK7/DJI_0029.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica With such beautiful views, we couldn't pass on the chance to go parasailing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602201835030-7MDJE4VOSUK35QQ819SB/IMG_6019.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica The three of us enjoying our new balcony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602212001737-YIK83ZKTRN6TPVTOC3JD/IMG_1496.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica The only thing more unbelievable than our suite was the jaw-dropping view from the balcony, complete with a complimentary bottle of wine for my birthday! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602201917685-59LQVOSX6REUWICOVEM4/IMG_5532.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica All of the towels were folded into the cutest animals all over our suite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602202030456-VCI4YVAELYNPL9VL1L20/IMG_4453.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica Cheers-ing to many many more birthdays with my bestfriend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602200393215-CWM4B86J7BFNSF6ZQV2Z/besties.jpg Travels - Costa Rica Hanging out at one of the many jungle bars at the resort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602200486118-2E3Q2D4TQFPN0KXZ41OB/IMG_6033.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica The monkeys were such pranksters as they kept interacting with us and trying to pick the lock on their cage! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602200530553-1KVXLLI6QQ5FFYF55MZB/IMG_6110.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica I was so excited one of the toucans actually perched on my arm! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602202887170-KHL5JA5AHUY6PJ2NKHMQ/IMG_6029.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica My first up close sloth experience was definitely a memorable one. I was shocked to see just how slow they actually move! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602201855252-OXQ1U6JXG2HX19G600FR/IMG_6012.jpeg Travels - Costa Rica Posing on the suspension bridge right before hiking down to the bottom of La Fortuna Waterfall. https://thewildblonde.com/travels/thailand monthly 0.5 2020-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602560142376-M84KIOH5ZSGTPCQ1BXXC/IMG_6750.jpeg Travels - Thailand One of the biggest stops of the trip was to the Phi Phi Islands. My best friend and I had dreamed of coming here since we met freshman year of college, so we when got the opportunity to travel to Thailand together, we made sure to add this to the top of the list. We spent the first half of the day snorkeling with monkeys and then sun bathing in the crystal clear waters soaking up every golden ray we could get! Pictured here is Maya Bay, and it is every bit as picturesque as the photos on the internet portray. With transcendent-like views, nothing about this scenic, aquamarine paradise disappointed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602560253837-P39H06VFBXGC4QE35DFR/IMG_6762.jpeg Travels - Thailand One aspect of Thai culture we were exceptionally excited to experience was the vibrant Buddhism that so prominently influences the Thai way of life. Like many, we were especially drawn to the lore of peace and enlightenment it entails and couldn’t wait to visit some of the many temples found in all corners of the country. One of the more well-known temples is Wat Pho, which features a 150 foot reclining Buddha! With a towering presence featuring immaculate and intricate gold work and detail, it is no wonder this temple boasts a classification as being of the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602560521084-QEDDIZ7RL4ASW63JGQKE/IMG_5217.jpeg Travels - Thailand This was perhaps the best day of my entire life! Anyone who knows me, knows I have been dreaming about the day I got to experience a tiger up close and in person. An infatuation that started as a child, my love for cats both big and small only grew with me as I got older, so this was quite literally a dream come true. My heart practically exploded with euphoria as we got to pet and snuggle with so many of these gentle giants! Important Note: When participating in any animal venue, it is always important to do your research first to make sure you are not supporting an organization that harms or in any way exploits the animals in their care. We made sure to do our homework in order to make sure we made an informed and responsible choice. We decided upon Tiger Kingdom as they have an onsite Veterinary Team that checks in daily with each tiger to ensure its health and safety. It was also important for us to make sure the facility we chose did not abuse or drug the animals in their care so we were happy to know Tiger Kingdom did not participate in any maltreatment, but rather cared for their animals humanely and with a true passion for their wellbeing. Also of important note is that the little snuggle bug pictured here is just a baby and most cubs sleep 16-20 hours a day! Tigers are also nocturnal so most of this sleeping is done during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602561765690-9GE5AAB2Z3T1UFUMW4L1/IMG_4671.jpeg Travels - Thailand When traveling, I typically try to keep it as budget friendly as possible by staying in mostly Airbnbs and hostels, which I feel can also help make the trip more authentic by lending a personal and localized experience. But I also make sure to mix in two or three nights at a luxury spot and indulge a little. It’s all about balance, right? For this trip, we chose to spend our “splurge nights” at the Crown Lanta Resort and Spa on Ko Lanta and we couldn’t have been happier about our choice. Not only was the resort dreamlike and secluded on its own beach, but we also got surprised with a free upgrade to their biggest suite with a private pool! With lavish accommodations and lush greenery surrounding us, we were living the ultimate fantasy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602018156223-ODH6IUIGEEXOP3W5KPXX/IMG_4545.jpeg Travels - Thailand One of our favorite features of the resort was the Reggae Bar featuring beachfront cabana style dining where we spent each night consuming the most delicious food and drink while watching the sunset. This seemed to be a popular spot as we were surrounded by quite a few couples clearly celebrating their love. We quickly realized that what we had booked was in fact a popular honeymoon resort! Perhaps the concierge thought that we too were on a honeymoon and that’s why he decided to gift us with an upgrade.. Either way, who better to have the perfect honeymoon experience with than your best friend?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602561111725-5OG8K4O24GIOIISRYCPW/2.jpg Travels - Thailand Touted by many as being a first-rate tourist trap, we found Khao San Road to be anything but. While the street is littered with trinket-selling vendors, this road has so much more to offer in terms of cuisine, atmosphere, and culture. All packed into a quick quarter mile, this is a great destination if you’re looking for some delicious street food, local performance art, or even a night out. We had a blast walking up and down this concrete jungle where we got to try a local brew, pick up some authentic garb, and even made a few friends along the way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602560725784-ZE1WT4Q8GO1SXUWHNODL/IMG_3625.jpeg Travels - Thailand Thailand is made rich not only from all of the stunning and otherworldly landscapes it is so iconically known for, but its true beauty is much simpler. It lies within its people and their kindness. It might sound silly to say, but I found myself repeatedly shocked at how genuine their compassion for other living beings was. Some cultures are known for being slightly distant and impersonal, but this went deeper than a simple friendliness. It was their investment in their greatest asset, each other and all those who were there to share in their culture, even me the foreigner. Thai people possess an innate understanding that we are made rich by each other and the experiences we are lucky enough to share. From the tour guide, to the hotel staff, to the local on the street checking to make sure I wasn’t lost or needed any help, everyone I encountered went out of their way to offer of themselves any way they could. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson I have learned to date. They weren’t just being nice, but instead treating each other as one human to the next should. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602560662135-FCG8RZ6UTQF0TAHFNVY2/IMG_6311.jpeg Travels - Thailand Without realizing it, the people of Thailand gave me more than I could have ever paid for. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602018381601-XSYS27N6J6S2DOJ6I958/IMG_4360.jpeg Travels - Thailand The owners of one of the iconic long boats in Maya Bay was kind enough to let us enjoy it and take some pictures! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602018432418-W5ZK4FIQZDW2NQEW7N4O/IMG_5197.jpeg Travels - Thailand Another shot soaking up paradise on Maya Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602207092324-KZ2F2MHAKBXUL65YV6IR/IMG_1500.jpeg Travels - Thailand The beauty of Maya Bay will stay with me forever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602205386395-U7J8F22B11HAU8JH6VCJ/IMG_5047.jpeg Travels - Thailand An old cave that used to be used by pirates in the Phi Phi Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602084157764-7GMDBVTKXPOI71LFLOPT/IMG_4754.jpeg Travels - Thailand My best friend and I enjoying a tropical cocktail in one of the pools at the Crown Lanta. We made plenty of use of the swim up bar! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602206022318-BF76JR02AXO857SGNFCU/2.jpg Travels - Thailand The view from a tree house you could have dinner at on the Crown Lanta Resort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602018364555-4K6Y2XLB6CGEDPABWXEB/IMG_3944.jpeg Travels - Thailand The ultimate dreamy lunch view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602018413444-WGM3HPBV6VYHTCWN3AD0/IMG_4549.jpeg Travels - Thailand Staring into infinity while on the edge of an infinity pool in Surin Beach, Phuket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602018356001-64GI881VUALQBJSVW6DL/IMG_3633.jpeg Travels - Thailand Rivka was the sweetest and gentlest girl as she allowed me to ride atop her and let me feed her. I even got to give her a bath after where she showered me with affection by giving kisses and caressing me with her trunk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602084192670-AZS6VQ63UXHPYOGMRV4T/D5C838B5-FF2D-4467-8D25-392CDF73DEA0.jpeg Travels - Thailand This guy was the absolute cutest and we just couldn't get enough! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602205437216-3GYYC6EZAIMI6AIVRGJG/4F83F39B-DB2E-4F28-9040-EC3D73E811E8.jpeg Travels - Thailand Being goofy wearing all the tiger gear we can get our hands on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602084222870-N5788EKI7YJ3UK9B0OE3/IMG_3499.jpeg Travels - Thailand We also made sure not to miss out on one of the famous floating markets and checked out the one in Damneon Saduak. We even bought a few keepsakes to remember our trip by! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602084172445-61M3B9ZFPTG3ITPCKG4S/IMG_4759.jpeg Travels - Thailand Smiling together after our float through the market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602205107141-FZMSX5KBTK3KKWERQ3NO/IMG_3940.jpeg Travels - Thailand Hanging out at the Lebua Tower Sky Bar in Bangkok, the world's highest open-air bar. https://thewildblonde.com/travels/iceland monthly 0.5 2020-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555580124-H8CX3GRCV23GZ76DREE0/IMG_1523.jpeg Travels - Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice was the first international trip I ever took, and is credited with igniting the passion that I now have for traveling. Iceland was honestly the best first travel experience I could have asked for, especially since it was a girls’ trip with my four best friends! Here we are in Reykjavík, posing in front of the Hallgrimskirkja Church. We totally thought we looked like we were in MTV’s Real World: Reykjavík Edition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555939617-UPP6TIA3IGRJISQ42OVB/IMG_1533.jpeg Travels - Iceland - One giant scenic landscape, Iceland is full of so many destinations we had to see. We decided the best way to see as many major landmarks as we could was to book a tour via bus around the countryside. From one sight to the next, the Icelandic terrain continually stunned us with its beauty. Our first stop took us to þingvellir national park, where we explored the protected lands and got to perch atop a fjord. From there, we went to go see Strokkur, Iceland’s largest and most famous geyser which erupts every 4-8 minutes. And of course no tour is complete without several waterfall stops! We went to four or five waterfalls, including Gullfoss, which is known for being Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall, Skógafoss, pictured here, and Seljalandsfoss. Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall you can actually walk behind and view from a complete 360° angle! We then ended the day by snorkeling in a crystal-clear blue lake with perfect visibility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555684527-W5N1KWADVLVFU5WP9ZQV/20140301_Trade-151_0124-copy.jpg Travels - Iceland - We also decided to rent a car for our trip so we could drive around and explore the countryside on our own and discover landmarks not listed on any map. We chose to drive around completely unprompted and to let the winding roads take us wherever they led. And we were so glad we did! We ended up finding some of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen to this day. Our favorite, and arguably the most breathtaking sight of the trip, was an unmarked body of water that ran between two cliffs that we found past several dirt roads, far from the population. The water was unlike any I had ever seen before. Being mostly from glacial runoff, Iceland naturally has a beautiful blue hue to its water. However, some bodies of water in Iceland are extremely salinated to the point they turn milky so when this happens, the result is a striking opaque turquoise. We spent several hours admiring the water lap against the black sand among the rock walls until it got too dark to see, and then we just sat on the cliffs and admired the stars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555614503-0ZXLS6NO5IP34E0OVCK6/IMG_1521.jpeg Travels - Iceland One sight we were determined to catch were the Northern Lights. Our trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of the vibrant light display known to dance throughout the sky. The way our trip lined up, however, they were only forecasted to show up on one night for a brief window of less than a half hour slightly northwestern from where we were staying. So we decided to jump in the car and start heading north that night to see if we could catch them. The rough destination was about two hours away so we decided to leave plenty early so we wouldn’t be rushed and have extra time if we got lost on our way. Here we are in the middle of our drive chasing a break in the sky to catch the lights when we spontaneously decided to stop the car and jump out to take a photo. We were completely infatuated with the silent, desolate terrain all around us and felt a calling to get out of the car and run free. After the photo, we got back in the car and continued on our quest to catch the Aurora. By the time we got two hours north we started to see a break in the clouds revealing a faint, green glow. We kept our eye on the glowing hue as we drove up the coast in search of a better viewing point. We came across a giant field where we ended up getting out to watch and wait. We sat for over an hour together in the dark before she burst out and danced across the sky. It only lasted for about five minutes, but it was the most empowering feeling, to be engulfed in unbroken, rolling earth beneath the showering lights, and we felt it in our bones as we danced and sang into the deepening night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555730721-II7TW0LZFF7I3B5BGUUC/IMG_0174+2.jpeg Travels - Iceland - We also spent time exploring the capital and had a blast checking out downtown Reykjav ík , which is home to a vibrant and thriving urban art scene. Parts of the city were full of a lot of awesome graffiti and murals that even covered some of the buildings entirely. We thought this table was super cool and looked like it was straight out of Alice in Wonderland. So in true Mad Hatter fashion, we gathered round and pretended to be mad. Or at least I did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555802641-XYV0NO2E7N9CCGMSJ7K0/IMG_0147.jpeg Travels - Iceland Dinosaurs have always been my favorite animal ever since I was a little kid, so when I saw this mural I instantly had to run over and take a picture! We spent most of the day checking out the different shops in the city until nightfall when we opted to grab some local grub. Being known for their reindeer dish, as it is one of the few animals that can survive on the ice island, it was one opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I ended up going for the raw meat paired with the carrots, Icelandic potatoes, and horseradish and it was delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555918401-G01R7THE4WI8D9FXFEGT/IMG_1540.jpeg Travels - Iceland - Perhaps Iceland’s most famous attraction, t he Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa comprised of a giant natural hot spring surrounded by a lava field. Guests can either choose for a full spa experience or to simply relax and swim around in the hot water. Known as being a can’t miss activity, we decided to check it out and spent an evening here hanging out in the lagoon. The hot water felt incredible against the Icelandic air and the rising steam protected us from the cold biting at our cheeks. We loved every second of the fire and ice experience. We also wanted to experience a completely natural hot spring, meaning one that was untouched and not turned into a commercial attraction. We asked a couple locals for advice and were told about a “secret” hot spring located through some plains amongst hills. We were told it was hard to get to and not on a gps so we were given landmarks such as a wooden sign and a giant tree to look out for once the road ended. We were told we would then need to walk down a trail for roughly ten minutes until we came upon a 6’x6’ shack enclosing the hot spring. We drove as far as the gps took us to the end of a road where we parked and then entered a huge field and started looking for the signs we were given. After wandering around what seemed like forever we finally came upon the old sign near the lone tree and found the trail close by leading to the hot spring. By the time we got there it was pitch black so we lit the lantern in the shack and huddled in close in the hot spring. It was quite snug as there was just enough room for the five of us. We ended up having the best night just talking for hours in the tiny spring in the middle of nowhere, and it was every bit just as good, if not better, than the Blue Lagoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602555874167-C6Z7YGE1P9OXSNXPR2V3/0056E724-BAE3-4D53-B190-C4E56E4B15D4.jpeg Travels - Iceland - Another destination we had to see was Reynisfjara Beach, also known as the famous Black Sands Beach. Surrounded by basalt stacks and otherworldly rock formations, Reynisfjara is one of the most beautiful but deadly beaches in the world. The waves are so incredibly powerful that visitors are told to always keep an eye on them and to keep a safe distance during high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602744146389-K0L4IM2Q1DP4P42T9Y98/IMG_1173.jpeg Travels - Iceland - Our last stop in Iceland was to see the volcanic glacier, Eyjafjallajökull, which had been silent for nearly 200 years when it erupted for the first time in 2010. With no eruptions since then and its seismic activity under constant watch, it was safe to explore and attracts many visitors. It was quite a site to witness a volcanic glacier up close and personal! It was the perfect endcap and epitomization to our already perfect trip to the Land of Ice and Fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556597634-OT6V3IM3GZ6AE4RWYANV/IMG_0840+2.jpeg Travels - Iceland I'll never forget the milky blue water running between those cliffs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556563292-KS0LK3X9HPJHQ8ZHIL3A/IMG_0798.jpeg Travels - Iceland This was definitely the most striking view of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556299853-OOZC7G9WP55UXS1M2I2X/IMG_1528.jpeg Travels - Iceland Hanging out in the Blue Lagoon! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602787027302-W8G7JCW2G5CDHVRJ61TS/IMG_1554.jpeg Travels - Iceland We made a star with our hands together in the "secret" hot spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556626683-RSBVDQRIQCYT22RXC7YN/IMG_1199.jpeg Travels - Iceland We found a real-life hobbit house, buried right into the side of a mountain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556536577-YJTG4SNVC07YJXOZ0PRH/IMG_0772.jpeg Travels - Iceland The beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556518890-YV887NCBXTMCBIJG1UYP/IMG_0730.jpeg Travels - Iceland The amount of water flowing through was incredible! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556405479-D75ODJK3A04F6PEXW6LF/IMG_0358.jpeg Travels - Iceland We couldn't get over the picturesque landscapes all around us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556442835-THQ8LITAU5CQU8E8EH8I/IMG_0464.jpeg Travels - Iceland The stunning Þingvellir National Park. The water was like glass running through the fjord reflecting the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556485308-2ZKAQLL3C1RN3EK8H7PR/IMG_0686.jpeg Travels - Iceland Pictured here is the enormous Strokkur geyser calm before eruptions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556465591-11YUOX4C71IUVQ3JJ3UA/IMG_0557.jpeg Travels - Iceland We thought the bus parking sign on the ground was hilarious so we pretended to drive it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556258720-NU7D0D8GC7ULN8IJ3GBW/IMG_0284+2.jpeg Travels - Iceland Walking through downtown Reykjavík as the sun was starting to set. It was beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556079886-CN50CLJ3ZD28DUAVIN86/IMG_0125.jpeg Travels - Iceland The inside of the Hallgrímskirkja Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556242066-H58BYYRXY2EM5UZA8LR3/IMG_0237.jpeg Travels - Iceland We drove past this house completely covered in crazy art. It had some of the most unique pieces I had ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556154506-ZMIFMM2SVQVAO5B1RSJ9/IMG_0186.jpeg Travels - Iceland This cafe had the same name as my kitty so I had to take a picture! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556191165-6IQV9RLOAQA3MEHVCPZ4/IMG_0199.jpeg Travels - Iceland This might've been my favorite building! It was so colorful and I loved the lion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602556208128-BAEO8A1ZQCOGOGR7XB6O/IMG_0200.jpeg Travels - Iceland More crazy cool street art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f0d1808a415821aa2bd9988/1602787186598-1L5ZIT90FVWW59G5S35B/IMG_1250.jpeg Travels - Iceland Making a heart in the sand together at the Black Sands Beach.