My Favorite Country?

Every time I talk with friends and family about my travels, inevitably the same question pops up: What country is your favorite? That's such a hard question!!! I've been lucky enough to travel to so many incredible countries, how can I be expected to pick just one?

Let's start with the obvious. The U.S. is my home. It's a beautiful country, and I'm proud to be an American - but no country is perfect. The U.S. is home to gun violence, corrupt politicians and poverty. But it's also home to some of the most gorgeous natural wonders on the planet, beautiful souls and of course, freedom. While U.S. seems like an obvious choice for my FAVORITE country, honestly, it's not the first thing that pops into my head.

My gut response is usually The Netherlands. Sounds random, right? Well, I actually have quite a history with Holland. I moved there when I was just 6 months old, and it's where all of my earliest memories were formed. I remember skating on the canals with friends, riding horses through open fields and riding on the back of my sister's moped to the candy shop. Anytime I visit that country it takes me back. The nostalgia is overwhelming in the best way possible!

But that's not to say that's the only reason I love Holland. I've gone back as an adult several times and my feelings have remained the same. I love that country! The food, the people, the buildings, the museums and history. It's just beautiful. Something about me feels so at home each and every time. Part of it may be because I can (mostly) understand the language. And that's so cool! Unlike when I'm in Spain, I don't feel as though I am directly translating words and phrases in my head. It's more like a dutch person will say something, and I'll just kind of know what they mean. I should probably mention that up until age 6 I spoke more dutch than english. I guess some of that is still clunking around in my head. It's a really cool feeling to be able to follow along as those around you talk... even if I usually don't quite have the words to respond.

Oh and did I mention that Holland is GORGEOUS??

Traveling on Christmas?

The holiday season is upon us, and for many that means traveling - either to spend time with friends or family or to capitalize on time off and see the world! I personally love to spend the holidays with my family, but as a professional tour manager, I've had to travel over holidays several time. With younger groups, they are often on vacation right over Christmas and New Year's so that's when we travel!

Traveling on Christmas Day
I've traveled internationally on Christmas Day twice - once from Baltimore to Spain and once from Holland to Spain. Both times were fairly uneventful. While definitely not as crowded as the days surrounding Christmas, it wasn't exactly empty either. Flights tend to be a bit cheaper on Christmas Day as opposed to the days leading up to or immediately following Christmas, which can be tempting for many flyers. For me, I was a bit sad to have to be out and about on Christmas. I much prefer a Christmas Day filled with family, naps and plenty of relaxing. If I didn't have work obligations, I probably would have opted to spend a bit more money and enjoy Christmas properly.

How to Make the Most of a Traveling Christmas
I've spent one Christmas abroad. I knew I had to be in Barcelona on Christmas day for work, so I decided to make the most of it! I have a family friends in Amsterdam (from when my family lived there), so I was able to spend the day with them! I enjoyed a dutch Christmas filled with tasty treats and plenty of laughter. I'm very lucky to have the friends and family that I do to make Christmas so special.

Vacationing on Christmas
Taking a trip on Christmas has become a yearly tradition for many travelers. Whether you are not close with your family or just want to take advantage of your time off, there's no shame in going on an epic adventure over Christmas! I know families who even take a trip together. Whether you want that perfect, snowy Christmas or you head to warmer weather, it can be fun to shake things up! And if you're going internationally, it gives you the chance to experience Christmas in other cultures! For example, I got to learn about the Catalan Tio de Nadal... AKA the poop log. Seriously, it's a thing. 
If you want to make the most of your holidays, I'd love to help! MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com.

Rotterdam - Every Bit as Beautiful as Amsterdam

Holland will always have a special place in my heart. My earliest memories are of riding my bike along the city streets and skating on the canals when they froze over. I grew up just outside of Amsterdam, and had an AMAZING childhood enjoying the beauty that is Holland. Recently, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with some old friends who have actually made the move over to Rotterdam. I've stayed with them a few times, and I must say - I love Rotterdam! It's gorgeous!

This was the view from where I stayed.

The back of a nearby windmill! 

I was even lucky enough to get to visit right around Christmas time. The beautiful lights were spectacular! I had a great time walking through the streets and admiring the sights.

The architecture in Rotterdam is every bit as beautiful as Amsterdam and well worth a visit! There's even the famous Euromast, which is pretty awesome in and of itself. 

The Euromast!

In Rotterdam, you'll still get the full dutch experience, but it's much less touristy. One of my favorite things about travel is going off the beaten tourist path and really diving into the culture. Rotterdam is still a city, so it's easy to get around and see a lot, but it's so unique! It is a major shipping port and there are beautiful boat tours where you view everything. 

If you're interested in diving deeper into culture and not just tourist areas, I'd love to help. Check out my travel company at MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com!

Christmas Eve 12/24/2014

December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Today was nice and relaxing. I wound up sleeping until after 11... oops. Coletta had to wake me up even! I was so. tired. But the good news is I did really well today! I was tired, but not too terribly bad. Coletta and I went shopping in Rotterdam and it was great! It was really nice to just wander around and explore the city. I managed to find a few presents for my Dad's birthday at a really cool market place that was domed and had apartments above it! I'll add pictures when I have time :)

We stopped for a bagel and some juice then headed home! Oh and Pepper came with us so that was neat. I like that dog's can tag along to the city center.

Then we settled in and relaxed in the afternoon. We played with Coletta's wii and had pizza with creampuffs smothered in chocolate for dessert - YUM! I'm so so so glad I get to spend the holidays with friends rather than alone in an airport/hotel room. Yeesh.

Time for bed!

Malena

Travel Day - Holland Bound!

Dec 22/23

Travel day = done! Hooray! It wasn't too too bad as far as travel days go but it was still a super long day/ 2 days. I got to the airport with plenty of time and I'm glad I thought ahead and bought water and food for dinner while I had time because in Philly I had to SPRINT to get to my flight. I was sure my bag wouldn't make it, but it did! It got sent to a weird part of the Amsterdam airport because its a box not a bag, but still!!

Anyhoo, on the flight to Amsterdam I was in a middle seat...no bueno. However, it was between two twenty-something girls traveling alone. What are the odds? We had a nice time chatting and generally got along. Not a bad flight situation. 

After the debacle trying to find the box of Christmas presents I checked, I found Coletta! we had a quick bite to eat and then we drove to Rotterdam. She was nice and had a pillow and blanket waiting for me in the car :) I did probably nap at least a little... ha.

Then I got a tour of Erwin's (Coletta's husband) job! He works for a very old brewery company. I guess its still called a brewery if they make liquor. At any rate it was really awesome to see all the cool machines, I even got to taste some yummy white chocolate vodka.

When we got home I had a TON of work to do, so I spent a few hours doing that. Then I showered and had a quick nap then rallied for dinner and some Mario Kart. I made it all the way to 9:30! Now I am so ready for bed.

In the morning I am going to have some yummy dutch breakfast foods and then I think Coletta and I are going to go shopping :) I still have some work to do, but Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Lots of Love,

Malena

Wanderlust

I know the stereo-type is for a 20-something to want to get out and explore, but for me (to be cheesy) the struggle is real!

I recently stumbled across a Bucket List I had made a while back - majority of it is definitely travel-based!

As you can see quite a few things have been crossed off. In the next year I am hoping to cross off a few more! I am backpacking Italy next January and maybe next July I'll go to Greece or Austria. In fact, this August the company I work for has a tournament in Florida and rather than take my bonus and go traveling, I think I might go skydiving! It would be sort of like a birthday present to myself. It's something I've always wanted to do and if not now, when? We shall see.

Right now I am focusing more on Europe-based travel simply because finances are tight and I spend a lot of time there for my work so its cheaper for me to travel close to those spots. As I get a little more established (think build up my savings account and pay off my car) I plan on exploring Africa, Asia and Australia more! In fact I have ambitions of bungee jumping in South Africa. How amazing would that be?

My big problem is that every time I travel, I end up adding more places to explore on my bucket list!

Malena

Best of Amsterdam And Rotterdam

This is a similar post to my previous two - a recap of my favorite places and photos, this time from Holland.

I got a wonderful bike tour of Rotterdam - the way it was meant to be seen!

Classic Holland shot. Beautiful.

This was on the boat tour in Rotterdam. You can really tell how much I love to travel.

Me and a family friend, Coletta on the boat tour.

Rotterdam has some seriously cool architecture. 

Goofing off with some local statues.

Got some new shoes. 

Me with a windmill!

This is a shopping mall (I think) in Amsterdam.

Have I mentioned that I love Amsterdam?

Seriously so beautiful.

And this was a local flower mart. I love me some Tulips!

Malena

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