The Road to Hana: What spots not to miss- Maui, HI

If there is one experience from our trip to Maui which will forever stay with me, it is our 10 hour drive on the Road to Hana. While the distance itself is around 80 KM (50 Miles), it takes about 2.5 hours non-stop to get to Hana. Our trip however, had many stops along the way and what was suppose to take 5 hours ended up being a 12 hour trip back and forth. Next time I will surely find a place to stay on this side of the island for a few days to really allow for exploration and hikes. The highway is very narrow with many winds and passes over about 60 bridges many of which are only one lane wide.

We started off at Paia Town, Maui’s historical plantation town on the North Side which is cute and quaint and has many great local restaurants worth exploring. After passing Paia town, Highway 36 turns into Highway 360, this is where you have to set your odometer to zero. We definitely missed this marker and therefore missed many of the sites marked along the way. Some of the stops we did make were the Painted Bark Eucalyptus Trees, a series of beautiful dream-like trees marked with many different colors. Just a few steps away was a hidden opening to a bamboo trail which was definitely worth stopping for.

After what seemed like hours of driving (but not really) we took the road to Keanea Peninsula where there is a small local village, taro fields, a beautiful volcanic rock coastline and missionary church. It is here that a local Mauian had recommended we stop for some delicious banana bread at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread. Seems like we were not the only ones that knew about this secret as there was a line up for the bread. We ordered one and then went back to order two more loaves as it was so good. We hit the road once again and made our way to the famous black sand beach located at Wai’anapanapa State Park. A spot that is in itself worth a day or more to explore and take in the beauty. The area at Wai’anapanapa is filled with history, legend, and gorgeous views. The black sand/pebbles at Pa’iloa Beach is as picturesque as can be. The loop trail will take you down to the fresh water caves where some powerful legends live. Also, there are caves on the beach for exploring and camping for those that plan way ahead (you need a permit.)

After rushing through the scenic black sand beach we continued on the road to Hana to the final destination, the Seven Sacred Pools, or the Pools of Ohea’o. On the way we stopped for lunch on a local beach and had some amazing barbecued Huli Huli chicken with the waves of the ocean crashing just behind us. A definite memory that will not be forgotten.  The park is big and during the time we went all the pools were quite empty and no swimmers were allowed. We quickly toured the area and decided to get back on the road. It was getting late and we wanted to avoid driving on the winding roads in the dark so we spent less than an hour at the park. Next time we will definitely  make plans to stay on this side of the island for a few days to fully allow for exploration of Maui’s natural beauties.

 

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An Unforgettable Trip To Maui

What can I say about Maui that hasn’t already been said? That it is majestic? That it is Paradise on earth? Relaxing? A beauty?

I had resisted the urge to travel to Hawaii arguing in my mind that I should travel to more exotic and foreign destinations for as long as I can. But then I had a child and things changed.  I fought this change as hard as I could for as long as I could. I tried to go on with things as I had when I was a careless girl in my Twenties with nothing and no one to worry about but myself. So in order to show myself and all around me that nothing had changed,  I packed my family and travelled to places like the Costa Rican jungle when my son was only 6 months old or to hidden bungalows in the Tulum jungle with no running water when he was 9 months and hiking high in the Swiss Alps alongside glaciers when he was 18 months. He’s one lucky boy I know, even though he won’t remember a thing. My husband and I thought that was normal and although my son has been a breeze to travel with, traveling with a mini-human to places with well-water and parasites was not the easiest. But we didn’t know any better  that is until we travelled to Maui last September. It was the most relaxing and easy trip we’ve yet taken and our son fell in love with the island as did we. We didn’t have to worry about brushing our teeth with bottled water or making sure we had enough mosquito repellants to ward off an army of disease ridden bugs in the jungle.  Each one of those trips have been beyond memorable but we definitely had to plan and organize and keep our wits about. But then we went to Maui.

Maui has it all. The comforts and convenience for families with little ones and adventures for solo travelers.

We stayed on the South side of the island in Wailea. It’s a luxury resort area with beautiful hotels and homes. The Grand Wailea is the largest resort with multiple pools, kids waterpark with slides and lazy rivers and many restaurants. So if it’s just rest and relaxation you are looking for there is really no need to leave the resort. But we always like to  travel and explore, and see where and how the locals live so while we stayed at the Grand Wailea we travelled often to Kihei a local town that is 10-15 minutes away from Wailea.  For the first few days it was just relaxing at our hotel and enjoying the conveniences of a resort. The beach at Wailea is beautiful and filled with wild sea animals. Many times a day we would see giant sea turtles swimming by and on many occasions would be caught off guard as one would brush our legs from behind with its fins. It was an incredible experience to be so intimately connected to these beautiful creatures without having to go on some fancy excursion.

When we were finally rested enough to explore the island we set off one early morning to Hana. The drive to Hana was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life which merits it’s own post. We discovered pools, waterfalls, rain and bamboo forests, cages, black sandy beaches and the world’s best banana bread.

On another evening we stayed at our hotel to experience a famous Hawaiian Luau at Honua’ula at the Grand Wailea. While we also planned to catch a sunrise at the Haleakala National Park we failed to reserve spots in time as there is a daily maximum so in the end we never made it up to the Park. There is always next time. As all things on Maui the dining experience was also exceptional each restaurant meriting it’s own post. But as many who travel to the island will know, Mama’s Fish House was one of the best dining experience we’ve yet to have.

After spending a week in Maui my husband and I were both fully rested and ready to get back to the swing of things. My son was not ready to leave and as a three year old has asked us to go back to Hawaii weekly if not daily. It seems he’s already got a good (and expensive) taste when it comes to travel.

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Condado Vanderbilt Hotel (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

After 5 days spent in the east of the island in Fajardo, we travelled back to San Juan to experience the much talked about Fiestas de la Calle de San Sebastián,- a weekend of celebrations, food and drinks in the heart of the old town. The experience would not have been complete had we not stayed at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in the chic District of Condado in San Juan. The hotel is everything you expect form a 5-star hotel and more. It was originally build by Frederick William Vanderbilt in 1919 and was the “it” destination for many. It recently went through major $200 million renovations re-opening it’s doors in 2014. As soon as you step through the lobby doors it takes you back in time to the glorious 1920’s with its style, sophistication and service that the Vanderbilt was and is known for.

The hotel is split into two towers: The Commodore and the Biltmore  The one and two bedroom suites range from 750 – 1,500 square feet. Our upgraded suite consisted of granite counter tops, African mahogany wood detailing and custom-designed lighting elements. White Carrera marble floors, dove grey walls, and neutral-toned furniture accented with locally-sourced artwork, touches of turquoise and yellow, and the striking backdrop of the translucent Atlantic. The bathroom was configured with a rain shower and C.O. Bigelow bath amenities.

The hotel has two pools located on either side of the towers, one is family-friendly and the other is adults only. We got to experience both. The West Tower pool area features a 200-square foot mirrored pool with a waterfall, surrounded by chaise lounges and private cabanas – a perfect setting for sunning and socializing while taking in the warm breeze. The West Tower’s , infinity-edge pool is perched on the edge of the ocean, and lies adjacent to an intimate, wooden sun deck, located directly above the crashing waves with only two beach chairs. If you want these seats you have to get up extra early or have it reserved. Either way there is plenty of places to bask in the sun. The other pool located at the east tower was smaller but featured a large hot tub. From here there is also access to a small beach with loungers and service provided by the beach butlers.

There are several restaurants and bars located in the restaurant and although we didn’t get to try all of them I can attest to the 5-star quality and service of the buffet-style breakfast served pool-side at the Ola Oceanfront restaurant. After staying here for 3 short days we were pampered, rested and ready to head back to reality. However, the hotel quickly made its way to my top 5 hotels that I have ever stayed at. While its not a cheap place to stay, it is worth every penny.

* Condado Vanderbilt is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Group.

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Vanessa’s Dumpling House- Chinatown (NYC)

Finding the best dumpling in a big city like New York is not an easy task. So I took to the internet to see which spots made the cut. Not surprisingly, the majority were located in and around Chinatown. Being deprived of all things Asian in the South I was determined to eat as many dumplings and Chinese food as time and appetite would allow for. And so I set out walking from the NoMad Hotel all the way down to Chinatown in order to get my dumpling fix. It was a long walk but the reward was worth it. Tucked all the way in the depths of Chinatown I found Vanessa’s Dumpling House, a non-conspicuous fast-food joint with a house full of fans. I ordered more food on the menu than I could physically consume but with the cheap eats and aromas in the air I could not resist. Within minutes my order was prepared and I was in a state of dumpling ecstasy. One of the best authentic dumplings I have yet to taste. Vanessa’s Dumpling House definitely made it to my NY places to eat go-to list.

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Vanessa's Dumpling House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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The NoMad Hotel (New York City)

Of all the hotels in New York City of which there are many, I have always wanted to stay at the NoMad Hotel- a turn of the century Beaux-Arts building that has been masterfully restored to its original grandeur with interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia. The hotel is located in what I came to discover is the NoMad district (North of Madison Square Park) at 28th and Broadway. Amidst mosques, halal food shops, hair and garment stores lies this jewel of the hotel. Just a few blocks away is Madison Square Park and my favorite foodie destination, Eataly. Another great hotel just one block north of the NoMad is the hipster-cool Ace Hotel which I frequented every morning for coffee from Stuptown Coffee located inside the hotel. 

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The NoMad’s public spaces including a center atrium, library, cocktail bar and dining room include food & beverage by award-winning chef Daniel Humm and restauranteur Will Guidara of New York’s acclaimed Eleven Madison Park. Sydell Group own and operate the hotel, and also developed the nearby Ace New York & Palm Springs. Other collaborations include the hotel’s retail space by Paris-based Maison Kitsune (my favorite), which is its first ever dedicated shop in the US. The Library bar exclusive to guests of the hotel is a beautiful bar located in the center of the hotel. Books line the walls and a spiral staircase allows you to access the second floor books. Rumor has it that some of the books contain surprises. If you manage to find one you may keep it! 

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The entrance is dark and grandiose with bellboys ready to assist. The walls are covered in velvet and dark furniture surround the entrance and front desk. The staff were friendly and accommodating and check-in was a breeze. I was upgraded to a higher floor room featuring a clawfoot tub and views onto the adjacent street (as opposed to the inner atrium). It was surprisingly quiet given the traffic and noise outside. The decor is an ode to old Paris and just lovely. The bed was large and extremely comfortable and lent to a good nights rest. Overall, it was definitely the best hotel I have stayed at during my frequent trips to New York. However, the comfort and charm do not come cheap. At almost $500 per night I certainly would have hoped to have more amenities (including access to the rooftop which is now closed off to guests). 

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One great feature of the hotel is their free bike service which you can take out for the entire day. Make sure to inquire when you check-in! 

More information visit their website:  www.thenomadhotel.com

AMENITIES & SERVICES

– Interiors designed by Jacques Garcia
– 168 guest rooms and suites
– Multiple distinct dining spaces with menus by Chef Daniel Humm
– King-sized beds
– European-style bathrooms walk-in shower and water closet in most rooms
– Many rooms with freestanding clawfoot bathtubs
– Exclusive Argan bath amenities by Côté Bastide
– Custom linens, bedding and bathrobes by Sferra and Frette
– Down comforters and pillows (hypoallergenic upon request)
– Custom plush top mattresses and embossed leather headboards
– Mahogany writing desks and television stands
– Bedside tables and velvet and damask patterned paravents
– Reclaimed maple hardwood floors
– Handmade vintage Heriz rugs unique to each room
– Curated art program including Portraits de Villes photographs
– Fully stocked Minibar
– Large flat screen LCD HD television with on-demand movies
– iHome docking station, charger, radio and alarm clock
– Direct dial telephones with speaker and personalized voicemail capability
– In room safe, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, luggage rack
– Steps from Madison Square Park

SERVICES
– 24-Hour Room Service
– Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the hotel
– Nightly turndown service
– Daily newspaper delivery
– 24-Hour state-of-the-art Fitness Room
– Laptops and iPads available upon request
– Concierge services provided at the Front Desk
– Multi-lingual Staff
– Bell staff Services
– Valet Parking
– Laundry Service
– LEED certified/Conservation Program

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I Heart New York

It is no secret that I love New York hard. Each trip back to the city reinforces the feelings and brings back nostalgia and distant memories of idealistic dreams of moving to the big apple. You see I fell in love with the city when I was a teenager and as every teenager does, I fell in deeply in love. I love everything about the City. The orderly chaos of the crowds, the traffic, and constant noise that beat through it’s veins. Fast forward 18 years and I found myself back in the city for a week of discovering new hotels, good food and old friends. I arrived on a Wednesday in the afternoon and checked into my beautiful hotel, The Nomad Hotel, located in the Flatiron district. Famished as I always tend to be, I made my way down to Eataly– just a few blocks away from the hotel (see my post on the whole Eataly experience). After sitting down to a nice lunch and a glass of rose, I started to wonder the streets looking through rose colored glasses. There is nothing I love more than walking around New York, getting lost in its streets, discovering new treasures. I walked down, all the way down to Wall Street. Later on I found myself having sake and sushi in Tribeca with old friends, treasuring the mid-summer heat and reminiscing about life and adventures in New York.

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The next day I decided to do what I have have always wanted to do: walk each and every street of the West Village and memorize the architecture, the restaurants and beauty of the brownstone homes. Sometimes I think if I dream hard enough and wish hard enough that maybe it will come true. Maybe, my family and I will be transplanted from our current home in Louisiana to New York where I would no doubt live happily ever after. In New York I feel at home a feeling I have yet to feel  living in the south. Seeing mothers and their children stroll through the streets of West Village and in parks surrounded with other kids, I thought about what a difference it would make to have Baby Nomad grow up in the City where surely he would be exposed to so much more, so many different cultures, languages, faces and experiences. For now, I will continue wishing and hoping and dreaming…

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I visited the High Line, a first for me and fell in love with the concept. So much beauty made of what was surely not the prettiest site to look at. Instead, it has been transformed into a peaceful, serene, green paradise above ground. I started from the top at 32nd street and 1st Avenue and made my way down to the finish line at the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. Next, I visited one of my favorite foodie destinations which seems to get better with time, the Chelsea Market. With so many places to choose from I opted for a classic Lobster Roll at the Seafood Guys.

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I walked through every different neighborhood below 14th street and made sure to visually memorize everything that I could. From the West Village to Soho and Nolita I took each and every inch in. In my short few days I managed to pack in a lot of food and many miles on my fitbit. With new restaurant discoveries and old favorites there was definitely no shortage when it came to dining options. In the next few weeks I will share all my discoveries with my readers. I hope you enjoy.

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Authentic Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki)

Many lives ago, in my twenties, I spent many summer days and nights on the beautiful white washed Greek isles of the mediterranean (see posts). It is here that I fell in love with the simple yet extremely satisfying greek salad. It’s light, fresh and extremely healthy. The salad is best made during the summer months when tomatoes are ripe and aromatic and cucumbers crunchy and fresh. In America any salad that contains feta cheese or olives is often referred to as a Greek Salad. However, the true greek salad recipe is far from that. The authentic Horiatiki Greek Salad is a very specific salad, with specific ingredients. The feta cheese is never crumbled but delicately laid over top the salad allowing you to crumble into smaller pieces at first bite.  You must choose real feta, meaning feta made from sheep or sheep and goat milk. “Feta” made with cow’s milk is not real feta. And to have the true Horiatiki experience you need to taste real feta. Since this is a very simple salad, the quality of the ingredients has a huge impact in the flavor of the final result. If using high quality olive oil, you will not need to add any other sauce to make it flavorful. FullSizeRender

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Ingredients:

– 3 medium-sized tomatoes (not cherry tomatoes but whole tomatoes, cut in wedges)

– 1 English or 4 Persian Cucumbers (peeled and sliced)

– 1 small Red Onions (thinly sliced)

–  6-8 Kalamata olives (whole, not pitted)

– Traditional Greek Feta (in a big slice or chunk, never crumbled)

– Extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)

– 1/2 tablespoon of dry oregano

– 1 slice of feta

– 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

– Caper seeds- Optional (added mostly in Horiatiki salads served in the Greek islands)

– Red wine vinegar- Optional (some people also like to add an extra acidity in their salad)

Instructions:

1- Mix all the vegetables in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, lay feta cheese on top and sprinkle with oregano. Serve with fresh baked bread and enjoy!

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Addicted to Fried Chicken since 2010- Rusted Rooster (Lafayette, LA)

There is something about fried chicken and biscuits that has me completely hooked. Growing up in Canada I never had fried chicken (unless you count KFC) but moving to the south opened up a whole new culinary door for me. From fried chicken,gravy and biscuits to the more traditional cajun dishes such as gumbo and red beans and rice, let’s just say I’m hooked. I recently discovered the Rusted Rooster, a small non-pretentious diner style joint on Saint Landry street in downtown Lafayette. Seems like the secret is already out and I’m the last to know as there is quite a wait for lunch and breakfast. Their fried chicken is out-of-this-world delicious as is their selection of burgers, sandwiches and breakfast staples. Their morning hash brown has me craving on a weekly basis. For those seeking a healthier alternative to fried goodness, fear not, as you can order everything grilled.

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Rusted Rooster
105 St. Landry St.
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 534-4135
Facebook.com/RustedRoosterLafayette

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Motherhood and the Blog

It has been so long since my last post and I would like to apologize for those that actually take the time to read and follow my blog for the sudden disappearance. But the long hiatus was due to none other than my little sidekick, the Baby Nomad, who recently turned one. Can you believe it? He is already one. Days turned into sleepless nights, nights turned into sleepless days and here I am one year later realizing that besides spending every wake moment with my son I haven’t done much else. Recently I started to feel a void in my days, I missed taking and editing photos and although we travel as often as one can with a one year old, I rarely have found the time to write about it. I felt as though I was beginning to lose myself. The first year as a mother completely consumed me emotionally, physically and mentally. Motherhood is fulfilling in every sense possible but it is as everyone says a 24 hours a day job which you can’t call in sick for…ever. All that being said, I wouldn’t give up one single moment of it. I truly wouldnt. One smile from my son and all the sleepless nights   are washed away from my memory.  I find myself missing him when he sleeps and wishing I could freeze time to cherish the moments more than time allows for. In one sentence motherhood has changed me. I am sure it changes every girl into a women, a mother, a caretaker.

All that being said I am finally coming back up for air and have made a decision to try to get life back on track. This is my life now and I must make room for everything in it. Life has taken on a completely different perspective. Hotels now need to be child-friendly, restaurants need to be accommodating, foods need to be stamp approved by Baby Nomad travel no longer means a carry-on suitcase.  As such the blog will also start to take a different shape. I hope you continue to follow along on my journey through this beautiful gift called life.

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With love and gratitude,

 

The Hungry Nomad

 


 

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Tico meal at El Arado in Manuel Antonio (Costa, Rica)

El Arado is one of those places that should not be missed if you are seeking a quality meal in Manuel Antonio.  While the directions seemed easy enough we passed the street and went all the way down to Quepos only to drive back and finally find the road. The gravel road is dark and truly off the beaten path of all the fancy hotels and tourist spots. The restaurant is just a few minutes drive down the road.

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We arrived to an empty restaurant. One old and friendly tikka came to greet us and showed us to our table. The owner and the cook were watching a Spanish soap opera. The owner came over to greet us but his limited english and our limited Spanish led to a stale conversation. We knew we were getting the baked whole seabass and so we quickly ordered and preparations were under way. About half an hour in a French couple came in to join our lonely meal. The restaurant doesn’t offer much of an ambiance, however, the meal was truly spectacular. The fish were wrapped in foil and baked to perfection on a barbecue pit, served with a side of rice, plantains and black beans. Let’s just say our meal was so good that we wanted to return night after night. If you are visiting Manuel Antonio and want real, quality, tico cuisine do make the trek off the beaten path to this gem.

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