Hawaii: Kauai

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai. Needless to say, it was one of the best resorts I have ever stayed in. The lobby opens up to a large garden where parrots fly in and out throughout the day. There is a terrace where you can eat breakfast, have your coffee, watch the sunrise and see humpback whales breaching.

If you are looking for an active and relaxing trip, Kauai is THE island! It is known for its hikes. On the north part of the island the waves are very large and a lot of professional surfers will be here enjoying the waves. Best part of the island to stay in though is the south, it gets the most sunshine. Be aware though, the first year I visited Kauai in February it was sunny and beautiful everyday. The second year I visited in February, it rained everyday but one. This didn't bother me, as I was still able to hike everyday. It wouldn't have been very enjoyable if your idea was to get a good tan. This is not a party island, at least from what I could see. You would be better off going to the Big Island for that. Even though Maui is known for being the romantic island, I found Kauai to be very romantic. Which was perfect...as I was with my father (sarcasm).

 

 Nothing like a little adventure in the mountains of Kauai.

 This is a **MUST DO** So much fun!! They show you all over Kauai! Amazing to hear how many movies have been filmed here! To the right of the ATV is where scenes from Jurassic Park 1 was filmed.

On the trip our tour guide took us to the exact spot where Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones jumps onto the vine (the rope I'm holding onto) and jumps into the water.

 

Did anyone else know that coffee beans came out of what looks like a grape!?!?!

Welcome, this is Never Never Land. Also the beach where the little girl gets killed by dinosaurs in the beginning of Jurassic Park 2. This is also the beach where Harrison Ford swims to in 6 days 7 nights.

 The beach pool at the Grand Hyatt. My favorite spot to have my pina coladas.

 Nothing like a Hawaiian sunset.

 Stunning waterfalls all over the island.

 Recognize this waterfall? This is from the scene at the beginning of Jurassic Park when they are just getting to the island and they are in the helicopter. The only way to see this waterfall is by helicopter. I recommend Blue Hawaiian. They are a bit more pricey, but they come with voice back headsets so you can ask the pilot questions. The seats are larger and more comfortable than other companies.

  

 Snowman? No no, meet Sandman! Built by yours truly.

Every meal we had in Kauai was delicious. Although, I have to admit, I was very excited to have sushi in Hawaii, and at least at the Grand Hyatt, the sushi wasn't anything special (I had better sushi in North Carolina).

 

Kalalau Trail

If you are going to go on one hike in Kauai, this is it. It took us about 2 hours round trip and that's with us stopping ever few seconds for photos. It is rated the top 10 most dangerous hikes. I agree, you can fall or be pushed at any moment off the side of the cliffs. But as long as you can walk, and you have a loyal hiking buddy-you should be safe.

 

This hike had waterfall after waterfall, by far the most breathtaking views I've ever had during a hike!

 That is not the kind of sign you want to see right before crossing the river.

 But I made it to the other side like a champ!

The last day we went on a boat and watched the humpback whales. These whales are 40-50 feet long, and weight up to 48 tons. They live and travel together in pods up to 20,000 whales. In the winter months they migrate which is why winter months December-March are the best time to whale watch in Hawaii!

Things you should do in Kauai:

 

ATV

 

Hike, Kalalau Trail is an absolute must, #1 highlight of trip

 

Helicopter, recommend Blue Hawaiian

 

Zip line, I didn't do this, but everyone raves about it.

 

Whale Watch, take the smaller boats (you get closer to the whales)

 

Snorkeling (recommend hiring a boat and going to an area off the island)

 

Jump off cliff at Poipu (this is where they jump off the cliff in the movie, 6 days 7 nights) 

 



Seychelles

 

All the cousins reunited in Johannesburg, SA. Ready to board our first flight to Praslin, Seychelles

 

 

It was incredible to spend quality time with family I hadn't seen in years! Most of my friends grew up going to Grandma's house every Sunday. I am lucky if I see my grandparents every three years.

**My siblings and I are the first generation born and raised in America. My Mother is from England, and my Father is from South Africa.**

 

  After an aborted landing on our first flight, absolutely terrifying in case you were wondering; and an aborted take off on our second (tiny) plane..

 

 we arrived in paradise.

 

The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar.

 

Day 1.

 

The first day, all 14 of us couldn't get enough of the ocean. We had the options of kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. It was my first time paddle boarding and I was surprised to find how easy it was to pick up! This picture has a great story to go along with it. Tom and I were paddle boarding (near the shore as you can see) in crystal clear water. Where we are is about 4 feet deep. Then, my fabulous sister, Michelle, paddles out towards us in her kayak...with a life jacket on. Tom and I couldn't stop laughing. I told Michelle, "if you fall out and start to drown...stand up."

 

My beautiful sister and I enjoying our first day in paradise.

 

Day 2.

Cousins all together after enjoying a delicious meal in Praslin! Every night the resort had a buffet set up with all different types of foods you could try. On this trip I tried three new foods!

 

1. Octopus. Not bad, but I wasn't thrilled about the texture.

 

2. Shark. Chewier than fish. Wouldn't order it again, plus I just felt bad that I was eating a shark.

 

3. BAT. Yes, I tried bat! Since I survived to tell you what it tastes like, let me begin with saying, not good. It tasted like a burnt chicken wing. Also, either I ate the wing, or bats just normally have a small amount of meat with a large amount of little bones with every bite.

 

Day 3.

 

 

This is where lunch and dinner were served. Not a bad view. The island ahead has 1 small home built on it. It's specifically for honeymooners.

The white sand and crystal clear blue water were breathtaking.

By far, this was the best massage I have ever received. While getting massaged you felt the warm ocean breeze on your back while listening to the tropical birds singing.

All week long you could find me here or in the water. Most peaceful and relaxing vacation I've ever been on.

 

Day 4.

 

Woke up early to watch the sunrise.

 The store manikins were..colorful. 

 



Oh my goodness. Walking along town, and we look up only to find dozens of these large spiders hanging above our heads. I was instantly paralyzed with fear.
Did my research. This is called a Palm Spider.
Palm Spiders can weave webs so strong that sometimes even birds and bats get caught in them.
Locals claim they can't hurt you...I beg to differ.

 

 Nothing like finishing the day off with a gorgeous sunset.

 

My beautiful cousin Julie & I enjoying the sunset in Praslin.

 

 Day 5.

 

We started our day boating to the Big Sister Island to do some of the best snorkeling on the islands!

 Walking through the island to the other side where the most amazing beach was.

The other side...

 Walking back I came across a friend.

 Snorkeling between islands. The locals threw bread out where we were snorkeling and the fish would swim all around us. I had a bright idea that I would crumble bread all around me. The fish started attacking the bread...and my swimsuit and untied my bottom half.
This picture is of Michelle & Tom.

 Racing home after an amazing day on Big Sister Island.

 

Day 6.

 

Top 10 beaches in the world. Anse Lazio

Me and my cousins on our last night in the Seychelles

 This was an unforgettable trip that I will cherish for a lifetime. Families from four countries (US, Canada, England, South Africa) all together in the Seychelles. I had the most wonderful time with each and every one of them.

Heading back to South Africa.

 

First Travel Nurse Assignment... New York City!

Manhattan. My new city for the next four months.

Last year this time, I was speaking to my brother about wanting to move. He asked, "Why don't you give travel nursing a try?" Before he asked that, I had never really given travel nursing much thought. To be honest, the idea of travel nursing scared the hell out of me. Being put into an uncomfortable situation, not knowing any of the staff, where to find supplies, and learning a new charting system were just some of the few reasons I never considered it. I will also add, needing to learn all of this and more within two days of orientation. On top of that, the stress of making your way around a new city.

I just couldn't see at the time how the pros outweighed the cons.

I was wrong. Very wrong.

 

This was one of the best experiences of my life. It taught me so much about myself, and about what kind of nurse I am. I learned an incredible amount in just 4 months! I would be lying if I said at times it wasn't challenging. But in hindsight, those challenges are what make me a stronger nurse today.

Central Park on a beautiful fall day.

It's hard not fall in love with NYC.

I always wanted to live in NYC. The city felt so alive! There was always so much to do and so much to see. I am grateful I am now able to say I lived in this amazing city for a short period of my life! My three favorite things to do in this city: find amazing restaurants, listening to fantastic jazz, and going to see Broadway shows any day of the week!

Broadway Shows **Must See**

 

1. Hedwig and the Angry Inch

2. Disgraced

3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
4. Aladdin. -The colors were beautiful and it brings you back to your childhood.
 

Hugh Jackman signing autographs after his show, The River. He is an incredible actor.
 

 

Restaurants I highly recommend

 

Best Italian

La Lanterna Di Vittorio

This Italian restaurant in the west village is by far my favorite! They have a beautiful inside garden on the main floor where I recommend eating. Downstairs they have another dining area with a cozy fireplace, and then a third room where they have live jazz twice a night. You can go to their website and see who's playing that night (fyi- there is a 10 dollar cover). The warm drinks (I recommend the Irish Nut Coffee) are delicious! This is real Italian food! Lasagna Al Pesto was delicious! **This place is very romantic**

 

Most Romantic Restaurant

Salinas (Spanish Tapas)

This was one of the last restaurants I ate at before moving back home, and I am sad I didn't eat here sooner. Not only is this restaurant's food divine, but it is an extremely sexy and romantic place to eat. The restaurant is lit by hundreds of candles and filled with roses. It is a bit pricier, but I promise you, it's worth every penny! Men, take your women here! Ladies..the sangria is yummy!

 

Other restaurants I recommend:

 

Flat Iron Room: live jazz

ABC Kitchen (where I saw Jake Gyllenhaal) -book in advance

Ellary's Greens (organic)

Haru (sushi)

Hillstone

Mari Vanna (Russian)

Brunch spots: Jane & Freemans (both need to book in advance)

The Mermaid Inn-oysters are fantastic!

Birch Coffee-Ice coffee is really good here

 

Must be a tourist and go to the Top of the Rock, buy tickets in advance online so you don't have to wait in line! The views are incredible.

 

Where to live!?



 

This all depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is! I started out living in Murray Hill (near the Empire State Building/Grand Central Station). The pros: it was close to "main attractions" and close to Grand Central. The cons: it was unbelievably loud, lots of people on the streets (mainly tourists), dirty, and chaotic. I felt like every time I left my apartment I needed a cocktail immediately. You are close to the east river which has a beautiful running path overlooking the Brooklyn bridge.

 

I then moved to the Upper West Side. LOVE. I fell in love with this area. For the first time this little Minnesotan could see herself living in NYC long term (by long term I mean instead of 1 year I could live there for 5 years). The pros: You are close to central park, it becomes your backyard in the summertime. Not as many tourists go the UWS so it's quieter and you're interacting more with the locals. Lots of fantastic restaurants and cafes. It felt like time slowed down when you arrived back in the UWS from work. Con-it takes you longer to get to certain places, West village is only about a 15 minute train ride.

 

Places to Live

If you are looking for a quieter area and love brownstones and don't have a lot of money: Brooklyn Heights.

If you are looking for luxury but don't have a lot of money: Long Island City & FIDI

If you are looking for cafes and cobblestone streets and have lots of money: West Village

If you are looking for bars and don't have a lot of money: Lower East Village

If you have money and love to shop: SOHO & Tribeca (which is now the most expensive place to live in Manhattan)

Families tend you reside more in the Upper East Side (more expensive) and Upper West Side.

 

 

Travel Nursing

 

PROS

 

1. Politics. You are there for only 13 weeks, sometimes even less than that. You aren't there long enough to get involved with the drama or politics.

 

2. Will work for travel. Nursing is one of the few professions that give you the opportunity to live and work in any state, take full advantage!! You want to escape the harsh winters? I think Hawaii is calling your name! You want to ski all winter? Looks like it's time to head to Colorado!

3. Build that resume. How amazing it looks to other hospitals & graduate programs to see all the different hospitals you have worked at! They know that you have been able to experience multiple charting systems, work with different equipment, and have exposure to different patient populations. On top of all that, it shows that you are flexible and adaptable to change, and you pick up on things quickly. It tells them you aren't afraid to be put in uncomfortable situations.

 

4. Learn what you like. Most people don't have the luxury of figuring out where they want to live by testing out the city for a few months. You have the ability to find out what exactly you want in a city you want to call home. For example, I always thought I wanted to live in NYC. I thought it fit my personality perfectly! Turns out, as much as I liked living there for a short period of time, NYC doesn't fit my personality long term. It isn't outdoorsy enough for me, it's too expensive, and I don't like places with large crowds and little personal space! You also get to see if you like the hospital you are working at (hint: it's a great way to get your foot in the door).

 

5. Show me the money! That is right you fellow nurses! The rumors are true! You make far more money as a travel nurse than you do as a permanent nurse! I'm talking at least 3-4 times more. The best part about it-a lot of what you make is TAX FREE! What I made in my first job in two weeks, I made more in 1 week as a traveler (and you don't make as much as you would think working in NYC). Side note-anytime you want to do a travel assignment in a very desirable location, you probably won't get paid a great salary, even though the cost of living is relatively high. This is because hospitals/agencies know there is a high demand of nurses that are willing to travel to these desirable locations so they don't need to give competitive pay to get the nurses to travel there.

 

6. Meeting new people. It is so fun to meet new people from all over the country! I met some great people in NYC! You will meet other travel nurses along the way and they will share their tips and hospitals that they loved working with.

 

CONS

 

1. Home sweet home. On one hand it is amazing being able to live in all these exciting cities around the country, but on the other hand you can get homesick. Not necessarily homesick from where you were previously living, but homesick for a home. Living out of a suitcase, or whatever you could pack into your car is difficult. You start to miss things you used to take for granted...like my keurig that I missed so much in NYC (our reunion was amazing, our relationship is closer than ever).

 

2. Where are my friends? It is wonderful meeting new people, but on those days you want to go shopping with an old friend, drive in the car and not have awkward silence...you will miss your good friends. However, this can be easily fixed. Friends love to visit new fun places, and try to get one of your nurse friends to do travel nursing with you! Lastly, pick travel assignments where you already know people!

 

3. Risking your license. Do your research. Go to travel nursing blogs and see if you can read reviews on the hospital from other travel nurses.

 

4. The ugly duckling. I fortunately have not experienced this yet, but other travelers have said the permanent nurses were cruel to the travelers. Gave them the worst assignments, didn't help the travelers, and were rude to them. It's good if you are a nurse who's able to manage things on your own. Learn to get in the habit of doing things yourself and not asking for help, that way if you are ever in the situation where help is nowhere to be found, you can carry your weight.  The nurses at the hospital in NYC were so thankful I was there to help them, and they reminded me every time I worked!

 

 

 

230 fifth rooftop bar. Must go! Amazing views

At the Standard rooftop. Sunday Funday.

At the 9/11 memorial site. The museum was very well done, I suggest giving yourself at least 3 hours. I am happy I didn't do the tour and just looked around by myself at my own pace.