Romero Pools - Best Hike in Tucson 8:29 AM

It was Friday morning, and a hike to Romero Pools before the heat of the day set in sounded like a great idea. After about 30 minutes into our 4 hour journey, I was out of water, and it was clear that we did not avoid the heat. Ready or not, this hike was no joke. After climbing 1500 feet in elevation, straight up a rocky path, I paused to take a few photos (and to gasp desperately for air).

After about 2 hours of wandering through the desert, right when I was ready to say screw it and turn around to return to a world of a/c, shade, and water coolers, I hear the sound of running water. Thankkkk Goddd. We finally made it! It was unlike anything I've seen. A true oasis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert: huge pools of water and waterfalls edged by massive cliffs.



Everyone stripped down, and, without any convincing, jumped off the cliff and plunged into the icy waters - a welcome shock after the long, hot hike. There were 10, 20, 35, and 50-foot-high ledges that you could jump off - though, none of us had the guts to attempt the 50 footer. While I was laying back on the warm rock (watching my boyfriend jump from 35 foot cliffs), I realized you can find fun and exciting things to do no matter where you are, even in the middle of the desert.

The hike was tough, but everyone agreed it was soooooooo worth it.


Overview: The whole hike took us about 4 hours - it really depends on how long you want to stay at the pools. The trail was rocky and pretty steeply sloped most of the way.

When it rains.. 11:25 AM

So, our trip may have been plagued by flight delays, sinus infections, and endless rain, but we still did it all and had a great time doing it.

Our first stop was Geneva. Unfortunately the Swiss National Day festivities were spoiled by rain, but that didn't stop us from seeing the sights.

The UN

tallest water fountain in the world

floral clock

A rainy day in Geneva was enough. We hopped on the train and made our way to Interlaken.


1. A train ride up Jungfrajoch and summer skiing - check. This has to be the most breathtaking place in the world. AMAZING.

2. Canyoning - check. OMG SOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME. What is better for a sinus infection than icy cold canyon water?

3. Chocolate eating-check. Umm duh everyday.

4. Hiking - check.

5. Mountain biking - check... well kind of. The weather never allowed us to go mountain biking in Interlaken, but we rode free bikes to see the bears in Bern.. same thing.




6. Picture taking - check.

Switzerland: The Plan 12:16 AM

Well I know that I have a lot of catching up to do, but that will have to come later. Now that my internship in Barcelona has ended, it's time to put on my Sperrys and camera strap for one last romp around Europe. Switzerland here I come! I'm really looking forward to taking a step back from the Barcelona hustle and bustle for a week's retreat in the idyllic and serene, yet adventure-packed, Switzerland.

If you don't already know, I LOVE planning. I love planning my trips, I love planning for my life, I love planning parties, I love planning for my business, I love planning meals. You get the idea. I love it. Although I catch a lot of flack for my planning tendencies, it allows me to maximize my time, energy, money, and, most of all, reward. It allows me to do it all and do it relatively stress free. Anyway, I think it only make sense that I blog while I plan, then after, show all the pics and vids to fill you in.

So here it is THE SWITZERLAND PLAN

August 1 we fly into Geneva, the second most populous city in Switzerland. I've heard mixed reviews about this city. Some say it is a beautiful place that needs to be visited. Others say its stuffy and arrogant. Either way, it was the cheapest city to fly to in Switzerland, so to Geneva we go.

We conveniently arrive just in time for Swiss National Day. Think the Fourth of July, but substitute hotdogs and beer with Schublig and white wine. We'll see how swiss-style fireworks, barbecues, and national anthem singing stacks up to the good old USA.

After spending one night in Geneva, we are taking the train to Interlaken, a darling town nestled between the mountains of the Swiss Alps. Aside from its mountain town charm, Interlaken is well known for its countless trails, rapids, lakes, and cliffs, making in a top adventure sport destination.

We have five days to complete

1. A trip up the Jungfraujoch to Europe's highest train station for a little summer ski trip. At the top is the Aletschgletscher, the longest glacier in the Alps, which promises SUMMER SKIIIIING! (along with zip lining, sledding, and other fun stuff but yah SKIIIIIING!).

2. CANYONING! Must be shown by video:

3. Chocolate eating. Lots and lots of Swiss chocolate eating.

4. Hiking, hiking, and more hiking. I am fully intending to take full advantage of the beautiful scenery and world class hiking. How many times in your life do you get an opportunity to scale alps? Plus, hiking is free, and I looooove free.

5. Mountain biking. With rentals from our hostel for 20 bucks, mountain biking is going to be another fun option for exploring the mountains.

6. Picture taking. Well that one was obvious.

Well, now its time to pack up my Barcelona apartment and get on my way. See you in a week United States. Wish me luck!

Listening to Bart B More's remix of The Fear by Lily Alan

Excuses Excuses 4:15 PM

So... I suck with electronics. My laptop is a bit out of commission. I suck at bloggging. End of story.

photo mashups 2:39 AM

-a night out in ibiza-

-double decker bus audio tour-

-timothy-

-beach by day, party by night-

Sonar Was So Nuts 3:46 PM

Sonar. Was. So. Nuts.



Sonar is a music festival in Barcelona that takes place over three days. Sonar by Day rocksthe open air in downtown Barcelona, and Sonar by Night booms in a massive convention center on the outskirts of the city. With six stages during the day and four stages at the night, Sonar is host to over 100 artists, both popular and experimental.

Around midnight, festival goers from around the world flock to the massive building that houses Sonar by Night.



The best acts of night had to be LCD Soundsystem, 2manydjs, Flying Lotus, and the Sugar Hill Gang. This is my fav vid of the night - I LOVE YOU 2MANYDJSS:

-front row is always better-

AND THERE WERE BUMPER CARS! They may have been yelling at me in Spanish, but its' pretty easy to understand "Get the f*** off of there!" in any language. Managed to snap a pic of my escape!



After a long night of dancing and lots of red bull, I wasn't ready to leave, but alas, as the last dj left the stage, it was time to wander home. Thank you Sonar for a night full of whimsical craziness and ridiculous music.

Look >>> More Sonar Pictures

HOSTEL WORLD 4:49 PM

I know you might think a hostel is about as sketchy as being alone on a dark street in south Tucson thanks to this gem of a movie:

But really, no need to worry about your toes getting snipped off staying in any hostel. In reality, hostels are a breeding ground for young travelers ready to make bffs, exchange travel stories, and drink too many bottles of cheap wine. PLUS, you get over any concerns of sketchiness when you discover how ridiculously inexpensive hostels are; I didn't spend much over 20 euro on a single night.

Hostel in Venice

In case you've never been, let me explain an average hostel. A hostel is comprised of many rooms full of bunk beds: some may have two beds, some may have ten beds.

Lindsey in a hostel room

The room you get depends on how much you're willing to spend; personally I'd rather stay in a

room with 9 other random people and still have euros left over to tour the Doge's palace the next day. In most places, there are community bathrooms that are less than sanitary at best. There is also a big common area to hang, meet people, and, if you´re lucky, get on the internet.

Yummmm Breakfast

In the morning, most places have a free breakfast in the common area; that is, if you consider a bread roll and a packet of nutella breakfast. Nonetheless, free food is free food. Dry bread has never tasted so good! (Nutella makes everything yummy)

In all honesty, hostels are amazing. You will learn to love all of their imperfections, and if not, you will learn to adapt. When life hands you dry rolls, head to the pasteria down the street and buy a 50 cent chocolate criossant. 

Canadian Hostel Homeboys

Anyway, Sonar on Friday, so I'm listening to some Sonar jams:

Booka Shade - Oh Superman

Flying Lotus - Tea Leaf Dancers

DJ Hell - Suicide Commando