LIVE LIFE IN THE NOW

Living Your Most Authentic Life.

The idea behind The Now With Nat came to me when I decided to shift my mindset from constant mind-chatter + rehashing my future, to making a conscious effort to live more in the present moment. From doing so, I started to notice positive changes and soon became aware of opportunities around me. I knew there was truth in this theory, and I was eager to discover more!

As a society, we are programmed to over think, over indulge, + over exude ourselves in every aspect of our lives. But what if we took a moment to just be content with where we are now, in this very instant? To trust that life was going to work out in our favor?  I knew this challenging concept was essential for self growth. In order to be fully present I had to make changes that shifted my energy. This meant detaching myself from what has happened in the past and from what was “going” to happen in the future.

Easier said than done, right?!

Stress and anxiety are created from a busy mind recycling the same thoughts over and over - from replaying past, perhaps traumatic, experiences, and projecting a false future for ourselves that is simply not real. These forms of thinking create an energy that leaves us feeling “stuck” and confused as to why our lives are not quite moving in the direction we ultimately desire. Constant worry is a form of attachment which leads to living out of alignment. The more we live out of alignment, the more prone we are to ailments, depression and dis-ease.

What does living in the now mean?

To me, living in the now is non-resistance to all circumstances in our lives. It is a sense of trust that we must cultivate. It is a constant learning experience to become in alignment with our purpose. Ironically, by chasing life we start to feel less happy and more depressed, for “chasing” takes us out of the present moment, or living in the now. Our mind, body and soul crave moments to just BE. By BE-coming present, an energy within us changes, opening up a new wave of experiences + opportunities in our current reality. 

So how do we live life in the now?

Living in the now is a lifelong practice, but there are many steps to take to begin the shift. For me, I start my day with a grounding technique. This can be done by practicing yoga, meditating, and/or journaling (to name a few!).  This helps set the tone for the rest of the day.  {Click here to read my previous post on how to ground.}

Living in the now is an awareness that this exact moment is all that exists. It is calming the mind and working every day to reprogram our thoughts. Our thoughts create our inner + outer reality, so it is important that our inner dialogue is as positive as possible. To live more presently, I use positive affirmations to change my outer circumstances. I highly recommend the book: You Can Heal Your Life by, Louise Hay - she has amazing affirmations you can implement in your day to day routine!  {Click here for affirmation ideas to help you step into your ultimate power.}

Living in the now is not always easy, but crucial. By being conscious of our thoughts, and working day to day to make changes, you will start receiving new downloads, insights + ah-ha! moments that will positively steer your life in the direction you desire.

“The art of life is to live in the present moment.” - Emmet Fox

I would love to hear your feedback on any techniques that help you stay more present, and/or any stories on how shifting your perspective has changed your life. <3

REAL LIFE DEVASTATION

Visiting Lombok – Real Life Devastation

On Monday, August 13th 2018, I flew to Lombok, Indonesia, a small island that was struck by a giant 7.0 earthquake the week prior.  I am not sure why, but something inside of me told me I absolutely had to fly to this island to see in person what was really happening.

I will back up.  A week prior, I was out to eat with a friend when the earthquake struck.  When it hit in Lombok, we immediately felt the intense rumbling in Bali.  In fact, it was so strong here that everyone started screaming and running outside into the street.  It was quite chaotic to say the least.

Flash forward to the aftermath.  As each day since the quake passed, more news about the casualties and number of people homeless started to rise at a rapid rate.  On social media, groups began forming to help with the disaster relief aid, and pictures started to go viral from survivors.  During this time, I got connected with two families in particular whom have lost everything.  They shared their stories with me and sent me pictures of the reality of the situation.  Throughout the rest of the week, I felt more and more compelled to visit the victims, and soon made the decision to go.

After I settled on my decision (but was quite nervous to say the least), everything completely fell into place for me to visit Lombok.  I received a free ride to and from the airport, had transportation in Lombok, my flight was covered, and I was not charged for my over-weight luggage, filled completely with donations.  I was also in contact with people whom have donated supplies and money.  I was meant to go.

Upon arrival, a dive instructor, Hifan, and his friend picked me up.  Both men had lost their entire homes.  The two had grown up together in Lombok, and they were a few of the lucky ones not injured when the disaster hit.  Prior to the quake, Hifan was a snorkel instructor on the beautiful Gili islands.  Hifan is the father of two beautiful girls and has a lovely wife, all of whom I had the privilege of meeting.   

I later found out that Hifan drove over two hours to pick me up, and we drove another two back to where his family was currently residing.  The drive was beyond heartbreaking.  As we made our way further and further away from the airport, the destruction and poverty got worse.  Homes, buildings, stores were completely crumbled to the ground.  People were laying under makeshift tarp tents, and dust filled the streets.  It was quite a devastating sight.

Our first stop was to see Hifan’s family.  They were lovely!  And to my amazement, despite losing everything, they were in good spirits.  They even offered me food (which of course I declined).  I was in true amazement of the human spirit during the worst of conditions.

After handing out some supplies to Hifan’s wife, we picked up another westerner (Daniel from the UK) and made a trek into the jungle to see one of the camps.  Now I must say, Daniel is a true angel.  He had been in Lombok for three days, spending time with the families on the camp site.  His spirit and energy were helping heal those around him.

As we drove deeper into the jungle, I was in awe on how beautiful and lush the island of Lombok is.  The water is crystal clear, there are palm trees galore, and the most breathtaking waterfalls filled the land.  It felt quite ironic during such a time of devastation. 

When we made our way into the villages, I was heartbroken.  Every single home and building had collapsed to the ground.  This included: schools, churches, mosques, hospitals, and stores.  Everything was demolished.  It was a hard (but necessary) sight to see.  People were living in little tents, and there was a group of children in “school” learning under a tarp.  Food and blankets were scarce.  While I provided some donations to the group, I felt so small.  How can I help make more of an impact?  How can I create more awareness?  It really was a tough day.

As I made my way back to the airport, I had so much on my mind. At this moment, a wave of emotion rushed over me, this is when my day in Lombok really hit me.  It was a lot to take it.  I have to do SOMETHING, I just didn’t know what. I decided to start small and do what I know how to do – throw events and bring awareness.

With that being said, I will definitely go back, but I cannot do this alone.  If we all work together, no matter how big or small, we can help make a difference. 

I am selling T-shirts where proceeds go towards the families in Lombok.  I am also accepting donations to buy supplies and food for those in need.  I am working hand in hand with some awesome people here in Bali to create a charity event, which will be posted on my site shortly.

But for now, if you wish to make a small donation, please find the GoFundMe link HERE, as well as a LINK to my shirts.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about the quake, and/or how you can help in general.

Thank you for your support! <3

I just loved these kids!  Where there is darkness, there is always light.

TRAVELING V. LIVING ABROAD

Whether you are digital nomad or working a 9-5 job, living in a foreign country is a completely different experience than taking a quick holiday.  Upon arrival, a giant self-realization seems to hit you — “wow, this is my new HOME” — no more comforts or familiarities you once took for granted.  Depending on where you relocate to, this can consist of different foods, activities, customs, languages, and/or social norms.  I strongly feel that when we travel, we become the outsider looking in. We take in new experiences + cultures, embracing the people we meet, but maybe not staying long enough to FULLY absorb ourselves in it.  For me, time-constraint traveling is about quick relationships, trying the best restaurants, and dancing into the wee hours of the night on a Monday (if you are like me and love to dance!)  But what does living abroad for an extending period of time (at least three months) REALLY feel like?  Let me explain.

Back in 2017 when I decided to travel for a month through South America, my trip was based on sight-seeing, over night buses, new foods, trying the best local cocktails, and living on pure adrenaline.  I had an absolute BLAST — probably one of the most impactful moments of my life.  Traveling really does open your eyes to living life through a different lens.  When connecting with others from other countries, the knowledge and conversations you exchange is beyond priceless, not to mention getting to know a foreign place with other travelers.  I cannot stress how visiting “different” places than what you are used to is beyond impactful.  And 9 times out of 10, you catch the travel bug and cannot wait to plan your next trip!  However, for me personally, when I made the decision to live abroad in Chile (and now Bali!) my journey started out quite differently than my whirlwind, adventurous month exploring four countries.

At first, moving to Santiago, Chile was tough.  I knew only one person, I had a new “home” that was different than my one bedroom apartment in LA, and I did not know ANY Spanish.  It was quite a learning experience to navigate around a brand new city, look for work, and adapt to a different way of life.  Living in Chile was more slow than my last traveling experience, and I had to get used to a foreign place actually being my home.  I was not in a hostel situation with other remote travelers, and if I wanted to meet people I had to make an effort to put myself out there.  

I am not going to lie, I felt a bit lonely the first week or two.  While my new room mate was nice (we are now very good friends), I still felt a bit out of place.  An American girl living in Santiago — never thought I’d say that!  But I was anxious to make Chile my new home. 

New to the Language? Enroll in a school or find a tutor!

Since my level of Spanish at the time was zero, I enrolled in a four week intensive Spanish school.  This was one of the best decisions I’ve made in Chile.  Immediately, I was with other people who were both new to the city and trying to learn the language, and also with Chileans who were teaching me how to speak!  The school provided fun, cultural events and getaways for us, and I was able to connect with both expats and Chileans. (I studied at ECELA Santiago - highly recommended!)

Work Cafes + Co-working Spaces

 Also during my first month, I got hired to work with a start-up company through Start Up Chile.  This opportunity was a life saver for me.  For those who are digital nomads who are looking to move, I highly recommend joining a co-working space.  The co-working spaces give you a sense of a work environment, while connecting you to like-minded people.  There are many perks to co-working such as meet-ups, workshops, and weekend excursions.  If co-working spaces are not available to you or out of your price range, check out some FB groups or local cafes that are known for co-working.  This is a great way to see more of the city while working hand in hand with others.  Now, in select countries, there are co-living situations.  Two popular companies being: Roam and Outsite.

The Power of Facebook Groups

Another HUGE tool for living the expat life is Facebook.  I cannot stress enough how important Facebook is for those both traveling and moving to a new country.  There are some fantastic FB groups where you can find any information you might desire about the particular place you are living in.  One group that has greatly helped me is Discover Chile.  These FB groups are quite easy to find — just through one simple search.

Explore Your New Home

While I was in Santiago, I was fortunate enough to explore Chile.  By seeing other parts of this magical country, it brought back my sense of travel and wanderlust. I feel very thankful for the opportunities presented to me while living abroad.  I was lucky to travel with some new friends I had met, both expats and locals.  There are ways to travel around inexpensively and easily — hostels, buses, shared rides, and advice from your local friends (to name a few).

Make Friends with the Locals

While it is comforting to hang out with other expats, make an effort to connect with the locals, wherever you are!  I have learned SO much from my Chilean friends - and realized how much we actually all have in common.  Yes, while the language barrier is apparent at times, this obstacle just pushes you more to learn the local language and connect on a deeper level.  Force yourself out of your comfort zone and into a new culture!  My Chilean friends have taught me so much.  I have also greatly improved my Spanish through my friends.

Join Meet Up Groups

Join a group!  After a few months getting settled into my new Santiago home, I joined a workout group to meet more people and adapt a consistent work out routine.  Here is when my friend group expanded (and helped me learn more Spanish!)  My class was only in Spanish, and I became very close with both my trainer and others in the class.  

There were also some great events every week in Santiago — such as language exchanges, stand up comedy shows, and an improv group.  By putting yourself out there, you will not only become involved with the community, but meet people with similar interests.

After a few months, Chile was more than a place to live but my new home.  By experiencing some hard times and set backs, I had the chance to change and grow.  I also have had some of the BEST experiences in Chile, and my time there is so dear to my heart.  I truly feel as if I am a different person for the better.  

I am also fortunate enough to say that my friends are from all over the world — Chile, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Australia, London, Sweden, Mexico (to name a few). I simply could not imagine my life without my group. 

So if you are looking to move to a new country, and this is your first time doing so, be prepared for CHANGE and embrace all the emotions that come with it.  I am currently in Bali for a few months going through the new transition myself, with flashbacks of my month in Chile.  Please be patient and easy on yourself.  Living a life in a new country is the most rewarding experience you can embark on, but know that it can take some time.  Practice grounding techniques and journal — more tools that have helped me feel more at home!  Allow yourself to receive and be open to ANYTHING.  You will be astonished at what the universe brings to you. <3

¡SALUD!

MY 200H YTT EXPERIENCE IN BALI

Yoga + Inner Transformation

If someone would have told me at the beginning of April what the month of May had in store, I simply would not have believed them.  As fate would have it, I wound up receiving an opportunity to travel to Ubud, Bali to work while earning my 200-hour Yoga Teacher certification through the Shades of Yoga program at Taksu Spa.

Throughout my time in Bali, my experiences on and off the mat are quite hard to put into words.  For one, the idea of participating in a Yoga Teacher Training can be scary, even daunting.  The long hours, new faces, remembering the sequences, and thought of teaching a class is a bit intimidating.  Off the mat, the foreign destination, new home/environment, and strong energy of Bali can create a massive shift in everyday life.  Why are all of these concepts so scary?  Because individually and collectively they all bring about change.

The definition of change means “to make or become different.”  Like I discussed in a previous post, when we are settled in our daily routine, why would we want to incorporate change?  Why would we want to personally be different?  Why change your life and embark on a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in just 21 days?  Simply put: because change can transform us in ways we have never imagined.

During the month of May, Yoga Teacher Training ushered in new energy to help explore aspects of myself I did not know existed.  While I have been practicing yoga for eight years and in-depthly studying philosophy for six years, I felt my personal growth accelerate throughout the entire four weeks, which I credit to the Shades of Yoga program at Taksu.  During the intensive training I was able to challenge my mind through new concepts and meditation techniques, and challenge my body through “correct” postures and alignment.  These new changes to my daily routine soon started to transform my life.

My experience in Ubud, Bali at times felt emotional and uncomfortable, yet cleansing and liberating. From the second I arrived at my guest house (Kunang Kunang) to the moment I boarded the plane back to Chile, my life had gone through a transformation.  Thinking back, I would not have had the opportunity for such growth if it were not for my time at Taksu with Shades of Yoga.

Before embarking on my new spiritual, yoga journey, I had a few days to settle in to the Balinese way of life.  Ubud itself is a magical place.  There is an array of delicious, healthy restaurants, a plethora of yoga studios, and different wellness spas on every corner.  The small city itself radiates with high vibes and spirituality.  The Balinese culture is rich, and the locals greatly value their traditional heritage.  I immediately felt a strong sense of peace and acceptance upon arrival in this magical city.

After a few days of some relaxation from traveling, I was ready to begin my Shades of Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training course at Taksu.  I must say, the venue is absolutely amazing.  When I first walked into Taksu Spa, I was amidst a tranquil, tropical jungle, lush in nature.  From the entrance, a small pathway leads straight to the Shades of Yoga Shala.  The Shala is where my classmates and I spent the majority of our time, whether practicing yoga or engaged in lectures.

Monday through Saturday I made my way to Taksu Spa where the day began with 30 minutes of mediation, 30 minutes of pranayama breathing, and a one-hour asana class.  After breaking for breakfast, the rest of the day was comprised of lectures, self-practices, and/or learning the sequences, always ending with a second one-hour yoga class.

The Shades of Yoga course is more than a teacher training, but a life course guide to living one’s highest potential.  The program is designed to take you out of your comfort zone, providing the chance for all students to look deeper inside of themselves.  In my experience with SOY, the regimented yoga and meditation practices began to release and uncover “blocks” or stuck energy I might have been holding on to, creating changes to how I think and feel.  This process is cleansing, and causes life-lasting effects within your mind, body, and spirit.  While change can be painful in the beginning, the benefits are astounding. I began to feel more “open” and my intuition became stronger.  I even started to have “ah-ha!” moments to questions that have bogged my mind for quite some time. I really felt a strong shift in just four short weeks.

Not only did yoga and meditation accelerate my self-growth, but the lecture classes played an important key to my development of self-awareness and inner knowledge.  The May students and I learned about the Ennegram Personality system, Yamas and Niyamas, Chakras, Spiritual Philosophies, and Anatomy (to name a few).  Our group was also lucky enough to experience an hour long sound healing session.  The Shades of Yoga program is extremely well-rounded, providing the students with the most top-notch teachers in the field. I felt humbled to have found a curriculum that tapped on so many different subjects.  The program was also extremely supportive, providing one on one guidance and personalized attention to each person partaking in the course.

While the Shades of Yoga program is amazing in itself, the cherry on top was the serene, peaceful venue known as Tasku Spa.  Taksu is not only home to SOY, but is both an exquisite restaurant and state of the art wellness center.  Taksu offers an organic breakfast, lunch, and dinner made only with the finest, freshest ingredients.  For Shades students, breakfast is included in the training, and I must say, this was one of my favorite parts of the program!  After morning meditation and asana practice, we were given a one-hour break to indulge in the breakfast buffet.  The Taksu breakfast included fresh, tropical fruit (my favorites were the papaya and dragon fruit!), granola, oatmeal, yogurt, spring rolls, sushi, coffee/tea, and an array of hot food (I definitely got hooked on the coconut yogurt).  It was such a great perk to the teacher training.

Not only does Taksu Spa offer healthy, delicious meals, but top-quality spa services as well.  During my time in Ubud I was lucky enough to experience the amenities and relaxing treatments Taksu Spa has to offer.  For example, during lunch after a particularly physically challenging day, I was able to squeeze in a reflexology foot massage. Immediately after booking my appointment, I was lead down a cobblestone pathway to a tranquil spa house – all located right next to the Shala.  Not only was the foot massage exactly what my body needed in that moment, but the session was conveniently located.  During my two-hour lunch break I was able to decompress for a full hour, with time to spare to eat a healthy lunch outside at Taksu.

Aside from my reflexology treatment, I had the chance to decompress for two hours deep in the jungle for another rejuvenating spa service called The Royal Mandi Lulur.   The Royal Mandi Lulur is a (highly) recommended treatment consisting of: aromatherapy Balinese massage, full body scrub, and soothing bath filled with fresh flowers.  When I checked into Taksu Spa for my Royal Mandi Lulur appointment, I had the option to choose which aromatherapy scent and scrub I wanted for my treatment.  From there, my masseuse lead me through the lush forest to my room – surrounded by the vibrant energy and the soft whispers of nature.  Taksu is uniquely designed and sits on a small hill in the jungle.  The walk to the spa is also quite beautiful.  Throughout my treatment I truly felt like a queen! The staff was beyond friendly, attentive, and extremely professional, and the atmosphere gave me a sense of relaxation, peace, and ease.

With all of the changes my mind and body were experiencing, I felt extremely thankful that Taksu Spa is home to the Yoga Teacher Training venue.  The space proved to be healing and nurturing, a great outlet for both myself and the other students.

As the Shades of Yoga Teacher Training came to an end, I realized how much I experienced in such a short amount of time.  Life is comprised of one change after another, some external or internal, some changes we facilitate, some out of our control.  Moving forward, how do we deal with these shifts when they arise?  How can we release fear?  How can we use change to our advantage? We must "let go" and learn to trust ourselves and know timing is always perfect.  Change is the catalyst to growth, which facilitates positive transformation, which pushes us to living our divine potential.  Without change, how would we reach our goals?  Our dreams?  How would we ever fulfill our heart’s (authentic) desires?  We must believe in ourselves as we shift out of our mundane routine into a space that is foreign and new.  I know for a fact that positive, yet uncomfortable, situations can lead to new friendships, better ways of living, and experiences not even imaginable.  Opportunities we never thought possible all of a sudden come into fruition once we embrace change. 

I am so thankful for the opportunity to deepen my insight and gather tools to use during day to day life.  What a month of self transformation!  Thanks to my time in Bali, I am a different person for the better.  

Whether or not teacher training is YOUR calling, I hope that everyone reading this can welcome change with open arms.  Buy the plane ticket, embark on that adventure, start a new project, or sign up for a 200-hour Y  Your life is not in the past or future, but this exact moment.  Now is always the perfect time, embrace it.

“IN THE END… We only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.” – Lewis Carroll

Officially 200-hour certified!

THE POWER OF CHANGE

For many (or most) of us, the word “change” can be scary and/or uncomfortable.  It is a word and a concept that can mistakenly take us by surprise and cause a shift in our daily routine.  As I sit at a cafe in Ubud, Bali, looking back on the past year, it is undoubtedly crazy how much change I went through.  In May 2017 I put in my leave of absence at my corporate job, preparing my move to Chile in June, and not having the slightest clue as to what to expect.  My move to Chile brought immense amounts of change, in some ways more difficult than others.  It brought about the obvious, like language, culture, and living situation changes.  But along with those came others I did not expect - changes with my way of thinking, my beliefs, what I really want out of life.  Not to mention huge changes spiritually - not just within my self but also in my career.  Continuing forward, my move to Chile led to my one month stay in Bali, an enormous change that basically happened overnight, and would not have been possible without my South America venture.

So how do we deal with these changes when they arise?  How to we break out of fear mode to allow the changes to come into fruition?  From someone who likes to control things, we must trust.  Divine timing is always perfect.  When we are presented with a challenging change or perhaps an “out of the blue” seemingly positive change, we must feel what we are going through and use it for personal development to further better our lives.  Change is the catalyst to growth, which is the catalyst to positive transformation, which pushes us to living our highest potential.  We must know the dark to experience the light.  We must believe as we delve into new concepts and ways of living.  Once we accept change, our growth accelerates.  Moving forward, if change is extra scary for you, start small.  Watch how the little day to day changes you make greatly affects your life.  From there, trust builds and even greater miracles will occur. <3

Allow. Trust. Feel. Know. Believe. Accept

-The Now With Nat

5 GROUNDING TECHNIQUES

My Top 5 Techniques To Stay Grounded...

We are awakening this very moment to a global transformation. Intense energy is coming through at lightning speed, through solar activations, lunar cycles and shifts in consciousness (to name a few). It is important during this time to protect ourselves and to stay grounded as our DNA is re-wiring and re-activating, dissolving old timelines and programmed thoughts that have been embedded in our soul since the beginning of time. As the energy shifts, we can feel less balanced, lethargic, experience head aches, and just feel “off”.

The new year energy started off STRONG (leaving many of us feeling confused and a bit sad) as we dropped old habits, people, situations, and thoughts that no longer serve us. Below are my top five ways to remain grounded during these intense, yet transformative, times of change. <3

1. SPEND TIME IN NATURE

Spending time in nature + simply connecting to the Earth rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul. Take time by the beach, go on a hike, or simply dig your bare feet into the ground. A mere 20 minutes can do wonders, leaving you with a new sense of clarity and peace.

2.  YOGA + MEDITATION

Through yoga, one not only receives a great physical work out, but obtains a healthier mind as well. Yoga and meditation teaches us the act of breath work as we train our minds to become still by sitting in silence and/or hold challenging poses. The practice of yoga also creates balance and detoxification within our bodies and organs. Old emotions and dense vibrations are released, creating more space for light energy.

3.  JOURNALING

Journaling is one of my favorite techniques to release old thought patterns and to gain insight about a specific situation or obstacle I might be facing.  Journaling gets our creative juices flowing as we let our emotions pour out on paper. I find this technique freeing. Sometimes a single thought turns into a few pages worth of expression and releasing. If you are a first timer, I guarantee you will be surprised how much information reveals itself on paper.

4.  SEA SALT BATH

Sea salt baths purify you on a spiritual level. The salt draws out and dissolves negative energies that are held within our bodies — from our own thoughts and experiences, or through interactions with other people. When we surround ourselves with others who might feel anxious or stressed, we can naturally take on these energies as if our own. Salt not only grounds you, but clears your aura as well — leaving you feeling lighter and more balanced.

5.  CREATIVITY

What drives your soul? Do you like to paint? Draw? Play an instrument? Plan an event? Think of something that you LOVE (or miss) doing. If this seems impossible, what small step can you take to get closer to feeling creative? As we embrace our passions and acknowledge our creativity, (without judgement), our vibrations rise, creating a balance between mind, body, and spirit.

"With greater understanding comes greater knowing. With greater knowing comes greater self realization. With greater self realization comes greater wisdom. With greater wisdom comes greater truth. With greater truth comes comes greater self expansion. With greater self expansion comes greater knowledge that we are everything, yet nothing."                   

- The Now With Nat

FEELING THE SHIFT

With all the new (and rare) moon cycles since the beg of December, which has brought an intense flow of new energy, we have all been feeling the shift - which has been somewhat (or very) difficult for a lot of us.  Personally, the last month has been challenging after not feeling well and very low on energy.  I am just starting to get my groove back!  My life also completely took a new direction and pointed me towards my next path here in Chile.  It is scary, yet exciting, but the goal is to work on staying grounded and present during these intense energetic changes. 

We just had one more new moon this month in Pisces which brought a sense of completion as we wrap the astrological new year (phew!) Now is the time to go deep within and focus on healing sensitive issues and past life events.  Focus on honesty, communication, and truth within yourself - this will bring a greater sense of balance during this time.  Tap into your creative juices and don't hold back - let your imagination run wild. 

What feeds your soul?  What improves your overall wellbeing?! This is the perfect time for inner reflection.

This was a very psychic new moon so trust your dreams and your intuition.  Dive inside and see where your life takes you...

XO, Nat

BOLIVIA - A HIDDEN GEM (PT. 1)

Santa Cruz, Bolivia

I decided to call Bolivia a hidden gem because I basically knew nothing about this wonderful country before my visit.  A month prior to my trip, I was told the salt flats are amazing, everything is cheap, and I needed a visa to enter the country. That was about it.  It was not until I actually arrived in Bolivia that my perspective changed...

If you are a traveler willing to step outside of your comfort zone and visit a place that is not only beautiful, but filled with culture and tradition, Bolivia is a great choice!

Even though I backpacked through Bolivia for about a week, I have A LOT to say about my visit - what do to, where to go, and how to get a visa (if you are from the US).  First things first - obtaining a visa.  I had a really hard time finding accurate information and felt stuck.  I had no idea if I could get one upon arrival or I needed to apply for a visa in the United States.  It was a bit frustrating because at the time I was not a part of many nomad or expat FB groups, and the only information I found online was from a 2013 blog post saying “I will be fine” if I just show up at a Bolivian airport.  However, since I did not have much time, I decided to take my chances and (hopefully) get a visa when I landed.

Before my trip, I made sure to thoroughly research all of the documentation needed when I arrived in Bolivia, and then I made sure to print out/bring all documents necessary.  There is also a fee when entering - around $160 USD - so make sure you have this money ready to go.  Even though it is a bit of a pain to pay, the country is SO CHEAP!  This was by far more expensive then any of the tours I embarked on during my stay in Bolivia.

(I will write a blog post about what you need to get a visa upon arrival).

When traveling to Bolivia, I flew from Montevideo to Santa Cruz.  Once I arrived in Santa Cruz, I was able to obtain my visa in about 20 minutes (easy!) Then from Santa Cruz, my friend and I took a taxi to our hostel.

I arrived in Bolivia at the beginning of April, and Santa Cruz was very hot during this time.  The city itself is filled with culture, and we just took the day to explore - visited the cathedral and checked out local restaurants.  We wound up finding a nice place to eat called Republica - here I had a lovely kiwi-vodka tonic cocktail, prawn salad, and yummy cheese balls.  (I believe for the food and two drinks, our total bill was $10 USD!) Bolivia is a third world country, so life here is quite different - but because of this, I really loved and cherished my experience.  I really felt like I was in a different world, and loved learning about a country so unfamiliar from my own.  And like I mentioned - beyond cheap!

(Ubers cost between $0.50 - $2 USD)

While in Santa Cruz, my travel buddy and I dropped off our passports at the Brazilian consulate.  We were traveling to Brazil afterwards, and like Bolivia, US citizens need a visa to enter the country.  Also like obtaining a Bolivia visa, we both made sure to bring all of our documents needed to get a Brazilian visa.  Now unlike Bolivia, our Brazilian visa took five days to obtain.  Because of the wait, we decided it would be a good idea to check out another city in Bolivia that was highly recommend - La Paz.

We had five days total to see both La Paz and Uyuni (Salt Flats) so we planned our trip accordingly (but very much on a whim).  Since we were sin passports, we took our chances and headed to the airport to try and catch a flight to La Paz.  We showed up at the very tiny airport, unsure of how we would ever be able to travel without passports!  However, we got LUCKY.  We were somehow able to book one way plane tickets from Santa Cruz to La Paz with just our US driver’s license and a photo copy of our passports (lol).  The flight was around ~$60USD.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my Bolivia experience - it highlights one of my favorite cities, La Paz! X

(Backpacking behind the scenes!  What traveling really looks like...)

TUESDAY NIGHTS ARE THE BEST NIGHTS

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Pelourinho, Salvador, known as the “Old Historic City” has one of the best Tuesday night parties in all of Brazil.  Every Tues night, percussion bands parade the streets and bring out a crowd of people from all over the world - where everyone is dancing, drinking, making new friends, and simply enjoying life!

Music is everywhere in the city, and stages are put together at the main squares. I had SO MUCH FUN dancing Samba in the streets, and then heading to a square to continue the dance party!  Salvador has so much flare and culture.  Highly recommended and one of my favorite cities to date.

SALVADOR HAS MY HEART

Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Salvador- one my favorite places I visited.  Located in the northern part of Brazil in the state of Bahia, lies a beautiful, colorful city rich in culture.  I was instantly in love with Salvador the second upon arrival.  The rainbow city is booming with life, creativity, diversity, and soul.  The “Old Historic City” in Salvador is a traveler’s mecca.  I especially loved the old ornate churches that line the streets, and the people in Salvador are so so friendly!  (click below to scroll)

The first two nights I stayed in a hostel called: The Hostel Salvador.  This hostel is walking distance from the beach and night life.  It also has a beautiful roof top with a pool- you definitely get a bang for your buck!  The next two nights were spent in Hostel Gallery 13.  Located in the heart of the historic center, this hostel was my favorite.  Every night between 5:15pm-6:15pm the hostel owner hosts happy hour with free caipirinhas for all of the guests!  (One of the best caipirinhas I’ve tried, I might add)  This is a great way to meet fellow travelers, many of whom I am still friends with today.

The main restaurant I recommend is: Bar Zulu.  Bar Zulu is located in the historic center of Salvador (walking distance from Hostel Gallery 13) and it does not disappoint!  Their top dish is the Moqueca (meat, shrimp, or vegetarian) and the restaurant is vegan friendly.  The cocktails are all delicious, but I went with the caipirinha of course! 

(beaches & Bar Zulu below)

Get your Samba on…

If you are looking to go out at night, there is a row of dive bars right near the beach in Rio Vermelho (Salvador).  I had SO much fun going out here, but the city itself is dangerous- make sure you stick with a group of people that you trust.  Also, my friend and I made sure to remove all of our jewelry while we were visiting Salvador.  You do not want to stand out as a target for pickpocketers.  

Tuesdays:  The Tuesday night dance party was my absolute favorite!!  My next post will be solely on the samba dance party in the streets on Tuesday nights..

Throughout the week you can find outdoor samba concerts around the city.  Salvador loves to dance!  No wonder why I love this city so much…. <3