Back home

Jul 30, 2018 | Lifestyle, Travel

I’m back home in American Samoa!

You know as much as I love traveling, I love the feeling of coming home. Especially after the 12+ hours of sitting in airplanes and waiting in transit… though it wouldn’t be so bad if my bf was on the flight with me. Still. I like getting out of the airport, going home, opening up my door and seeing Yodi and Officer Scruffles wagging and meowing, excited to see me.

This weekend was a mix of chill, productive, fun, and adventurous. Oh yeah! I’m working on redesigning my website which I’m really excited for, and since I’m home solo while Ian is still traveling, I’ve been doing a lot of dancing in my underwear to loud music. And morning yoga, which I haven’t done in a long time. Some friends are also leaving the island so they rented an aiga bus for their tofa. And today a few friends decided to go to Vatia Tidepools at low tide.

But what I’ve been enjoying most is just hanging out at home, being a hermit crab: putting good music on, watching cheesy shows on Netflix, and writing. I’m always so appreciative to be where I am and right now where I am is exactly where I want to be. As you can tell, I’m in a reflective state so here are some photos from around home that I snapped.

Sailing again and getting seasick

Jul 29, 2018 | Lifestyle, Travel

Round 2 of sailing adventures in California thanks to Rick!

A sunny Tuesday in Los Angeles. Drove out to Redondo Beach King Harbor Marina and boarded the SV Gitana where Ian and Rick moved quickly – and before I knew it, we were past the breakwater with Rick at the helm and Ian on the lines. He unfurled the sail and then the jib, and we went flying. The wind was pleasantly strong for the first hour.

It was so fun to get behind the wheel with the wind in the sail; I was laughing hysterical and nervous because I was holding myself up sideways and kept thinking I was going to heel us over and tip. Ian and Rick assured me that was hard to do.

From 15 knots down to 2 knots, the wind died in the second hour and we ate lunch. I downed 3 cans of ginger ale because I get seasick and was hoping it would help. I just looked it up and it looks like ginger itself helps with nausea but but ginger ale has too much sugar to have the same effect. Yup, learned that the hard way because I did eventually end up getting seasick and it wasn’t pretty. Although I think it was really because I had to go below to pee (from drinking 3 cans of ginger ale), and being in that tight little bathroom oh man my head felt like it was a lava lamp.

Ian and Rick tacked several more times within the hour to find the wind but it was a bust and they took us back to the Marina where I immediately felt better.

It was still so much fun, and I will definitely be taking a whole ginger with me the next time!

Visiting friends in Oceanside

Jul 27, 2018 | Lifestyle, Travel

Quick weekend trip to Oceanside.

Drove in to Oside in the late afternoon and reunited with our previous AmSam neighbors Carolyn and Jameson, and their little coconut guy Kainoa. We caught up on our lives since they left the island 2 years ago. We devoured some of the most amazing food at Local Tap House, did some mini bowling at Fat Joe’s, and briefly hung out at Pour House for live music. The next morning was spent on the beach. The guys surfed and Carolyn and I played with Kai. And then Jameson saved a girl who got caught in the riptide! The lifeguard on patrol showed up so late, it was a good thing Jamo got to her in time. Afternoon naps followed, then we headed over to their friends Gina and Anthony’s house for a sweet backyard BBQ. Got froyo and drove through the beach strand before we called it a night.

Also, did you know that Oceanside is our sister city? I just found out on this trip, and I don’t really know what exactly that means – but it seems appropriate since our little AmSam gang got together for a good lil time in Oceanside.

Sailing in Oxnard, California

Jul 23, 2018 | Travel

Last week was some of my most relaxed days over the last year. We were in the cozy town of Oxnard, California for Ian’s family reunion. We would sleep in, walk barefoot to Silver Strand beach barely a block away, and lounged all day until the big family dinner every night, followed by game night. Such bliss.

This particular day strayed just a bit from the routine though.

Rick chartered a 34-foot Hunter style sailboat called the SV Emmanuel. We were all so pumped! We started at the Channel Islands Harbor marina and took two trips – a short one for the kids just to the breakwater, and another longer trip with the adults for several hours. Rick and Ian took the helms and Chris helped open the sail and jib as we sailed out of the marina. Then I got to steer us into deeper waters for the next few hours! Uncle Bob and Ian helped me learn how to recognize the wind and then use the compass to keep a specific direction. Once I got the hang of it, it made so much sense. We sailed pretty far but had to head back by evening for dinner and I tried to park the boat in the marina but let Rick take over after my first failed attempt. Looks like I’ll need some extra practice… so we’re going sailing again tomorrow! This time in Redondo Beach!

Until next time

xo, Relly

Off season in Rincon | Puerto Rico Travel Diary

Jun 14, 2018 | Travel

We drove in to Rincon in the late afternoon. The traffic and winding streets made my tummy uneasy so I was elated to get situated in this cozy Coconut Cottage for the night.

*ahem* Not really complaining because I should be used to this, but there were a lot of mosquitoes though.

We checked out the Rincon Marina to scope out the scene. It had been raining all day, and it would rain every day at noon while we were there.

It was off-season for tourism but most importantly (for Ian), off season for surf of any kind. There were absolutely no waves anywhere except on the postcards at the empty surf shops. We got skunked.

Feeling deeply grateful to be able to meet up with good friends from around the world in new and beautiful places.

We got groceries at the Econo Supermarket to last us the next couple of days that we would be there. But then we also decided to grab a nice dinner at Roots in the town square where we laughed and toasted to friendship.

The next couple of days were quality.

Snorkeling, SUPing, seeing huge barracudas fly by.

Eating, drinking, talking, playing card games.

Nobody in this quiet town, except us and the singing coqui.

–

We tried to plan a scuba dive or a kayak tour of the bioluminescence, but were unfortunately turned away by the operators. The fact that it was off season was one possible reason, but it could have also been our short 3 day stay not being enough time. *Shrugs*

Our friends’ love and sunset on our last evening in Rincon.

Finally a picture of all of us together!

That morning: sleeping in, snorkeling, showering (it was about time haha), and saying adios to Rincon.

We got back on the road toward San Juan.

I was sad to leave so soon, but happy to share new memories with old friends.

–

Warmly,

Nerelle

Lessons from recent travels

Jun 9, 2018 | Travel

It’s really difficult to live zero waste in the mainland too. I would have thought that a ZW lifestyle would be easier in the US because there are more ZW options like bulk shops and thrift stores and art markets. But with all of the options and variety, it almost made it seem more difficult to be ZW.
All inclusive resorts are a whole new world. I haven’t decided yet whether that’s a world I want to return to but it’s surely one I won’t forget.
Time spent with family is rejuvenating. Hanging out with my sister and brother, plus my niece and nephew… it reminded me of how far we’ve come from little island runts.
I shouldn’t go shopping unless I’ve got a goal, a budget, or a specific item I want to purchase. I used to like shopping too. And I still do sometimes but I’m also constantly trying to get rid of material things from my life.
If flying Spirit Air, just know the reputation and plan for it. Pack as light as possible. I saw an elderly woman look so defeated when she found out she couldn’t take her carry on as a personal item, and that she had to pay something like $60 to take it with her. I felt so bad for her,
Ignore the jerks of Rincon in the off-season. Puerto Rico, you are an exceptional island! You mainland Americans that bought summer homes there? You’re alright. Stop acting so entitled.
Invest in a Belkin power bank. My phone was always juiced up and that made me happy.
Always check in extra early for flights. So as to prevent your cute boyfriend from getting anxious. Haha
If traveling to Dominican Republic through Punta Cana, they take US dollars in most places. I exchanged my currency to the local pesos and a man laughed when I offered to pay with pesos, because we were in *touristy* Punta Cana and they use USD more frequently.
It doesn’t matter if you only have 1 flight, or 13 flights, always look out the window and appreciate where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Cueva Ventana | Puerto Rico Travel Diary

Jun 6, 2018 | Travel

Some photos I snapped while on a walking tour of Cueva Ventana, or “Window Cave” in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

We followed our local guide on a short educational hike learning about the flora and fauna of Puerto Rico.

A petroglyph with unknown origins, and unfortunately some vandalism in the cave.

Tried to spot bats but they were tiny and mostly just hung around the darkest parts of the cave.

I was surprised to learn that Cueva Ventana is not actually a state-sponsored conservation forest as I initially thought, but rather a privately owned historic preservation site.

Above:

View from inside the cave, looking up at the stairs we descend from.

Below:

The magnificent “window” view from Cueva Ventana overlooking the Rio Grande dé Arecibo valley.

Our guide told us to look out for the cave residents, aka Matilda, the Puerto Rican boa constrictor. Needless to say, we got a little jumpy when we had to turn off our torches and navigated through the dark parts of the cave so we wouldn’t disturb our animal friends.

Our friends – Eli and Victoria – adoring each other and the view.

Viejo San Juan at Dawn | Travel Diary

Jun 2, 2018 | Travel

We slept late the night before, dancing the merengue–or at least trying to, but having a blast on the town with friends. I woke up early in Viejo San Juan and admired the little town from my balcony. The aged blue cobblestone streets and the tall colorful haciendas. The soft sunrise gave me all the feels.

Coconut Cottage

May 28, 2018 | Journal, Moments

Puerto Rico rules

Diary of an Aunty: Summer 2018

May 25, 2018 | Journal, Lifestyle

Oh my goodness time flies and these cuties just get cuter! I am so incredibly blessed to have the chance to go and visit my nephew and niece every year.

It always feels like eons waiting for summer to come around and my bank account is weak but when I’m hanging out with them and we’re bonding over a fish book that Ian picked out a couple years ago and my nephew’s super excited to read it for us… It just feels so good.

Also my tiny 3-year old nephew who barely spoke the last time I saw him showed me a photo of his class playing with puzzles and I asked him if he was able to solve the puzzle – he straight up said to me “it wasn’t hard, but it wasn’t easy”. What??? Who taught you that kind of reasoning in response to a very simple question?! You’re 3!! How do I even respond to that?? I’m just “aunting” real hard here heheh.

My 1-year old niece is also too adorable for words. She’s different from Isaac: she doesn’t (yet) like people as much as Isaac did when he was that age, gives you a skeptical look when you try to pick her up, she is a total mama’s girl, and she has a hilarious toothy smile when she laughs. But she’s also super observant, gives the best kiss we when you say besos, and makes my heart melt when she’s reaching for her blankie in her sleep.

The two of them together, they’re just the perfect little kids in my eyes. Isaac’s always talking about his little sister with affection, always tries to make her smile, shares his toys with her and is patient with her when she hogs the toys. Rachel is learning lots from her big brother. She laughs every time he makes a funny face for her, or when he runs around and does something silly, she plays with him even if it’s trucks or puzzles.

I forget sometimes that these tiny humans came out of my sister’s womb. It’s nuts to me. We were that age once, my sister, me, and my baby brother. We were best friends and confidants, with some headaches in between. All these little moments make me so happy.

Life Lately: Travel Updates Coming Soon

May 21, 2018 | Lifestyle

What a crazy amazing past couple of weeks! Ian and I have been traveling around every few days which is NUTS and I don’t necessarily recommend it because I always got sad every time we had to leave so soon. Still, it was totally all worth it! I traveled extremely light for my trips to Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. I only brought my camera, journal, a book, and a few items of clothing. I didn’t get to blog at all because I left my laptop at my sister’s place in Arizona knowing I’d be 1) too busy to edit photos and write a blog post, and 2) too busy having fun. So I have a lot of catching up to do. Currently, it’s 4am on my last day of vacation. *Tears*. I’m sitting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix sleepily typing away on my laptop and waiting to check my luggage in. I have about half an hour before I can check it in. After this, I’m really hoping to get a nap in since I stayed up all night. Brutal. I really wanted to write full blog posts for my trip while I was actually on the trip – but let’s be real. That’s not happening. You’re here for the photos anyway right? I’m gonna say yes. Look out for travel/photo diaries soon! xx

Meet: Mikah Meyer

Mar 31, 2018 | Meet

We all wonder and wander in our own little way. Everybody’s got a story to tell.
If you want to have a chat, I’d love to MEET you!

Meet Mikah Meyer.

A double world-record holder for being the youngest person to visit all 417 US national parks in a single continuous journey, started in honor of his late father, and to bring his “Pride Outside”. Mikah came to American Samoa in late February to experience the only US National Park Service system south of the equator, and I had the pleasure of meeting him and asking him a few questions about his travels and his thoughts on American Samoa!

Tell me about yourself, where you’re from, what do you do?

I’m from Nebraska originally, but made a conscious effort to explore the world after growing up in the center of the United States. So have lived in Tennessee, Maine, Wisconsin, Canada, Switzerland, and Washington D.C. since graduating high school.

How did you find yourself in American Samoa?

I’m currently 22 months into a world record, 3-year journey making me the youngest person to visit all 417 U.S. National Park Service sites. The NP of American Samoa was park #293!

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR TRAVELS?

I lost my dad to cancer when I was 19. He was 58 at the time and it taught me a lesson about not having the time we think we’ll have to pursue our goals. I’ve taken 1 road trip a year ever since his passing, because he loved road trips.

HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO BE ON THE ROAD?

3-years to the day. I started on the 11th anniversary of my father’s passing, April 29, 2016, and will end the same day 2019.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT’S IMPORTANT TO TRAVEL?

Our world is becoming increasingly polarized. With the internet and “fake news” allowing people to choose the lens they view the world through, travel is so important because it reminds us that when we think we are “right” and the “good people,” there are others around the world who do things completely different and are still great people who aren’t wrong for doing it that way. Travel helps us be more self-aware and less small-minded.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Dynamic, Ambitious, Ebullient

Describe your experience in 3 words

Exhausting, Life-Affirming, Challenging

What is your favorite spot in American Samoa?

The National Park beach on Ofu!

Favorite kind of music?

Anything you can dance to!

What’s your spirit animal?

I’m gonna go with a lion. When I was a kid and picked on in elementary school, I always fantasized about having a lion I could ride to/from school so none of the bullies would mess with me (and my lion)! 🙂

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Long term goals?

I hope to have my own travel show, sharing corners of the world in an attempt to help bring people together.

If you could give your 10 year old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Figure out a way to go to a Performing Arts High School. It’s one of the things I regret I never got to do.

What’s one thing that you’ve learned from your time in American Samoa?

It is a very distinct, different culture than the mainland. But it’s part of America and should be celebrated and included more in our American awareness.

What is your life motto?

Life’s More Fun When You Talk to Strangers

Follow his journey:
Mikah’s Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Photos by Mikah. Edits by Nerelle.