Ultimate Hiking Guide in Monterrey, Mexico

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Monterrey, Mexico is one of the best places in northern Mexico for hiking as it sits along the Sierra Madre Oriental Range. Translated, Monterrey means “king of mountains” which is aptly suited. While Monterrey is a modern city, it has plenty to offer any nature lover. Here are the most popular hiking locations and trails in Monterrey.

Hiking to Cola de Caballo

Let’s start our hiking adventure with the most popular spot near Monterrey. Translated to horse’s tail (or ponytail) Cola de Caballo is popular with locals and tourists because of its scenic waterfall. It is about 28 miles outside of central Monterrey. I would allow about 50 minutes to an hour to get there by car and be sure to go early because as I stated, this is a popular spot.

Cola de Caballo
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Should You Love or Hate Norwegian Airlines?

How Do You Choose an Airline?

How in the world do you pick an airline for international travel when you’ve only internationally traveled once? The only time I had been abroad before last summer was for a high school senior trip. Everything was taken care of by the school, tour company, and my lovely parents. Fast forward 12 years, and I had no idea what airline I should book for my upcoming summer travels. There are dozens of airlines. Which one to choose? Being an elementary school teacher, my main criterion was easy- the most budget-friendly. I was just trying to get from point A to point B in one piece and preferably on time. I think those are pretty reasonable expectations.

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Where Should I Have My Next Summer Travel Adventure?

These days one of the few envious things about public school teaching is the summer vacation. It’s a hard job. I won’t get on my soapbox about the reasons why. I’m sure you’ve heard them, and besides, that’s what teacher happy hours are for. Amen.

In 8 years of teaching, I have taken off two summers- one to finish my masters degree and the other to spend the summer au pairing in Italy. Italy was last year. Call it my 30th birthday to myself or more dramatically my 30th birthday life crisis.

Usually, I work summer school because otherwise I’d be bored, and the extra income doesn’t hurt. Still, I am fortunate to have a month off to travel where my heart desires once summer school ends.

Which leads to the question- WHERE DO I GO? Yes, It’s in all caps because I AM SHOUTING. HELP ME. Picture a look of exasperation on my face. Shoulders tense. I know, I could have much worse problems in my life. Thank goodness.

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Dating in Italy- One American Girl’s Experience

Let’s talk about the dudes I’ve met in Italy so far. A summary- all busts.

– Me, per my travel journal

Being an au pair for the first time and making friends in a small Italian town is hard. You spend most of the day with the kids, which of course is always entertaining. Still, being an adult you need an occasional conversation with someone who also enjoys a glass of wine or three while complaining about never having time to do anything (like work out) or always being tired (consequently because they never work out). So besides getting acclimated with my new family, making friends was also a priority. I was going to be here for an extended time after all. So I tried different avenues.

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Au Pairing at 30- Part 3- A Day in the Life of An Au Pair in Italy

Note: Don’t miss Part 1 and Part 2 of the series.

My biggest question when heading to this new job abroad was what my routine would be. I knew the gist- take care of the kids, do some English lessons, and clean the house. But what exactly was the day going to look like? When would I do what? I think that’s a common wondering for most people starting any new job. After meeting the family, we worked it out. Here is a rough itinerary of what a typical day was like au pairing for my family.

9-9:30

Bedroom morning views

I wake up and spend thirty minutes resisting getting out of bed while checking social media. What are all these Americans up to? Do I have any new matches on my Bumble dating app? My Italian dating life is another blog post here, don’t you worry.

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That Time I Told Fear to Shove It and Traveled Solo to Barcelona

While it’s tempting to play it safe, the more we’re willing to risk, the more alive we are. In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took. And I hope that explains a little this journey on which I’m about to embark.

Fraiser, series finale

There’s Something About Turning 30

A month shy of my 30th birthday, I bought a one-way ticket to Barcelona with no idea of when I was coming back. I booked the flight in January to leave in June. I had accepted an au pair position with a family in Italy, so I figured this would be a perfect time to visit Barcelona, a city I had always wanted to explore. I had never traveled alone before, but I told myself this was the year I stopped letting fear prevent me from doing things I wanted to do. And this wasn’t scary because it wasn’t real yet. It was too far away.

But on that day in June, it got real. Real fast.

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What To Pack for 2 Months in Europe- Summer

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When I finally (or really, suddenly) decided to go to Italy for the summer to be an au pair for the first time, it was January. I bought a one-way ticket and said that I would figure out the rest later. I couldn’t think past the current day. I still hadn’t processed that I had committed to a solo journey to work with a family I hadn’t met in person in a country whose language I didn’t know. And I still had two classes to teach which meant 46 ten-year-olds who needed all of my attention. My mind could only handle so much. Besides, I still had plenty of time before June came, right?

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Au Pairing at 30- Part 2- The First Days and Advice for First Timers

Note: Don’t miss Part 1 of the series here. This second installment focuses on my first days on my au pair job and advice and tips I have for any aspiring au pairs.

The time had come to begin my first ever gig as an au pair in a foreign country. The time to not only work for people I had never met before but to live with them too. I sat in a small plane flying across the Tyrrhenian Sea towards Naples, Italy. Alone. Nervous. Eager. As soon as the plane hit the tarmac, I informed my “Italian mom” about my arrival. Enrica would be waiting to pick me up. The airport was smaller than I envisioned for the largest city in Southern Italy. But in my case, being a timid deer posing as an adult, this was a good thing.

Meeting the Family

Shortly, I found my new family. Enrica walked confidently and stylishly in a jean skirt and casual blouse as she led me to the family car. Our introductions were brief yet pleasant as we hurried out of the bustling airport. Then began the hour and a half car ride to Massa Lubrense, the small beachside village I would call my summer home. Between moments of silence and taking in the towering cliffs and turquoise waters of the Sorrento coast, we got to know each other. I met the patriarch, Luciano, as well as Marta, who at 7, would become my best friend and life saver.

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Au Pairing at 30- Part 1- Taking the Leap

This series chronicles the first time I decided to au pair and I spend two months in a foreign country by myself. Should I do something out of my comfort zone and something meant for younger people?

Introverted Beginnings

When I tell people I used to be an introvert, it’s usually met with a lot of disbelief and eye rolls. But it’s true. Growing up I was timid. Anxiety coursed through my body as I talked to new people, and I never preferred group projects over individual ones. I didn’t think it was a bad quality. That’s just me, right? But there was a problem- it kept me from experiences. I missed social events and other activities. Come over and we ride together? Sure. Meet you there? By myself? Count me out. Parties are just parties. I could live with missing those. However, I also missed learning experiences. In my early 20s, I found a summer camp where I could be an English language counselor in Italy. For years I thought about it. There was always a weak excuse- I should work summer school for extra money instead. My boyfriend doesn’t like the idea. (Clearly, he was not the one). But let me be real. The true reason I never applied to the program was fear. Fear of doing something too bold I couldn’t handle. Fear that I would fail at being a counselor because of my apprehensive personality. Fear that if anything went wrong, I couldn’t just easily come back.

Years passed. I never did go to that summer camp. And then about a year ago, I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post about au pairing. I had never thought of that before. Honestly, I didn’t know exactly what it was except for the fact that at 29 years old I was probably too old. Isn’t that a job for young college students on their summer breaks? Or for those who are taking a year off the “find themselves?” I have a real job now. I can’t do that anymore. Great. There I went with excuses again. So I made a motto for my year. This year I turn 30, and I’m going to just do it. Thank you, Nike, for the inspiration you have given people for years. I am finally following through. Just Do It. “It” referring to anything and everything I had always wanted to do but had let fear stand in the way.

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