Keir Alexa

Costa Brava Spain

TBEX – Costa Brava

TBEX – Costa Brava 1024 712 Keir Alexa

About a year ago I attended my first TBEX, a conference for travel bloggers and travel professionals from around the world. TBEX was held over three days in Lloret De Mar, a small city where you are never too far from long, sandy beaches, and the shining turquoise of the Mediterranean. Lloret De Mar is found just up the coast from Barcelona, in Costa Brava. This part of Spain is known for its Catalonian architecture, where tiny white and yellow houses can be found next to jagged rock cliffs. In the wind you can smell the sweetness of the sea, and if you’re lucky the seafood, for which Costa Brava is well known.

I went to TBEX wanting to learn about travel blogging from industry professionals. But I also wanted to learn about myself. This was going to be my first TBEX, and also my first solo trip in almost five years. I’m not going to lie – I was a bit nervous. It took a leap of faith to go on this trip, but I couldn’t be happier that I did it!

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How I got there: I flew into Barcelona airport, where I had hired a luxury car service _____VIPCARSLUX_____ to drive me to Lloret De Mar. My driver, Guiseppe, was such a good sport. He drove all around the city and took pictures of me. It was a windy day, and at one point the wind caught my hat it flew behind me! I turned to grab it, but before I could Guiseppe began to run after it. He slipped and fell in the ocean – I felt soooo bad! The water must not have bothered him too much though because he sent me an email the next day asking me to look him up next time I visit.

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Where I stayed: I stayed at Alva Park Hotel and Spa. Alva Park is located in a secluded spot by the beach, a short walk from downtown Lloret De Mar.

After checking in and getting my badge for the conference, I called my mom (like I was 12) and told her how nervous I was to be in another country without knowing anyone. She told me to relax and to hang up and say hello to the next person I see. I looked to my right and saw a guy about my age eating pizza. We shook hands and starting talking. It was his first TBEX as well, so as newbies we clicked right away.

Over the next few days I met many more travel bloggers, some newbies and some experts. I loved listening to their stories from around the world.

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What I learned: I had two favorite seminars at TBEX. One was about leveraging my brand beyond my blog, and the other talked about how to make engaging travel videos… something to look out for in the future! 🙂

What I loved: Like high school, TBEX isn’t all about the classes. It’s about the parties too! The first night we were taken on a boat ride to the nearby Santa Christina Beach. There I met some other bloggers, and we all enjoyed the good selection of local beers and wines. There were lots of Spanish tapas to try – and I even learned how to make Spanish tomato toast!

TBEX-Costa-Brava
TBEX

aFriday night, I went for a walk and ended up at Da Hoff Square, in downtown Lloret. There I found an old retro arcade with bumper cars. The whole place had neon lights, and it felt like a night club with loud house music bumping. I decided to try them out…. and it was so much fun that I had to go back again!

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TBEX was a great learning experience. It gave me the inspiration I needed to focus on my blog. It showed me that there are friends to be made when traveling solo. And it gave me the skills I need to become a better travel blogger.

I am incredibly grateful that I am able to travel the world. My hope with this blog is to share some of the world’s most stunning destinations, and to inspire others to travel.

Thanks to everyone who is fol­lowing my blog. There will be many more posts coming soon!

Skydiving Santa Barbara California Travel

Skydiving: Taking a Leap of Faith

Skydiving: Taking a Leap of Faith 1024 768 Keir Alexa

Skydiving has always been on my bucket list. However, I have always battled with the thought of jumping out of a plane and possibly plunging to my death.

This past weekend my good friends Jay, Robert and Melissa celebrated their birthday in a beautiful home in Santa Ynez with 30 friends. One of the main activities was skydiving. We drove up on Thursday night and I already decided I was not ready to take that leap of faith.

My friends woke up early and the peer pressure began. “Come on Keir, Get out of bed. Let’s do this!” I quickly said “No way” and tried to go back to sleep. …but then something inside me said, Keir, this is your time. I quickly got out of bed still half asleep, put my clothes on and hopped in the van.

My heart was beating fast.. sweaty hands. Pretty much scared shitless.

I quickly felt my heart pumping faster and faster.

As we walked into Santa Barbara Sky Dive space, we saw skydivers packing their parachutes… ready to take us flying. After we signed our lives away and watched the safety video, we got harnessed up.

Skydiving Santa Barbara

I looked at the man I was trusting my life with and told him that I was scared and felt like I was going to faint. Chilled and relaxed. He smiled and said, “No problem….. its gonna be amazing!”

Most of the guys working at Santa Barbara SkyDive have jumped over 1,000 times. No biggie for them. Just another day at the office.

Skydiving Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Sky Dive

After all, we harnessed we boarded the plane and took off. After 3,000 feet I started to get freaked out even more as I peered out of the plane. Climbing higher and higher… My heart beat faster and faster. I grabbed my friend Robert’s hand for dear life. I was second to jump out.

As soon as we got to an altitude of 13,000 feet the door was opened. It was cold and very windy. My face had a sheer look of terror. With the instructor strapped to my back, we began to shuffle to the edge. I looked back at my friends. They looked at me with the same terror face and then I look down to see my feet at the edge of the plane.. and we begin to rock back and forth. I held on to my harness. Closed my eyes and jumped.

Skydiving Santa Barbara

Skydiving Santa Barbara

Skydiving Santa Barbara Sky Dive Keir Alexa

60 seconds of free falling, 120 miles per hour!

I felt free! I was flying…. I felt alive. Adrenaline pumping.

As soon as the instructor pulled the parachute, I felt even better. I knew I was going to live.

As soon as we landed… I couldn’t stop smiling. Jumping up and down waving my hands in the air, I felt exhilarated.

Santa Barbara Sky Dive

Skydiving Santa Barbara

Skydiving Santa Barbara Friends

It’s all about timing!

Exumas Sharks Bahamas

Tropical Paradise in the Exumas

Tropical Paradise in the Exumas 1024 785 Keir Alexa

In the Exumas, you can swim with sharks.

Meet our pet sharks! A sign beckoned us as we tossed shrimp off the marina and into the sea.

Enter at your own risk! Another sign warned as I descended the ladder and entered the water.

I was, of course, somewhat conflicted in my emotions as I slowly swam near the circling sharks, munching on the treats we had brought for them. I waded in the pristine, aqua water, clenching my entire body with nervous energy.

Bahamas Sharks Swim

 

ALL ABOUT THE EXUMAS

On the plane ride from Miami to Nassau, Bahamas I meditated and prepped for some much-needed beach time. My boyfriend and I were bringing in the New Year in paradise.

Just an hour plane ride from Miami, the Bahamas 365 island chain, known as the Exumas, is truly the embodiment of comfort and relaxation. White sand beaches devoid of footprints make you feel as if you are discovering new lands and the warm waters lull you into paradise.

 

Exumas Bahamas

Yacht Moksha Miami Travel

Keir Alexa Exumas bahamas
THE MOKSHA

We were on the waters instantly after landing, chartering a small yacht, Motor Yacht Moksha from Fleet Miami. With no set destination in mind, we tapped into our sense of adventure as we cruised in luxury. The yacht was cozy enough for two but large enough to feel like home (provided home is decked out in sexy reds and transports you from magical island to magical island!)

Yacht Moksha Miami Fleet

Yacht Moksha Miami Fleet
We basked on deck as we feasted on hamburgers, french fries, and a blueberry and sunflower green salad (so we could pretend to be healthy), and admired the island scenery. Sunset fell over the islands as soon as we docked at Highbourne Cay. I grabbed my Osho book, let the breeze blow through my hair and breathed in island living. After the sun went down and darkness and stars overtook the sky, we cozied up to a fitting movie — Pirates of the Caribbean.

Moksha Miami Fleet Lunch
TROPICAL BACON 

The next morning we were off to Staniel Cay, where we ate fresh conch, a local delicacy. I had never eaten conch, but the texture and flavor reminded me a little of calamari. While traveling, I’m always up for any and all food. I believe the easiest and quickest way to truly experience a new culture is through their taste buds!

After lunch, we took the tender to the beach where we were greeted by a crew of swimming of pigs! We happily jumped off the boat with potatoes and apples in hand. All speckled and multicolored and huge, the pigs vocally welcomed us with oinks and grunts all around. We ran down the beach, carrying our food as the pigs chased us, one adorable little baby tentatively joining the pack with curiosity. Pigs don’t usually come to mind when beaches and oceans are on the agenda, but I’m so glad they surprised us!

Swimming pigs Staniel Cay

Bahamas swimming pigs

Bahamas Staniel Cay

Bahamas Staniel Cay
THE SHARKS

The majority of the trip was as chill as can be… until the sharks surrounded me.

For the first and last time during our trip, jitters replaced the inherit calmness of the islands. I threw more shrimp treats into the water and plunged into my fears.

Compass Cay is the best place to swim with nurse sharks. Nurse sharks, overall, are harmless to humans and nowhere near as huge as some better known Jaws-type species. Still, that doesn’t mean the idea of them circling you through the clear water doesn’t evoke some scary thoughts! However, after a few short minutes of adjustment time, I was diving and playing and swimming around and under them. Thirty minutes flew by, engaging with these 18 incredible sharks. I couldn’t get enough of them.

Bahamas Sharks Travel

Bahamas Swimming Sharks

The next morning we even woke up early to see the nurse sharks resting on the dock during high tide. To see these awesome creatures in such a low energy state, tanning on the dock, was equally unique and riveting. Everything and everyone has multiple facets to their lives. Even though we usually only focus on one aspect, the whole picture is always breathtaking.

Bahamas Sharks
Bahamas Pet Sharks
The Exumas have so many treasures to discover. With the limited time we had, I was left wanting more.


Exumas Beach

Exumas Map

Keri Alexa Exumas Bahamas

Exumas

Bahamas Yacht Brunch

Bahamas Keir Alexa

Bahamas Lunch Travel

Keir Alexa Paddle BoardingFirst time paddle boarding!

Moksha Yacht

 

First stops next trip — Stocking Island to swim with the sting rays, and David Copperfield’s private island to snorkel to the sunken piano and mermaid statue at the bottom of the sea!

Video soon to come so stay tuned!!

New Year, New You! Fashion + Beauty Favorites

New Year, New You! Fashion + Beauty Favorites 684 473 Keir Alexa

Keir Alexa Fashion Favoriteskeir-alexa-travel-fashion-beauty-2016-21

Happy New Year 2016 + Happy Chinese New Year, the year of the Monkey! Get ready for new life adventures – click here to view your horoscope from Astro Style to see what the Monkey year has in store for you. It’s a fresh start to dream bigger, live with even more passion, set new goals, and to live outside our comfort zones. Here are my top monthly fashion and beauty favorites, as well as my travel picks…..desert dreaming. As the great Marcel Proust once said: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Here is to having a fresh perspective and living way outside our comfort zones! Check out the links below to shop my monthly favorites + travel destinations. Leave me a comment and let me know what’s your favorite travel destination for 2016 – I just might feature the location and give you a shoutout in one of my blog posts!

1: Stella McCartney Bag

My Instagram Adventures @KeirAlexa

2: Stuart Weitzman Boots & Brian Atwood Boots

3: Destination La Mamounia Marrakesh Blog Post

4: Morroco

5: Louis Vuitton The Spirit of Travel

6: YSL Limited Edition Lipstick + Moroccanoil Hair Treatment

7: Glossier Moisture Balm – Oh so perfect for travel!

DESERT TRAVEL – “The Desert is haunting in its endless beauty” Next stop #JOSHUATREE

8: Fornasetti Flora Diffusing Scent

 

Sabers, Vodka & Nitrogen, A Winning Combination at Bearfoot Bistro

Sabers, Vodka & Nitrogen, A Winning Combination at Bearfoot Bistro 1280 854 Keir Alexa

Bearfoot Bistro was the most fun I’ve ever had in a restaurant hands down! I planned a special surprise dinner for my boyfriend in Whistler, Canada. I can’t even pick out just one thing that made the evening. The vodka tasting room, champagne bottles sabered by yours truly, the nitrogen ice cream made right there at the table, the whole evening was full of amazing experiences.

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We started out the evening with the freshest oysters and some cocktails. They were delicious! I’m a very visual person and the oysters were just so clean and glossy, and salted perfectly by the sea. We also had their caviar sampling. Which was just as delicious.

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While we waited for the next course, we got a tour of the vodka tasting room. The Belvedere Ice Room was one feature that is truly unique. It may be trendy to have a vodka tasting room in other restaurants, but this particular one claims to the “world’s coldest”. I believe it! The walls were back lit making this blue aura in the space, adding to the look to the room. Like an igloo, but filled with vodka. Which is pretty much the only way I’ll get into a cold room like that ever again.

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Once we returned to the table we were pleasantly buzzed. I received a shaved vegetable and truffle plate with a smooth cream sauce. The colors of this dish were so attractive. My mouth was watering before I even got a fork to the plate. I chose the vegetarian option for my main course. So tasty! When it came to the table, again my eyes were amazed. It was so artfully put together, with orange and green contrasting colors and textures.

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I just loved how the space of the restaurant carried the theme of contemporary design over throughout the whole experience. From the food served to us to the art on the walls and the architectural design.

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The wine pairings were just perfection. They have a wine cellar that is stocked floor to ceiling with over 20,000 the best wine choices. The sommelier gave us the grand tour through this labyrinth.

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And to ensure our good luck, we sabered a couple of champagne bottles. This is an old tradition dating back to the days of Napoleon. It’s great! You pick the bottle and they show you how to do it safely. Then when you’re ready you get to play pirate. I’ll never forget it, especially since I got a gift boxed cork from my bottle to prove it!

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Another thing about the Bearfoot bistro is that it holds a Guinness World Records Certificate. On the wall a plaque commemorates the feat Andre Saint Jaques accomplished, sabering 21 champagne bottles in a single minute here. Super cool!

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For dessert, we tried their signature nitro ice cream, prepared table side. The waiter created this cloud by combining a vanilla liquid mixture with nitrogen liquid, which caused a really dramatic effect. Smoke and gas emerged from the bowl and after a few minutes of mixing voila! Ice cream appeared, like magic!

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We had an amazing time here. Wherever you are in the world, the Bearfoot Bistro is a restaurant you cannot miss.

Keir Alexa Burning Man

Burning Man

Burning Man 1024 683 Keir Alexa

“If you’ve never been there, no words can adequately describe it. If you have been there, no words are needed.”

Keir Alexa Burning Man

BURNING MAN — BLACK ROCK CITY, NEVADA

We descended into Black Rock City and I watched my vodka cranberry shake with mild turbulence. It was my fifth time making the trip to Burning Man, but the excitement hadn’t faded. Maybe the lure of Burning Man comes from that anticipation of the unknown and the unfamiliar. Maybe that’s what draws 60,000 people from around the world to the desert once a year. At the end of August, they build a city for a week. They celebrate self-expression, self- reliance and love. They bring friends and family and make new friends and family. They create art cars and camps, monstrous sculptures and homages to loved ones passed. They dance and party and ride bikes and some run naked but they also let go of burdens and past transgressions and instead manifest their hopes and dreams. They connect or reconnect with the community. They form a family in this judgement free society, creating lasting memories for one glorious week before watching it all go up in flames. Literally.

When Burning Man comes to an end, everything fades like a mirage. Where this beautiful, bright city once existed, nothing is left. Not even a trace.

Burning Man

Burning Man

 

THE PRINCIPLES

Burning Man was founded on ten principles. Yes, everyone comes to create this incredibly unique space, but the point of Burning Man is to live in a society based on values that matter. It can be an escape from our own worlds, but many bring the principles back home with them. They form a new way of life.

  1. Radical inclusion — everyone is welcome.
  2. Gifting — gifts are invaluable and they should be given with out expecting anything in return.
  3. Decommodification — commercial sponsorship’s, transactions and advertising not welcome here.
  4. Radical self-reliance — rely on you and your inner resources, discover what you can accomplish.
  5. Radical self-expression — embrace your individual and allow your gifts to shine through to others.
  6. Communal effort — it’s all about creative cooperation and collaboration, promoting and respecting and helping one another.
  7. Civic responsibility — everyone is responsible for the public welfare and for following the law.
  8. Leaving no trace — the environment is valued and should not be left damaged in any way.
  9. Participation — everyone is invited to work, create and play because through this selfless collaboration the community thrives.
  10. Immediacy — possibly the most important principle, the immediacy valued at Burning Man reflects a seize the day mentality.

THE CAMP

My boyfriend, Bob, hosted 185 people at our camp this year — some of our closest friends and my mom included. Now, these camps hosting hundreds of people cannot be built in a week. Although Burning Man is about the immediacy of the week, planning goes on all year round. We worked with others to create plans and build a sound camp. This year we also had a great production crew that helped make the camp so special. Big thanks to Isaiah Martin, Dede Loftus, Chef Kevin Lee, Luke Przybylski, and Jeff Shelton to name a few. Located at 10:00 and C on the playa, camp Dragonfly Den became our beautiful, temporary home — where we slept, ate, laughed and, where we threw a massive Pink Party on Thursday night.

Burning Man

The name of our camp is incredibly special to us. Dragonfly Den has been two years in existence, but the name’s origin began three years ago. We were all dancing at Robot Heart, one of the best-known camps where huge artists often play, when a dragonfly landed on one of our friends. No one had ever seen a dragonfly at Burning Man, and we had definitely never seen one land on someone before. We danced for an hour and that dragonfly did not move! It was insane! Just as the sun rose, the dragonfly let go and flew off. We followed it’s lead, taking in the sky before heading to our art car. After a brief ride, our art car broke down about thirty minutes away from camp. The sun was beating and the night’s chill had almost completely worn off. We were climbing out of the car, preparing for the long walk, when we noticed something fluttering next to us. The dragonfly. It circled us before taking off towards the Temple. We knew we were where we were supposed to be.

Keir Alexa Burning Man

Burning Man

Our personal art car

THE ART

The goals of self-expression, self-reliance and gifting are manifested through works of art. Camps are sectioned off by enormous sculptures and industrial-chic signs. Some camps are massive, some are small, some are for living and others for partying. Distrikt is one of the best day parties I’ve ever been to.

 

Burning Man

Art cars or better called mutant vehicles are man-made year round and are the only vehicles allowed on the grounds. People go all out. They use golf carts, dune buggies, trucks, anything really, but they create works of art. I saw a yacht on wheels, a giant black dragon and an octopus with flames coming out of its tentacles!!

 

Burning Man Boat

Aside from structures and mechanics, art is also moving and milling around Burning Man on the backs of its participants. The costumes! You wear whatever you imagine. I spend two months making costumes for the week. LED costumes, fur costumes, feather costumes or no costumes or clothes at all — anything goes and it is an eclectic, magical sight to see!

Keir Alexa Burning Man

Burning Man

Burning Man Desert Travel

Burning Man

Burning Man Desert Travel

Burning Man

Burning Man Desert Dragon

Burning Man

THE DAY AND THE NIGHT

Burning Man is two separate worlds. The day is hot, filled with dirt bike races and horrible dust storms, leaving participants covered in layers of white powder.

Keir Alexa Burning Man

 

Burning Man Keir Alexa

The night is a freezing, electronic world with DJs and LED lights. You have to dance to keep warm. And it’s almost impossible to sleep. You never want to miss a thing, especially the breath-taking sunrise.

Burning Man After Dark

Burning Man

Burning Man After Dark

Burning Man After Dark

Burning Man After Dark

Burning Man

Burning Man

Burning Man Keir Alexa

Burning Man

Burning Man

 

Burning Man Travel

THE BURN

Two main structures are burned down at the end of the week. The Man on Saturday and the Temple on Sunday. Each ceremony has its own unique feel.

The Man is a celebration. Everyone writes what they want to let go of in life, filling up the giant wood structure with scrawling letters. Art cars gather around, blasting music as fireworks explode and ash and fire and smoke billow across the desert. Everyone feels the ease of the release. We let go and enjoyed the night and the moment in one massive party.

Burning Man

Photo by Nicholas James

The Temple is a spiritual ceremony. Homages are made to loved ones who have died and are placed inside the Temple. Everyone is quiet, grieving and respectful. The burn is a moment of reflection and an expression of love. This year I made a poster for one of my close friends who died a few months before. He loved Burning Man and I wanted to honor him. I placed it alongside all the other photographs of more loved ones from more people from all around the world. I breathed in the sacred place of remembrance and renewal.

Burning Man Travel

Burning Man Travel

Photo by Shaun Guckian

 

Burning Man

Keir Alexa Burning Man Travel

As we all watched the Temple burn in silence on the last day, one girl yelled, “I love you Burners!” About 20 people around her returned her call. You really can feel the community at Burning Man. It takes on its own persona and it is truly formed out of love.

Have you ever been to Burning Man or plan to do so? Leave comments below! 

Travel Blog Spain

Thoughts on Travel and Life

Thoughts on Travel and Life 1024 684 Keir Alexa

I recently visited a friend for his 30th birthday party. It was a kick ass weekend full of laughter and swimming, dancing and drinks. Somewhere in the middle of it all, my friend gave a speech. He talked about the power of trying new things and exploring the world around us. The importance of eliminating jealousy from our lives. The importance of living for the moment.

His speech got me thinking about my own life. I just turned 25 and it’s been an amazing journey. But there’s still so far to go, and it got me thinking of a few things:

Life is finite

Life is challenging

Life is beautiful

Life is mysterious

Some people shy away from these realities.

Some people live their lives slowly, as if they’re going to live forever.

Some people choose to be haters, and see the world as an ugly place.

Some people live their whole lives choosing what is safe and easy.

But if you are willing to push the boundaries of who you are and what you know, then anything is possible. As cliché as it sounds, it’s true! A big part of this for me has been travel. Observing the way different people live and visiting exotic corners of the earth. Traveling to far away places helps me reflect on my own life.

Embrace the craziness of this world. Try something you’ve never done before. Chase your fullest dreams and love with the full capacity of your heart.

Take a trip to somewhere unknown.

Try a food you’ve never seen before.

Learn about a culture that is different from your own.

Life can be beautiful and life can be scary, it’s true. But don’t stop dreaming and don’t stop travelling. We only have so long on this earth, and should ask ourselves everyday how we can make the most of the time we have.

As Ferris Bueller says, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

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