When she asked if I wanted to write up a guest post while she was out on vacation to Belize (Let’s pretend I am not jealous!) I knew exactly what to write about: travel, duh. This is one topic that I am really passionate about. Over the years I have come to realize that experiences really are more important than stuff. I feel as though these experiences enrich me and make me a better person; I am able to see the world through new eyes. Meet new friends that I otherwise would not and spend true quality time with my love, Kris.

These days I realize it is harder and harder in this economy to plan vacations and travel, but sometimes it’s just about scaling down somewhere else as I have learned. It used to be important to constantly be hitting the shops for that top I “needed”, getting that venti latte every morning, or those extra cocktails with the girls (don’t judge) along with eating out, like I had no kitchen. And then I realized that giving up these things was possible and worth it for this bigger experience of travel. There’s nothing wrong with shopping, it’s just that for me it was mostly  just a filler for working in places that made me unhappy. Do I still shop? Of course, in low doses… it’s just not top priority. When I realized that I could indeed budget for more travel by scaling down the shopping, it was a no brainer. Everyone has their own version of this type of experience, mine just happens to be travel. We’ve also indulged in a staycation in the past when it was impossible to getaway, check it out here. However you chose to spend your money, I hope you experience true happiness and that I’ve inspired you to book that next trip or work towards your goal for that next wonderful experience, your way.

Costa Rica, 2009

Currently I am awaiting a few things to pass, but as soon as they do, we’ll start the saving and planning. Kris and I are ready for our next trip. We can’t decide on where to go since we have about 5 places we are dying to go, one of them being Belize, so look forward to hearing a full report from Tiffany AKA Crafty Fanny on her trip.  ;)

We had originally planned on coming to Santa Barbara for a Jack Johnson concert only and it turned into a trip of many other things, like wanting to do wine tasting, getting away for a weekend and get married (photos to come soon) through the court. I had been checking the weather very closely up until the day we left, but it lied and it rained that whole weekend. When it didn’t rain it was super misty, it was kind of cool at the concert, but I think also how we both caught a cold. Luckily on that Saturday afternoon it stopped raining for a few hours and we decided to go to Los Olivos which we absolutely love. It’s such a quaint little town and they have really good wine tasting. Also one of the towns that was used when filming Sideways, the ultimate wino movie.

Again, since it rained all weekend while we were there these were the only shots I have from our trip and I am okay with that. It was nice not to lug around a camera while walking around in rain and trying to stay warm. I am thankful for my iphone for the first two photos, got to remember to use it more often and upload them.

Awesome lavender field right in town.

This was a nice place, they have good Cabernets and Syrahs, plus they have cupcakes. Wine and cupcakes-genius!

I hope you’re having a good week. Looking forward to the next few days, looks like we’ll be having some nice weather for shooting. As much as I love the gloomy, rainy fall days we’ve had the last few weeks. It is not good for business and it makes for rescheduling photo sessions a little difficult. Lot’s of goodness coming up.

Technically, her dad lives right outside San Francisco in a small town called Moraga and it is so beautiful, in fact I told Annie “I could live here” it’s just that gorgeous, it has the woodsy feel, huge trees, up in the hills and very tranquil, but only 5 minutes away from a major city. Okay so back to our trip. We arrived that Friday in the late afternoon and visited with her dad. We then proceeded to a Travel Lodge by Fisherman’s Wharf, it was perfect and walking distance to it. We played it casual and just had Italian for dinner, yum then headed back to a dive bar three doors down from our hotel, mostly all locals, but small and great ambiance.

On our second day we decided to hit Chrissy Fields, the Coit Tower, North Beach it’s like little Italy and the Ferry Building for lunch, a must if in San Fran in that order. Luckily Annie had reward points and we were able to stay at the W for our second night, never a disappointment. That night we had to have sushi for dinner and we tried tuna belly for the first time, like butter in your mouth-so yummy! The drive back was long since we took the scenic route and stopped in Monterey Bay for lunch, but it was gorgeous and a great experience. While in San Fran we used a GPS system on Annie’s Droid and she was great, we named her Gidget.  ;) I love northern CALI… I could seriously move there!

Thought she had the best bathing suit, so cute.

He was going to town digging, it was too funny!

I loved the fact that the dogs were allowed. Had so much fun just dog and people watching.

North Beach, fell in love with this church and it’s park right in the center of it all.

Didn’t get to eat here for breakfast, but will next time. A recommendation from Caroline.

Amazing view from the street by the Coit Tower.

I want to grow this in my patio.

Taken from the Coit Tower, it’s a really great 360 degree view.

Crooked Street on Lombard Street, just amazing and funny.

On Market street on our way to the Ferry Building.

Yes, Avatar… Annie thought it was the highlight of the trip.

Gorgeous, right? Annie, I had the best time… so glad we did this even if it wasn’t planned. Everything turned out great, considering! Oh and we totally make the perfect hotel roomies with our OCD’s and all-love you!

Dawn is the sweetest gal, one of the organizers in the group, always concerned about everyone. Shane loves to tell stories and has a huge heart, we can’t thank you both enough for your kindness.

The humidity was tough that early evening and of course harsh sunlight, but I managed to snap a few photos of them and I am so glad.

Dawn and Shane, I hope you love the photos as much as I do… happy 17th anniversary! It was great to have met you and next time we see each other I believe will be in New Orleans.

On the trip I truly enjoyed my down time and only took 275 photos, yes, only 275! That is counting my couple’s session. Besides, this time around in Cancun we mostly did lounging at the beach and pool with only doing 1 tour to Xelha, a must if you go. It’s a natural aquarium and it’s so much fun, didn’t take my camera, only the point and shoot since you’re surrounded by water everywhere and didn’t want to deal with the hassle.

Kris swam with dolphins, so cool to watch and see the joy on his face.

Our new friends from New Orleans.

Kris went parasailing, I stayed on the boat. Open water and heights, no thank you, maybe one day I can be braver.

The Riu Las Americas Hotel in Cancun, it’s outstanding and all inclusive therefore budget friendly. Possibly a great place for a destination wedding, or 12 year anniversary by the time we get to it.

At Xelha, we tubed down the river for about an hour. Kris got to jump off cliffs and he pushed my tube down the river as he swam, I am so lucky.

Cancun Mexico-Beach from Nancy Orozco on Vimeo.

In a nutshell, we really enjoyed our time away. I mostly enjoyed not cleaning, working, cooking, running errands or having my phone ring. Somedays I had no idea what day it was or the time, for us the only way to do that is to get out of the country and already working hard to pay for the next vacation. It’s just a priority. We also enjoyed meeting new friends, we met some great peeps from Manchester, England, San Francisco, New Orleans, Poland and Argentina. Hello to all of you and I’ll be sending your photos soon.

Up next a couple photo session I did in Cancun.

So much to blog, so do expect full posts next week every day. We met awesome friends from around the world so have some of those pictures, including an anniversary photo session I did in Cancun, yes I’m really blessed. So blessed that I get to drive up to San Francisco with my best friend this weekend, it might only be a 24 hour quick trip, but we will make the best of it. Also have lot’s of meet ups and fun stuff to keep me pumped this month. Did I mention I’m at full speed ready to get back into the game?

Have a fabulous weekend!