Travel, Workout (and Everday) Wardrobe Essential

It has been awhile since I last posted but have a few upcoming trips that I am very excited about--including Puma Punku and Lake Titicaca Bolivia (for 11.11.11) and from there I will hike the 5-day Trek to Machu Pichu and then head down to the Lima, Peru. I will be posting all about it here (as well as adding updates about recent trips in the U.S.).

In the interim, I have to share my latest must-have find. As many of you know, I work as a fit model for dozens of designers (essentially I am a live-mannequin and all clothes get fit on me prior to being sold in the stores). As a result I am exra-picky when it comes to comfort and the fit and feel of garments. I am so obsessed with these leggings that I have to share!

The Under Armour Heat Gear Compression capri leggings are AMAZING!! The fabric feels cool on your skin, holds you in without being too tight, AND they are great for travel because they can double as leggings and/or can be even worn out at night under a dress or longer-length tunic top (to hide the logo which hits on the right upper-thigh) (they come in capri and full length). I highly recommend them!!

Purchased from: Nordstrom--they were so popular they SOLD OUT. You can follow the direct link to purchase on UnderArmour here: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/pid1203531-001

Price: $34.99

Color: Black

Fit: I purchased a size small. They fit well and are pretty true to size but are a tad tight at the waist band (if you are fuller in the high hip/waist, they can create that unsightly muffin-top look). If you are fuller in those areas and want to avoid this, I would suggest rolling down the waist-band OR ordering a size-up.

I am 5'7 and the length hits approx 4 inches below the knee (although I prefer them slightly scrunched up to just under the knee).

Again, these pants are so comfortable and versatile they are a Must-Have for every active woman or traveler!

These tights were Perfect for all my South America hiking!!

Malaysian Waterfalls

Was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where pre-trip the responsible adults in my life expressed their concern of me getting sold into the Malaysian sex-slave system to which the lovely Giulia replied, "If that occurs, at least you will be good for the economy," expressing her faith that I would go for a decent price. Well, that did not occur but had a few interesting experiences:

Arrived in Malaysia from Sydney, Australia late at night. Was planning on staying with a friend from school, Amrit's, family. Miscommunication as to dates occurred & I arrive at the airport with no accommodation but a mirage of taxi drivers & hotel owners offering to "help me out." Tired and overwhelmed, I head to the Internet cafe where I spot 2 other backpackers. For the record, Linus & Johan, could not NOT be spotted here in this Malaysian airport- About 6'2 each, tall, blond & very tan. At the endearing age of only 19, they would become known as my "Swedish Babies." So, we find a hostel that appeared decent online and take the train to town then get in a "specially priced for tourists taxi"(= about 5x the amount that we should have actually paid- I later showed my Swedes that that is what meters were for) and head to our hostel. Well, they called it a "hostel", I do believe 'crack house' could have been a more appropriate term. It was scurry and I was grateful at least i was not alone. One of the other women who was in our room was from England and appeared as if she had been smoking, partying and traveling for at least a few decades. With her incredibly raspy voice she informed me that India was sh*t. This, right after she warned us that she had been the victim of a drive-by robbery-where a man on a motorcycle wizzes by and snaps up your purse. Her backpack straps were actually cut off while she had it strapped onto her chest. We would later learn this a quite regular occurrence and left me terrified of motorcyclists(there are a lot of them) for the entirety of my Malaysia trip.

 Yes, so this was my Kuala Lumpur welcoming party. Whether it was that news, the insanely muggy heat or the gigantic roaches I saw scurrying across the bathroom floor, let's just say it wasn't exactly my most restful night of sleep.

First thing the next day we left our Malaysian hell-hole and headed off to the MUCH nicer Haven Guesthouse run by the very helpful and welcoming owner, Evan. Malaysia was incredibly muggy-the "walk outside for a second and you sweat" kinda heat. For me there were many similarities between Mexico and Malaysia, minus all the writing in Arabic and the Malay women entirely covered, head to toe, in their black garb with barely their eyes poking out to see. Most of the time in Kuala Lumpur was spent walking through the countless shopping malls and outdoor markets in China Town.
Wanting a reprieve from the overwhelming heat and craziness of the city, headed 2 hours out of town to visit the peaceful Buddhist monastery and the waterfalls.

Again, seemed to forget from my Blue Mountain adventure that before one can see the waterfall, you must first get to it. For this trip that involved walking through bug filled jungle and wading through no less than three rivers, one of which I slipped and fell on rocks. But it wouldn't be a "Carolina trip" without me doing exactly just that-tripping and falling (my friends and agent, noticing my inherent clumsiness, have often wondered how I have managed to survive as a model- I often wonder the same thing). But the waterfall was beautiful & was such a nice reprieve from all the smog, heat & traffic of the city.

On my 3rd day there I finally met up with my friend Amrit's aunt & uncle. The kindness and hospitality they showed to me, a mere stranger, still amazes me and reminds me how truly blessed I am.

Queenstown, New Zealand: VIEW FROM THE TOP

I think yesterday was the dark before the light. Last night was a crying day for me (see post) but woke up early this morning and went on the 8 hour Ben Lomond hike to the top of the summit here in Queenstown w/my Finlandian friend Teemu. The view was amazing and the very steep climb was gratifying. I highly reccomend this trek!