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I am a curious, passionate and free-spirited travel writer, currently working as a Staff Writer and Editor for V!VA. Shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, I headed across the equator to travel solo through South America. From the beaches of Uruguay to the bumping nightlife of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu, I quickly fell in love this diverse, adventurous and beautiful continent. Born and raised in New Jersey, my itch for travel has previously brought me to 20 countries. I currently live in Quito, Ecuador.
- Hometown
Warren, NJ
- Location now
Quito, Ecuador
- Travel philosophy
No plans are good plans. As I always say, plans can only be broken and expectations can only be met, but if you have neither, you are likely to stumble upon the unexpected, see the unknown and meet the unsual. And, of course, if you end up somewhere and you have no idea what to do or where to stay, you always have your handy guidebook to fall back on.
- Craziest place
Amsterdam on Queen's Day and La Paz, Bolivia in general
- Bizarre experience
Being sandwiched between a drunk Brazilian guy and an indigenous Peruvian woman--two of the six other passengers accompanying me on a cab ride through the Peruvian jungle--including a chicken (yes, a chicken).
- Advice
Learning the local language will greatly enhance your travel experience, so learn a few words and phrases before you go or brush up on what you already know. This will allow you to get to know and connect with the people who live where you are traveling.
- Dream destination
So many, but here are a few: India, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Egypt
- Traveled before
Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Canada, Croatia, Czech. Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Uruguay
- Going next
No idea, just going with the flow right now.
Jena Davison's Guide Book Entries
Info
Getting Around Loja
Jan 17, 2013 - Loja, EcuadorIf you spend most of the time in the city\'s center, you will find walking to be the best mode ......
Read MoreLa Chocolatera
Jan 14, 2013 - Salinas, EcuadorLa Chocolatera is the most western point in South America. It is called La Chocolatera (Chocolate Pot) because strong currents ......
Read MoreGetting Around The Peruvian Amazon Basin
May 25, 2012 - PeruMost of the Amazon Basin towns are small enough to navigate by foot. If you\'d prefer not to walk your ......
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Destinations
Pijao
Feb 16, 2012 - Pijao, ColombiaAlthough Pijao may have been avoided by travelers just a year ago due to FARC activity in the area, the ......
Read MoreSouthern Jungle
Nov 30, 2010 - PeruThe southern part of the Peruvian Amazon jungle borders Brazil and Bolivia, and is home to two of Peru’s most ......
Read MoreSaraguro
Feb 10, 2006 - Saraguro, EcuadorArriving in Saraguro is a one-of-a-kind experience; there is no place like it in the world. What makes this small ......
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Hotels
Big Ralph's Hostel and Restaurant
Jan 14, 2013 - Salinas, EcuadorBig Ralph\'s is owned by a friendly Ecuadorian-English couple and provides clean, air-conditioned rooms with a TV and WiFi. All ......
Read MoreLos Orishas
Jan 14, 2013 - Ayampe, EcuadorOwned by a group of welcoming Italian and Ecuadorian friends, Los Orishas is a quiet and comfortable place to rest ......
Read MoreRiviera Suites Hotel
Dec 19, 2012 - Montañita, EcuadorOne of the newest high-end hotels to open in Montañita, Riviera Suites Hotel is a modern and luxurious option that ......
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Restaurants
Casa Do Brasil Café Cultural
Jan 17, 2013 - Cuenca, EcuadorCasa do Brasil is a welcoming upstairs café and cultural space opened by Brazilian transplants. Besides being a place to ......
Read MoreLa Tasca
Nov 22, 2012 - Baños, EcuadorThis authentic Spanish eatery gets rave reviews for its tapas, paellas, cured sausages and cheeses, and wine. Bring along your ......
Read MoreSativa Studio Café
Nov 22, 2012 - Baños, EcuadorSativa Studio is located within a beautifully renovated abandoned garage and nearly the entire place is made with recycled materials; ......
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Activities
Quito Tour Bus
Jan 28, 2013 - Northern Quito, Quito, EcuadorThe Quito Tour Bus is a convenient and comfortable way to see all of the city\'s main attractions. Each day, ......
Read MoreHiking In Vilcabamba
Jan 17, 2013 - Vilcabamba, EcuadorVilcabamba is a great place to hike and there are many marked trails in the area that range in length ......
Read MoreTraditional Andean Ceremonies
Jan 17, 2013 - Vilcabamba, EcuadorYou will probably see many flyers around Vilcabamba posted by various people offering to clean your energies, renew your relationships ......
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Tours
Papangu Tours
Nov 27, 2012 - Puyo, EcuadorIf you are interested in really immersing yourself into the communities and cultures of the Amazon, Papangu may have the ......
Read MoreTienda De Bicicletas "el Chino"
Nov 08, 2012 - Vilcabamba, EcuadorAnother way to see Vilcabamba\'s surrounding countryside or to visit Podocarpus National Park is by bicycle. Tienda de Bicicletas \"El ......
Read MoreAratinga Aventuras
Oct 30, 2012 - Loja, EcuadorAratinga Aventuras is the birding specialist in town and organizes bird-watching tours around Loja. You can book a bird-watching trip ......
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Schools
Escuela Amauta
Oct 23, 2012 - Cuenca, EcuadorThis highly recommended Spanish school only provides private classes, except in the case that friends who are at the same ......
Read MoreMayra Spanish School
Dec 01, 2004 - Baños, EcuadorAccredited by Ecuador\'s Ministry of Education, Mayra has been offering quality Spanish classes since 1998. The school offers courses of ......
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Services
Shopping Summary
Jan 20, 2012 - Colonia del Sacramento , UruguayColonia is not all about beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets; some good shopping can be done here as well. The ......
Read MoreY'abal Handicraft Shop
Dec 23, 2011 - Quetzaltenango , GuatemalaY\'abal Handicraft Shop sells handwoven bags, fabrics, scarves and other products made by local women\'s weaving communities. Preserving the traditional ......
Read MoreSanta Maria Supermarket
May 25, 2010 - Near Quito, Tumbaco, EcuadorLocated next to the Tumbaco bus stop, Santa Maria supermarket has the cheapest groceries in the area. Although budgeters will ......
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Jobs
Sambuca Café Organic Farm
Oct 30, 2012 - Vilcabamba, EcuadorCafé Sambuca's organic farm has 200 fruit trees, a hectare (2.5 ac) of vegetables and greens, a greenhouse, and animals ......
Read MoreThe Wall Street Institute
Apr 26, 2010 - Quito, EcuadorThe Wall Street Institute in Quito has numerous English-teaching opportunities for native English speakers who have at least a Bachelor's ......
Read MoreMaquipucuna Foundation
Apr 23, 2010 - Quito, EcuadorWith the prime goal of preserving the incredible biodiversity of the Maquipucana Reserve, located about 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest ......
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