ocdtraveljunkie-blog

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The Very Real Reality of Being Broke While Travelling and What to Do About It

The Very Real Reality of Being Broke While Travelling and What to Do About It

Have you ever had a massive zit on your face that you think about all the time, wish it would just stop bothering you and wonder if anyone else is like, ‘how does she hold it together with that on her face?’ Going broke while travelling is basically this feeling, but intensified to the point that you want to dip your face in acid to make it go away. Alright, I’m exaggerating a bit.

The funny…

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Why, Spain, Why

Oh Spain.

I’ve been here for nearly two months now and it’s safe to say I adore this place. I haven’t travelled much since I’ve been in the country, as I’ve found a job in the Southern Coast, buuuuut I love it here. The first stop was Barcelona where I was convinced I’d stay. Then Madrid came into sight. Now, somehow I’ve ended up in Almeria, Andalusia.

I’ve said it time and time again but if you…

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El Salvadorian Pupusas

Imagine if a quesadilla, burrito, and a taco had a threesome. You’d get pupusas! They’re a popular traditional dish in El Salvador. Typically they have meat, cheese, and/or beans inside but you can basically add whatever you want.

I have to give a shout out to the amazing family who taught me how to make these bad boys! They’ll never be as good as theirs but I can try. ;)

Ingredients:

2 cups…

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The Subjectively Honest Truth of Teaching in Vietnam

The Subjectively Honest Truth of Teaching in Vietnam

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“I heard you were teaching in Vietnam! Did you like it?!”

“I’m thinking about teaching in Vietnam. How was it? Should I go?”

I’ve gotten this a lot recently – which makes sense since I taught there for most of 2016. The funny part is that I absolutely dread answering these or other similar questions. I usually have two options when I answer.

Option 1: Coat the…

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Causa : a Mashed Potato Cake

Causa : a Mashed Potato��Cake

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sitting in a Peruvian house in Arequipa, I watched as Paula created this masterpiece. She put so much love into it, it tasted that much better. Tastefully spicy and quite filling – it’s perfect for a big dinner. Plus it’s super fun to make! Get creative friends!

Ingredients:

potatoes cake:

8 potatoes (medium) or 6 (large)

1/2 cup of aji amarillo *

1/2 a lime

ve…

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14 Convincing Reasons to Exercise While You Travel

14 Convincing Reasons to Exercise While You Travel

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are two kinds of people who travel. Those who love exercising and those who just don’t know how awesome it is, yet. I say yet because I’m going to lay it all out with reasons as to why it’s so great.

I may be biased being an exercise scientist and all but I whole-heartedly believe exercising while you travel will make it an even better experience. Hold…

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Things to Do in Hanoi That Are Off the Tourist Trail

Things to Do in Hanoi That Are Off the Tourist Trail

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So, you want to go to Hanoi – or you’re already there. Being Vietnam’s capital city it is quite a busy one, especially with over 8 million people living there. If you’ve googled ‘Hanoi things to do’ you’ll get a typical list of tourist activities. These are all well and good but there are some of us who want a bit more or something different out of a city.

After…

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A Night from Hell

A Night from Hell

June 2014

f.y.i : true story but names were changed

As soon as I crossed the border from El Salvador into Honduras I had a bad feeling. At the time I had no idea what was in store for me. If I had known what was coming, I would’ve ran back into El Salvador and left everything on that dusty road at the border crossing in Honduras.

  It was Thursday night on Utila Island. My boyfriend, Dan, and I…

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Smokey-Saucy Eggplant

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Smokey-Saucy Eggplant”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At the Hanoi Cooking Centre I learned to make this dish with some lovely friends. It has all of my favourite things in one – basil, garlic and chilli! It’s now part of the monthly menu!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1701″…

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Lentil Pancakes

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This experiment started in my kitchen in Vietnam one night when there was a typhoon. It was refined when I got back to Canada where there were no typhoons.

It doesn’t look pretty but it fills your belly! It’s rich in protein so you’ll only eat one or two – freeze the rest for later or share with a friend! :)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1694″…

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Tofu Banana Flower Salad

Tofu Banana Flower Salad

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Tofu Banana Flower Salad” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Super easy and quick Vietnamese recipe – if you can find a couple of banana flower petals.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1686″ img_size=”large”…

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Signs You're a Backpacker

There’s the Vacationer, Resort Ruler, Flashpacker, Traveller, Chinese tourist, Cruise Addict, Camper, Snowbird, Humanitarian projects guru, and the Backpacker. If you are or have ever been a backpacker, you know the lifestyle well and there’s things we’ve all been experienced.

So, are you a Backpacker or not?

Here they are ��� the signs you’re a Backpacker:

1. You get offended when you’re called a…

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Hanoi Hacks

If you can hack it in Hanoi, Vietnam you can hack it anywhere. After living here for more than half a year I’ve learnt a thing or two. I didn’t learn it all on my own; a lot of stuff was passed on from locals or expats who have been here for a while.

Hanoi is a pretty rad city and it wants to share its charm. To get the most out of it there are some ways you can hack it and get right to the…

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One of my favourite capitals 👌🏻 #kl #kualalumpur #malaysia #asia #travel #streetart #ocdiscovery (at KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur))

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When life gives you some waves, fight em and find serenity around you. #southeastasia #travel #perhentiankecil #kayak #beach #nature #ocdiscovery #malaysia (at Perhentian Islands)

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The view from my favourite spot 😍 #sunset #longbeach #nofilter #travel #malaysia #perhentian #beachbar (at Beach Bar, Long Beach, Perhentian Islands)

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A girl can't kayak around the island by herself he said. And so she proved him wrong - of course. 😝 #kayak #girlpower #beach #malaysia #perhentiankecil #vietnamesewreck #nature #sea #ocdiscovery (at Pulau Perhentian Kecil)