Alicia

Hello travelers! My name is Alicia and I am nearly a native Oregonian- discounting a few early California years. I admit our winters can get a bit long and soggy but spring, summer and fall are divine, and who doesn’t love a nice muddy romp through forest park in February? Before settling in Portland to live, work and study I spent a year in Africa where I fell in love with boda bodas, dung beatles, and long Land Rover drives through the bush. I’ve also spent time being lost in Asia, and visited many of the beautiful places we’ve got here in good ol’ North America. I hope your travels  are as rewarding as mine have been, and that you have a fun n funky stay with us in Portland!

What was your first major travel experience? Why did you choose that place?

I wanted to be an  African field guide, so my first travel destination was to South Africa where I took a course to get certified.

What is one of your most memorable moments from a travel experience?

A moment I won’t soon forget was the night I camped near the Ngorogoro Crater and woke to my tiny tent being ripped open by a wild animal. I was certain it was a lion and I would be eaten. It turned out to be a giant warthog who ate only my bananas. Never keep bananas in your tent!

What might surprise a newcomer to Portland?

How accessable the city is. You can get to all the good places in Portland with some good walking shoes, a bike, or a quick trip on one of the buses, street car, or light rail.

What are the best ways to embrace a rainy day in Portland?

Put on your grubbiest clothes and just muddy up as much as possible in forest park. Slip and slide down the hills, bike through the puddles and feel the freshness of a rainy hike. This should be followed up by warm showers and hot toddys or a good beer and cozy seat to enjoy a movie at the mission.

What is your favorite food cart?

There are too many to choose from. The Whole Bowl is excellent, but I equally enjoy any of the Greek and Thai carts!

What do you like about working at our hostel?

Hearing the stories of course! Interesting people with interesting lives pass through everyday, and I’m always amused.

What’s quirky or unusual fact about you?

I love bugs.