JetSetMeister

Thanks to all who voted for me and Jet Set Zero in the Webby Awards People’s Voice contest! Looks like the NY Times may have beaten us, but our tell-it-like-it-is DIY show is tops in my book. And all of you who voted are super tops in my book! Your incredible support has been so encouraging.

Jet Set Zero’s Thailand episodes are coming soon! Check out the sneak peek above.

GET A ROOM: ABODE OF THE WEEK

It’s Cinco de Mayo today, which means margaritas and party sombreros for many festive Americans. South of the border, today is remembered as Mexico’s victory day over the French in the Battle of Puebla. Say hola to La Purificadora, a boutique hotel in Puebla, two hours outside of Mexico City.

The hotel building used to house a factory where water was purified for ice - hence the name, the purifier. While the hotel still sports some of the original stone walls, these days La Purificadora is a trendy hotspot with a modern aesthetic and a club-like vibe after dark. Its striking glass pool with a view of Puebla’s colonial buildings in the background blend old and new. Floor to ceiling windows and glass closets in the 26 rooms add to the airy feel. Reviews say that service is lacking, but with the music and margaritas flowing, you may not care. Enjoy the fiesta.

¡Salud!

GET A ROOM: ABODE OF THE WEEK

Since my mind has been a little Ecuador-oriented lately with our season of Jet Set Zero’s Webby nomination, I thought I’d share one of my favorite places to stay in Ecuador. The moment we pulled up to this place (riding in the back of a truck, no less), I knew I wouldn’t want to leave.

Chilcabamba was a romantic, rustic paradise that appeared out of nowhere as we bumped along a dirt road circling the base of Cotopaxi volcano. With stunning views of the volcano, cozy fireplaces in our room, and mouth-watering meals, it was the perfect weekend getaway. The thatched roof and earth tones blended with charming details like wool ponchos provided for extra warmth and a saddle perched high on a beam in one room. A telescope offered incredible glimpses of trekkers who were climbing the volcano. How can you not love a place that has a baby horse in the front yard and an alpaca roaming the grounds?

The crisp air sharpened our senses as my friend Amy and I rode horses into Cotopaxi national park one afternoon. We rode alongside a cliff that dropped into a deep gorge below, spotted wild horses in the park, and felt like the only people in the world.

In the evening, the caretaker Diomedus (yes, he’s part Greek) prepared us a hearty meal of locally-sourced pork chops, chicken, and trout, topped by the most incredible dessert. It was like eating a cloud with the subtle flavor of naranjilla, a fruit native to Ecuador with a citrusy orange flavor. My friend Freddie is a fast eater and usually devours his food before anyone else finishes, but this time, Freddie lingered over the naranjilla mousse longer than any of us, relishing every morsel of flavor.

Which is exactly how I felt about Chilcabamba overall - I wanted to linger as long as possible and savor every moment of it.

Photos by Amy Cao