Founded in 1881, Meadowbrook Polo Club (formally Meadow Brook) is the oldest polo club in America where upward of 30,000 people would attend matches regularly in the 1930s. Imagine packed Long Island Railroad trains, congested roadways with thousands of tourists, souvenir vendors and fashionable attire. This was the original equine hot-spot before the Belmont Stakes.
Location, location, location! Situated only 20 miles out of New York City, at Hitchcock Field off of Whitney Lane and Polo Drive in Old Westbury, two polo fields are staged amid the wealth of Long Island’s Gold Coast. It is a club deserving of fame with the largest mass of people center to the largest mass amount of wealth.
“It’s so prestigious that we’re trying to get more sponsors and players involved with the club,” CEO of the grounds, Bob Ceparano explained.
Several top players in the sport frequent the grounds such as Mattias Migrini, Pedro Manion and rising star Torito Ruiz, among numerous others. Though currently matches are free to the public the future of M.P.C. aims to restore its mass attraction (slowly but optimistically).
Polo remains a community game, from equine admirers, sport enthusiasts to riders alike. This Thursday, June 29th, have the chance to meet the world renowned players, sponsors and patrons of today that make Long Island polo the exceptional sport it is.
After the matches at Meadowbrook there will be a Kick-Off Summer Bash taking place at Westbury Manor from 7:30PM – 10:30PM with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Open to the public, ticket’s are only $25 and can be purchased here.
In 1972 the polo sex barrier was broken by a woman of disguise. After decades of posing as a man during matches, fake mustache included, the U.S. Polo Association admitted Sue Sally Hale into the ranks with its gentlemen. Hale was a pioneer, clearing the way for the fastest growing demographic in a ‘Game of Kings’- women. Decades later, in 2000, her daughter, Sunny Hale made history as well by becoming the first woman to compete on a winning team in the U.S. Open.
Step a-side-saddle, boys!
If you pay close attention to those playing on the fields of Bethpage Polo at the Park and Meadowbrook Polo Club, you’ll recognize one of its own ladies, Slaney O’Hanlon. This 24-year-old woman from Manhasset has been playing since the age of 15, after shadowing a friend who taught lessons.
“I got addicted,” O’Hanlon confessed. “I went home and told my parents that’s what I wanted to do every single day for the rest of my life.”
And she did. Her addiction created opportunities many only dream of. As a female player of today, O’Hanlon is fortunate to travel for the game she loves so much. “In February I got back from Thailand, which is probably the coolest place I’ve gotten to play…No matter where you go, polo is a small community…when you go to other places to watch you still feel like you’re in that community.”
Fortunate for polo players, the community also includes majestic animals. Depending on the day, O’Hanlon has three polo ponies of her own to choose from. Merlot, Beau and Sorpresa (surprise in Spanish). Running the area equivalent to nine footballs fields, these teammates often times represent the majority of a players game.
More than competitive mallet swinging, upon acquiring Meadowbook Polo Club, in 2016 O’Hanlon began working for Bob Ceparano, where she teaches at the polo school and helps to organize clinics
“I think [Bob’s] ideas are growing the club and the polo school…in the next few years everybody will see the growth…[Meadowbrook] can turn into the historic club it used to be.”
Slaney O’Hanlon & Juan Redlich
Meadowbrook Polo Club carries an historic significance. Back in the 1930s crowds upward of 30,000 attended matches regularly. Though it may take some time to restore an audience of such grandeur, for now we’ll be cheering on the players just the same.
For years I didn’t understand the concept of solo traveling. Who do you talk to? Who do you share the experience with? Gasp, who takes the pictures?
With family on the outskirts of San Francisco, I decided to give independent travel a chance for three days. I arrived at Hotel Zetta on a Friday morning before check-in, leaving me no choice but to hit the ground running.
Chorizo Scrambled.
A rumbling belly begged to be fed. Conveniently enough, right across from the hotel is a spot called Moz Café where I ordered the chorizo scrambled.
Next stop, the famous cable cars. I purchased a 3-Day Visitor Passport for $31.00 from the San Francisco MTA booth on the corner of Powell & Market Street. A single ride is priced at $7.00 but there’s about a 50/50 chance someone will check your ticket. With three lines, the most popular being Powell-Mason Line, it’s helpful to have a route in mind before you board.
Ran into some Starbucks ladies who opted for a friendly photo
After a 45 minute wait in line I hopped to the front of the cable car and took the local roller coaster down to Fisherman’s Wharf. Lined with outdoor markets of fish on the rocks (ice) I knew I was really in the city on the bay. I heard echoing Sea Lions in the distance and made my way over to meet Pier 39’s most popular residents.
Got legs?
I spent about an hour here, embarrassingly to admit, just laughing at the mammals pushing each other over for the ideal nap position before exploring the markets.
The next day I vowed to get lost. Lacing up my sneakers, I waved hi to locals, acting as though I knew where I were the whole time. Bubble tea? Huge trinket stores with foreign writing? I landed in China Town. Upon the turn of a corner and I was standing inside a local book store. Apparently, San Francisco is filled with quaint shops for the articulately inclined.
I stumbled into an American eatery, Mo’s, for a late lunch at the counter (solo travelers don’t take up booths we sit front and center). Within minutes an elderly man who knew the staff seemingly well sat next to me. I was alone, he was alone, it seemed appropriate to strike up a conversation. Norm* was a widow and a local patron of Mo’s for a few decades. A world traveler from his days in the army, Norms best advice to an independent soul on the move,
“Surround yourself with people who make you happy. The rest is wasted time.”
Some Street Art in China Town
Countless steps and various detours later I finally made it to Coit Tower.
Later that night I was invited by the hotel manager to attend a private party in Hotel Zetta’s Playroom. Apparently the Treasure Island Music Festival was going on and I happened to be staying at the ‘it’ spot for late night schmoozing. I took some additional time in the famed stairwell where local artists painted the wall, #TakeTheStairs.
#TakeTheStairs
Walking the numerous hilltops of San Francisco the day prior prepared me for my greatest adventure yet, biking over the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco Makes A Beautiful StairmasterThe View From My Hike
The next day I picked up my rental ride from Blazing Saddles and began to peddle the eight mile journey towards Sausalito. Despite my perceived exhaustion curiosity took over. Parking my bike, I began hiking upward through the streets searching for the perfect view of San Francisco which landed me near the highway overpass and I knew it was time to turn around.
Before missing the last ferry back I rewarded myself with Kona Mocha Chip ice cream from Lapperts (the sole reason I workout, dessert). The boat ride was scenic, passing by Alcatraz Island and giving a great view of Ghirardelli Square.
Alcatraz
A Brit, a businessman, and I began talking, all three of us on our own. Soaking in the panoramic view of the city we exchanged tips and discussed our unique experiences. In that moment I realized that I never actually felt alone during my trip.
On The Ferry
By not being engaged in a conversation with a companion I spoke to everyone around me. Each person I encountered became part of my experience, moments I was solely responsible for, good or bad. By living in each moment I spent less time looking through a lens, worrying. And when I did want a picture taken I asked a stranger and hoped they wouldn’t run away with my phone.
We spend so much of our lives relying on the opinions of others. Compromising what we want to do to satisfy someone else. And there is nothing wrong with that, but sometimes disconnection is the only way we can reconnect with ourselves.
Dare To Leave Your Comfort Zone- The Golden Gate Bridge
Why travel solo? Because it allows us to be selfish and ignore the noise. Dare to find yourself again.
To travel is as much an action as it is a mindset, and both should be experienced passionately. For those who understand this, traveling isn’t a way to escape everyday life but rather a self immersion of mind, body, and soul into another culture. For those who dream about this, usually one country comes to mind. For me, it was Spain.
Ever so typically, I grew up being influenced by mother and somewhere around the age of 16 she introduced me to Spain as an ideal place to travel. The culture, food, dancing, the beautiful….landscapes. It was an introduction I yearned for.
Originally, I had planned to go directly after high school. But, I made it eight years post my senior year.
Spain, September 2015
Quick Facts
Travel Time: About 7.5hrs from JFK Airport
Main Language Spoken: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Exchange Rate: 1EUR = 1.08USD
Recommended Amount of Days: 10-14
MADRID/MALASANA
With only 24 hours in Madrid, I stayed with two girlfriends of mine who had moved there to teach English. They were living in an historic neighborhood called Malasaña, where the 20-somethings meet a bohemian alternative lifestyle. We kicked our jet lag with 1€ mimosas at a charming everything-store, J&J Books and Coffee, followed by restaurant hopping where I was introduced to my first authentic Spanish drink, Tinto de Verano aka Red Wine of Summer, at El Balcon de Malasana. Don’t be fooled by it’s taste, which is best described as a mixture of red wine and Fanta, enough of them will give you a good buzz.
JJ Books & Coffee
I didn’t see much of the city but did manage to stop by Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world founded in 1725, on my way to Chocolateria San Gines for real churros with chocolate dipping sauce. My first day in Madrid eased me into the Spanish culture, which I learned consists of eating, drinking and siesta (napping). Small sharing plates, known as tapas, create a feeling of endless eating– and with endless eating comes the free drink that accompanies most small plates. After all of this the inevitable sleepiness takes over where the city will seemingly close down between 2 pm to 7pm (depending on the business). Can’t fiesta without a siesta, as they say.
MARBELLA
The next morning I was on the AVE train from Madrid to Malaga, a two hour and 30 minute ride. As a commuter victim of the Long Island Rail Road system, I was in utter shock when the train left within seconds of its scheduled departure and arrived on time (the NY MTA should take notes). Malaga is dubbed the capital of Costa del Sol, the coastal region of Andalucia, and an absolutely gorgeous city. Unfortunately, my time here was only a stop-over on my way to Marbella.
Before the 45 minute car drive to my hotel I enjoyed a meal at El Pimpi. As I entered the front door of the restaurant I walked through the paintings, the photographs, the marvelous character that wowed me at every turn to sit down at a table outside in the back which looked directly at the Alcazaba and Roman Theater. Once my stomach and eyes were satisfied, I was on the road towards the ritzy resort town of Marbella.
Puente Romano welcomed me in a beautiful junior suite with a balcony overlooking the water fountain/gardens. My favorite part about the room was the large, jetted bathtub that has a window looking into the suite, with an automatic screen option for privacy.
The Bathtub
Welcome Letter
With an active nightlife/dining scene that is similar to a square, restaurants surround a social focal point in the center. Choosing a restaurant here was more about the food preference than vibe. At Dani Garcia’s BiBo we ordered it all. Oxtale, pork belly, tuna tataki, duck, beef carpaccio, and the famous dessert, “Marbella’s Full Moon.” Come hungry, leave in a food coma.
This luxury beach resort has something for everyone with its ocean views, four pools, gardens, tennis, golf, a beach with water sports and a boardwalk, spa. ::inhale:: What I liked most about my time here was the ability to explore without ever leaving the property. Of course, I did leave the property to explore Puerto Banus Marina, a location of fine dining, shopping, and where yachts are lined up by the dozens. In a place of ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams’ we opted for pizza tastes and wine realities at Pizzeria Picasso.
The Marina
Colleagues
Out for Dinner in The Old City
Caminito Del Rey
Between Marbella and Ronda there’s ‘the Kings Pathway’ known as El Caminito Del Rey. Once considered the world most dangerous walkway, which was the sense of adventure I was seeking more or less, today it can be better described at “suitable for all ages 4 to 94.” Fantastic views and worth the visit, however if you’re looking for something more challenging this might not cut it for you.
El Caminito Del Rey
RONDA
An hour north of Marbella there exists a city that is boastful in its origins but humble in its existence, Ronda. It’s truly a location that is better felt than seen but when you open your eyes it’s something out of a painting. Located on the cliffs of El Tajo Gorge, the old town and new town are connected by the Puente Nuevo, ‘new bridge’, with the Guadelevin River flowing below. The views from above captivated me in sheer awe that I almost forgot the city’s historical significance as the birthplace of modern bullfighting.
After dropping my luggage off at Hotel Maesranza, a family run hotel with a homey feel, I ventured off with my friend/colleague, who grew up in Ronda, for some horseback riding through the country side.
Horseback Riding
We arrived back in town and all headed to dinner at Entrevinos where I had, what can officially be called, the best meal of my life (a combination of tapas with squid ink pasta being the favorite). Once dinner was over I decided to see Plaza de Toros where I had my first tears-of-joy experience. I looked up at the stars, grazed my fingertips along the stones laid down dating back to 1785. Suddenly, I was living the moment I always dreamed would come. It was perfect.
The Famous Bridge
Learning From The Professional
The next morning we were taken on a surprise adventure. In keeping with the bull fighting theme, we stopped at Reservatauro Ronda, a bull ranch where we met Rafael Tejada, a professional matador. They had little shows with the horses and bulls, separately of course, and acres of land to drive around observing the animals. This is great for anyone seeking the true culture of Spain, of any age. It will turn even the most anti-bullfighting person into an admirer.
Seville
It welcomes you with open arms as a vibrant city just dying to be discovered. Flamenco performances on the streets, nightlife going until six in the morning, winding street pathways leaving you lost in the right direction, beautiful architecture at every turn. It then becomes silence when you need it most. Welcome to Seville, ‘NO8DO,’ it will not abandon you.
The View From The Hotel Room
The Inglaterra Hotel is situated in the Seville Center, where we had a stunning junior suite with a private balcony overlooking the Cathedral. The room style of the hotel retains more of a classic feel with an ideal location, everything within walking distance. It additionally has a popular rooftop bar overlooking the entire city where even the locals come to hang out.
My favorite part of Seville was Plaza de Espana, about a 20 minute walk from the hotel, where I spent a few hours marveling at its architecture. While here I highly recommend renting one of the row boats. Where does the boat go when you put three American women inside it? Hardly anywhere.
Granada
My final stop on the trip was the Arabic influenced city of Granada, located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hotel Carmen, located amid all the shopping, provided stunning view from their rooftop. While in Granada a must visit site is The Alhambra Palace where you can easily spend three to four hours in the lush gardens, 360 views of the city, and Arabic architecture.
Despite being grounded in Spain, you will feel as though you have just crossed the Mediterranean Sea into Morocco. Shop through the Moroccan alley ways below makes the city truly one of a kind, and culturally fascinating.
What would a trip to Spain be without a flamenco show? On my final night in Spain I ventured to the caves to see a gypsy inspired flamenco performance at Cueva de la Rocio that overlooked The Alhambra. I had seen several flamenco shows back in the states but nothing compared to the authenticity of viewing the dance in its country of origins. By the end of the night everyone had their arms in the air ready to dance!
The next morning I was on my direct flight out of Malaga back to New York, thanks to the new flights provided by Delta. Reluctantly boarding the plane, I inhaled the final breaths of Spanish air. I didn’t say good-bye. I whispered ‘see you again,’ leaving a piece of myself behind to rediscover someday.
Traveling with a passion, with Spain, has been my unique proof that dreams do come true.
To my friends who came for the adventure, you gave me a reason to smile each moment. To my colleagues and fellow travel professionals who helped me along the way ( with a warm thank you to the Andalucia Tourism Board ), you helped turn my dream into a reality. To those reading this, I hope I inspired you to follow your dream destination.
My short career as a Virtuoso Travel Advisor began in the later of 2014. I promised myself that I’d take every opportunity to explore the world in order to myself a better travel professional. Thanks to a few friends who were up for the challenge that promise was upheld. Each visit gave me a unique experience.
Get your mental boarding passes ready as we head to Central America.
Travel Time: About 2hrs from Miami International Airport
Main Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Currency: Belize Dollar- although they readily accept US Dollar.
Exchange Rate: 1BZE = .50USD
Recommended Amount of Days: 4-8
Being somewhat of an unconventional traveler, I don’t like going places everyone else has been. When thinking up my first big trip since 2013 Central America came to mind. People I knew had been to Mexico and, the increasingly popular, Costa Rica. Although both locations seemed appealing they both also had stories attached to them, other peoples stories. Pulling up Google Maps on my web browser I saw it, Belize. Under the radar and about the size of the state of New Jersey with a modest population of just over 300,000. I vocalized the idea to one of my travel-nomad colleagues and before I knew it Belize was booked.
We were off. Well, not without accidentally missing our connecting flight in Miami.
Travel Tip: No matter how hangry you may be never, under any circumstances, attempt a sit down meal between flights at an international airport.
First stop, San Ignacio. A city in the Cayo District of western Belize, San Ignacio is about a two hour drive from Belize International Airport. We set up our transfers through Cayo Adventures and our driver, Zach, was the roadway-tour guide we hoped for. On the way to our hotel we stopped on the side of the road for some fresh coconut water that we drank straight from the plastic bag (no gold fish required). Getting hungry, we enjoyed our first authentic Belizean meal at Lydia’s in the heart of San Ignacio town– rice, beans and chicken, with their local brew of Belikin Beer.
Lydia Herself in the Middle
Driving about 5 minutes further down the road from the bustling town, we arrived at Ka’ana Resort. I sensed the dedication and passion that went into this 4 Star hotel. The place immediately felt like home as the staff treated us like we’ve entered into a family. Cool towels and Champagne upon arrival, nightly treats left in the mini fridge.
They have their own gardens and activities right on property, including complimentary yoga. I’m the furthest thing from a Yogi but a calming workout outdoors in a foreign country was convincing enough. The best part of this hotel was the couple running it. General Manager Wolfgang Brandl & his wife Anoushka describe the hotel as “luxury by night and adventure by day.”
Adventure by day was taken literally as Wolfgang recommended us to Hanna Stables where we’d travel by horseback through the forest, over the river and to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich (zoo-nan-to-nich) we’d go!
Xunantunich Ruins
Santiago, the stables owner showed us around personally. He was an easy going guy with a big personality, and he seemed to enjoy my New Yawk accent, immediately pin pointing the borough I was from.
Our second accommodation was at Blancaneaux Lodge, owned by Hollywood filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (who I learned is an alumnus from my alma mater, Hofstra University). This luxury, eco-lodge resort is tucked away in the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve with it’s own air-strip. If you do not choose to take a plane directly to the property it is a very long, 1.5hr drive on an extremely rocky road…great for back massages!
For the animal lover, Blancaneaux has their own stables
The eco-lodge is more startling in concept than actuality, this coming from a girl who once thought Nassau County, Long Island was rural. The ceiling fans were efficient with a swift breeze from the forest coming in screen windows. As a plus, rather than hearing the buzzing of an AC I was surrounded by peaceful sounds of the forest, which is why I went in the first place.
Travel Tip: Bring bug spray! The outdoor spaces are not equipped to fight those bites.
Having two waterfalls on property I was coaxed into swimming in the man-made one, upstream. Well, not so much swimming as it was attempts to maneuver around the slippery, algae covered rocks in the water.
Keeping my composure in the man-made water fall
All in efforts for obtaining the perfect photo.
However, Big Rock Falls, the natural waterfall about a 20 minute bike ride down the dirt road (bike supplied by the hotel) was well worth the workout.
Big Rock Falls
Through a guide with Pacz Tours, and a hike/swim/stumble over a mile underground, I was able to explore a site Mayan’s once went to connect with their ancestors and conduct sacrificial worship– the ancient ruin of the ATM Caves (Actun Tunichil Muknal. While the stalactites and stalagmites are an amazement on their own, nothing will compare to the eerie satisfaction of viewing The Crystal Maiden, the thousand year old skeleton.
Tikal (aka Yavin 4)
Through Pacz Tours we also took a day trip into Guatemala, making a pit stop for a cup of Guatemalan Joe. Yes, it’s everything coffee addicts dream of. We came to visit the Mayan city of Tikal, best recognized by Star Wars fans as Yavin 4 from the 1977 original movie. Luckily, there was no intergalactic war going on.
After all the exploring in the ruins it was time to head south to Placencia . On the way down we made a pit stop to cool off in a natural park, St Herman’s Blue Hole (not the famous diving site of The Great Blue Hole). This was a great way to break up the drive.
St Herman’s Blue Hole, Cayo District
Placencia, unlike the touristy area of Ambergris Cay located in the north, is a small fishing village in southern Belize and was just named one of Travel & Leisure’s Best Places to Travel in 2016 (not under the radar for much longer). Arriving at another Coppola property, Turtle Inn welcomed us warmly. It was a short bike ride from town with plenty to do but you don’t feel in the thick of things.
Francis Ford Coppola was once quoted as saying, “A number of images put together a certain way become something quite above and beyond what any of them are individually,” which was perfectly executed at this property.
One of the pools at Turtle Inn
From the large thatched roof entrance way to the detailed carvings of the wooden furniture, flown in from Bali, every piece of Turtle Inn feels like an artfully positioned movie set, except you’re living in it. Another eco-lodge, I borrowed my colleagues computer one night to watch Apocalypse Now (DVD provided by the resort). Watching a Francis Ford Coppola movie in one of his resorts was the quintessential moment I longed for, as long as I didn’t smell napalm in the morning.
Our 2 Bedroom Seafront Villa
On Mondays The Mare, a restaurant on property, serves an Indonesian-Dutch dish called Rijsttafel, an idea created by General Manager Martin Krediet who happened to join us for dinner on our first night.
Dinner at The MareGM Martin in the Middle
While the hotel was an experience in itself, it was time for some snorkeling. We took a day trip with Splash Belize. The hour and a half long boat ride took us over to Silk Caye to see the second largest reef system in the world, after The Great Barrier Reef. We docked on a private island with just enough beach to accommodate about 20 or so people, along with a few tables, a grill, and a restroom.
I’m not a fish expert but, while snorkeling, I called out quite a few characters from Finding Nemo, along with childhood books like Rainbow Fish (this goes to show my level of education about the aquatic world). It was two of us to one guide who swam along, pointing out everything as we circled our private island, leaving no coral un-turned. Before we sped off to the next location we enjoyed a nice lunch and tanning session on the island.
Paradise
After a break we boarded the boat again to go swim with nurse sharks, sea turtles, sting rays and eagle rays. This was a moment I’ll never forget, being along side these four different creatures as though I was part of their every day life.
TIP: Wear sunscreen and apply it three times during the day. We were out on the water for about 7 hours, applied sunscreen once when we boarded the boat and again before we swam with the sharks, and we got a decent sunburn that lasted two days.
The best way to get from Placencia to the international airport is by a small put-put plane that takes about 45 minutes. I’d never been on an eight seater plane before. When a storm began to ensue an hour prior to departing the hotel needless to say I was a bit panicked. JFK Junior and Aaliyah popped into my morbid mind. By the time we got to the airstrip, down the street, the storm had cleared and I went from timid school girl to a fearless flyer once in the air. #YouBetterBelizeIt!
All Smiles With Our Pilot Howell Granger Jr., With A Plane to Ourselves
Once upon a time there was a girl who dreamed of the world. She imagined exploring the unknown, tasting the unfamiliar. She dreamed of talking to strangers, walking on foreign grounds. Most of all, she hoped her experiences would benefit those who followed. She wanted her own story to tell.
Well, this girl got her story and is continuing to write it every day.
Questions or interested in traveling to Belize? Comment below
Make sure you read My Year of Travel 2015: Part II: Spain
