Cool, beautiful weather and the place to ourselves? What’s not to like? We knew heading to Santorini in early March was low season and some places would be closed, but I can’t imagine being here any other time. Yes, some restaurants, wineries and shops were closed. But the ones that were open, we had practically … Continue reading Low season loveliness
Underwater Paradise
That moment you slip beneath the surface, when the choppiness of the surface disappears, you take your first regulated breath, and you get your first glimpse of the underwater universe: this is my moment of Zen. Lost in your own thoughts, your own breathing, and no distractions except the wonders of the reef and sea … Continue reading Underwater Paradise
València: Old meets new
After a second level college Spanish course that seemed relatively easy, I decided to pursue a minor degree in Spanish, which required a total of six courses. Not surprisingly, they grew much more difficult after the first one, but it did provide a good rationale for spending a summer studying in Spain in the lesser … Continue reading València: Old meets new
Sultry days in Kerala
For years I have wanted to visit the state of Kerala in India and cruise the “backwaters” via houseboat. The backwaters are a network of brackish canals, rivers, lakes and lagoons just inland from the coast of the Arabian sea on the southwestern edge of India. The state is famous for these waterways and the … Continue reading Sultry days in Kerala
The making of an African game park: behind the scenes
The opportunity to witness nature in its purest form is both humbling and engaging. Visiting an African game park involves some bumpy and dusty driving, but one is rewarded with majestic wild life including giraffe, hippos, lions, zebra, antelopes, elephants, birds and so much more. (https://www.instagram.com/p/BtWUGCXnOy8/ for more photos) I’ve done this in several locations, … Continue reading The making of an African game park: behind the scenes
Road tripping Rwanda
Motos, bicycles, and people, oh my! Outside of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, there aren’t a lot of cars, so everyone walks or bikes, or takes a bike taxi. The biggest driving challenge wasn’t the curvy roads, dirt roads, or the occasional police stops; it was all the people and bicycles on both sides of the … Continue reading Road tripping Rwanda
Primates, primates, primates!
After a day with the gorillas, I wasn’t sure it would get better than that. But Rwanda is full of four-legged, tree climbing primates that are fascinating to watch and an adventure to track. On the second full day in Volcanoes National Park in the northwest corner of Rwanda, we trekked to the golden monkeys. … Continue reading Primates, primates, primates!
Gentle Giants
In a word: Awe-inspiring. After much anticipation for the gorilla trek, the day finally arrived and exceeded all expectations. Seeing the endangered mountain gorillas was the genesis for this trip to Rwanda and well worthy of being considered a bucket list item. Mountain gorillas only survive in three mountainous areas across Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic … Continue reading Gentle Giants
New Year’s Resolutions
Happy New Year! As it is the time of resolutions, I must ask, have you resolved to “Get Out!” in 2019? Getting places doesn’t happen without a little planning, so now is the time to look ahead at the year (or year after this) and make those plans. The most anticipated highlight of 2019 will … Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions
The international biscuit controversy
After a short hike halfway up Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and cable car ride up to the stunning vistas, it was finally time for the beach on our last afternoon in Rio de Janeiro. We walked the few blocks from our apartment to the beach at Ipanema, which was still plenty crowded for a … Continue reading The international biscuit controversy
Get Out! 