Fall in Paris 2016 after the US elections

Fall is my favorite season of the year. So being able to visit one of my favorite cities during the Fall season, especially a day after the 2016 Presidential election, is truly an exceptional bonus. I arrived disheartened by the election results, only to be reminded that Paris is a city that can always revive a…

Leaving USA after the Presidential elections-to revive my soul

Paris--I had this trip planned out before the US elections knowing full well that our country might not have a President-elect by the time it was wheels up. I fully expected a Presidential challenge and possible drawn out results. However along with many Americans, what I wasn't prepared for, was a full out Trump win…

A visit to the UNESCO Batad Rice Terraces in the Philippines

Most visitors to the Philippines are so fascinated with the 7000 or more stunning islands that they never think to see any other areas of the country. Visiting El Nido's turquoise lagoons was on my list of places to visit. Below is a glimpse of the stunning waters from that portion of the trip… [caption…

Snorkeling video with giant whale shark’s in Mexico!

Once in a lifetime experiences are few and far between. To get in the water with the largest fish in the ocean is exhilarating and breathtaking. Here is a video snorkeling adventure with (shot by Deb Guzman) of us swimming with the giant whales sharks off the cost of Holbox Island, Mexico. Hope you'll follow…

Nowadays, it's somewhat of a rarity to see artisanal quality products being sold on any beach worldwide. From sellers of colorful sarongs in Brazil, friendship bracelets in Nicaragua and fedoras in Colombia, most products are mass produced, most often produced far from the local country and geared to a quick sale. [caption id="attachment_862" align="alignnone" width="1836"]…

What beats finding a floating bar in the sea!

Looking for a day trip, the resort advised my friend and I to visit the natural pools in Garapua, Cairu. Always up for adventure, hey, why not? We traveled by four wheel drive from the resort through bumpy sandy roads and after almost getting stuck, we came to the remote village of Garapua. [caption…

Where to stay? Like many urban cities, Rio can be overwhelming in trying to decide which neighborhood to use as your vacation base. [caption id="attachment_811" align="alignnone" width="1377"] Rio views[/caption] More often than not, I tend to be drawn to stay in the more historic areas of cities that I visit, as long as the neighborhood…

Rio’s Eclectic Santa Teresa is a great area to visit

The neighborhood known as Santa Teresa incorporates a bohemian, artsy, eclectic vibe onto their building walls. Quaint cobblestone streets match the colorful buildings. [caption id="attachment_726" align="alignnone" width="612"] Street Art in Rio's Santa Teresa Neighborhood[/caption] Some of that expression is found in what I like to call "street art" but most would label the works…

Starting off with Champagne with our flight over to Rio... [caption id="attachment_730" align="alignnone" width="2448"] Champagne on the way to Rio[/caption] turned into full fledged caipirinha's in Rio! [caption id="attachment_732" align="alignnone" width="1836"] Caipirinha's in Rio[/caption] Not understanding Portugese was not a problem in ordering caipirinhas however I regret not having a better understanding of cachaca before…

As soon as I read about Tail Up Goat opening, I wanted to hop, skip and jump over there. The restaurant name in itself had me! Add to that fabulous name, former chef alum and staff from Komi and Little Serow, I was dead set to check out this place as soon as it opened.…