Argentina Buenos Aires requires a do over from me. It was the last leg of a five week, five country, 50th birthday trip. I began feeling bad and didn’t quite know what was wrong. By the time I got to Iquazu Falls the very last leg of the trip, I was still not sure what was wrong but I knew for a fact it wasn’t good. I wasn’t in pain but definitely not in tip top shape. Arriving back…
This is my favorite picture from Costa Rica because it is reflective of the entire island, push, green and flowering. This was the road I walked every day on the way to Puerto Viejo. This stop on my journey was not for touring or seeing the country. I wanted to be away from tourists, noise and pollution. I chose Puerto Viejo because it met all my needs. Quiet green and on the water. All I wanted to do was sleep,…
LIVING OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES – GUATEMALA Across the border from San Ignacio, Belize is Tikal, nestled in the Tikal National Park. It is one of the largest archaeological sites in the region and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the border of Belize Tikal is only a short drive. I chose to take a tour (you know I hate tours). Six in a big van wasn’t too bad. Having a very knowledgeable guide also made the tour bearable. I enjoyed…
Belize I chose Belize because it was an English speaking country. Avoiding the complication of a second language for the first full month turned out to be a good choice. Initially my plan was to settle in one town or island and take day trips to areas outside of Caye Caulker.
Slovenia: The Transition country The last day of my job, my career as a teacher, was June 12th. I left work at around 3:00. I was on a plane by five and landing in Ljubljana, Slovenia shortly thereafter. So there I was with a blank canvas as a symbol of my new life, just hanging out in Ljubljana.
I fell madly, deeply in love with Italy, specifically Naples, Italy. As I pondered my pending departure I tried to come to terms with the fact that I would never taste pizza like the pizza in Naples. Cacio de PePe, my favorite pasta dish, would no longer be a short train ride to Rome. Daily long walks along the lungomare would cease to exist. Seeing the plush green landscapes of Tuscany one last time made the thought of my…
Ecuador is better the second time around, because the first time I went it was during my summer, their winter. I don’t like cold weather. Cuenca was the destination the first time. I went to check it out as it was listed as one of the most desirable places to retire. I enjoyed the city but realized it was not a place I would want to retire. I enjoyed the good coffee, the park in the heart of the town…
Brazil and this birthday trip was all about Christ the Redeemer statue. I had seen it so many many times in pictures, travel blogs, National Geographic and many television travel shows throughout the years. Nothing can compare to seeing it in person. As you can see in the picture above the statue is detailed right down to the nail holes in Jesus’ hands. If you want some quiet time with Christ the Redeemer you better get there early. My favorite…
The Temple Bar in Dublin is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin. It houses Ireland’s largest collection of fine whiskeys from around the world. I don’t drink hard liquor so another tourist attraction totally wasted on me. This was a quick weekend trip. In on Friday and out by Sunday in order to get ready for work on Monday. I tell you work really got in the way of my travels. I am not complaining though. I loved…
Living in Europe it is easy to take a weekend road trip and pass through a few counties or at least cross a few borders. Lichtenstein was not at the top of my list to see. But passing through Austria and Switzerland it’s hard not to hit Lichtenstein on the way back to Germany. Lichtenstein is only one of two landlocked countries in Europe and is the sixth smallest country in the world. You can pass through the entire country…
