Travel Plans for 2016

5 January 201622 July 2024

2016 is going to be another great year for travel. With close to 20 trips already planned and more in the works, I am excited that I will be venturing out into the world and experiencing fun, local trips across the state of Ohio.

With a Caribbean Cruise coming up, I will be working with tour operators and agents to maximize our time in each port. I am most excited about this opportunity as I will be leading some tours throughout the Caribbean over the summer and fall months of this year.

The Harbor of St. Thomas

Some of the islands I will be visiting include: Antigua/Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados (Bridgetown, West Side, St. James Parish Church, Malibu Rum Tour and Beach), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia (Part 1 and Part 2), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

Snorkeling with Stingrays

I will also be making visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Sunset in Key West

Booked Travel in the US & Canada includes: Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine; Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park (maybe); the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Booked Travel Elsewhere includes: London and Paris

I was hoping to hit Machu Picchu this year, but that did not work out with my current schedule, only because I want to hike the trail which would require a guide and a permit.

Local Travel includes: Exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants of Cincinnati (Hamilton and Butler Counties) as well as Covington, Kentucky, the Erie Islands and Cleveland.

Have you already booked your vacation for 2016 or made travel plans? I would love to hear about your adventures for this year, so please leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information

An Overview of Blog Posts from 2015

29 December 201522 July 2024

What a great year for travel! Here are some of my adventure blogs for 2015:

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL:

Bermuda

Hamilton, Bermuda

Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Afternoon Drive on Grand Cayman, and Hell

Stingrays at Stingray City

Honduras: Untouched Beauty, Underwater Photographs

Gorgeous Honduras Beaches

EUROPE:

Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Wine Event at Fattoria il Poggio

UNITED STATES:

United States: Arizona

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

United States, California: San Francisco Downtown

San Francisco Chinatown

United States, California: San Francisco Golden Gate

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge

United States: Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

United States, Michigan; Holland, Michigan

Tulips in Holland, Michigan

United States: Ohio

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit

Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza

Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC

Cincinnati: Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Jimi Jones

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit

Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum

Cleveland: The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit

The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

An Egyptian Sarcophagus

Cleveland: Maltz Museum, Operation Finale

The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann

The Holocaust Survivors

Columbus: Franklin Park Conservatory

Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Springfield: Art Museum, Jason Morgan

Jason Morgan Artwork

Springfield: Art Museum, Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones Artwork

Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing

Sam and Ethel’s

Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s

Yellow Springs Brewery

Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Hiking the Rim Trail

Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

PNC Lights: Cincinnati Zoo

A Tunnel of Lights

I hope you enjoyed this recap of my blog posts and travels for 2015. Stay tuned for more adventures to come in 2016! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Port Day in Dominica

1 December 201531 August 2024

During a Caribbean cruise that stopped in Roseau, the port of Dominica, I decided to go out on my own and hire a driver for the day. I thought it would be fun to hike to the Trafalgar Falls, explore Boiling Lake, the world’s second largest hot spring and shop at one of the local markets.

As soon as I disembarked the ship, I found a small stall nearby where several drivers were willing to take tourists to a wide range of attractions. It was here where I met Blaise.

Blaise, a sweet young woman born and raised on the island, was soft spoken and shy. She explained that she would take me to the top of the hill where I could take a photo of the cruise ship and shop for souvenirs which were much less expensive than at the cruise port.

Stopping at Morne Bruce, the view of Roseau was absolutely spectacular with an ocean view for miles and the scene of the local landscape. Blaise pointed out the cricket stadium, the large local cemetery and a couple of other buildings and then set off for our adventure.

The shopping was sparse and there were no food vendors, but Blaise had snacks and water in her car. I was hoping to try the Dominican cuisine and thought that if I had time when we returned, I would check for a place in town where the locals liked to eat.

After driving the coast for some time, we began our trek towards the center of the island making a few stops along the way. Blaise explained that the island was home to many rare plants, animals and birds that were only thought to be living throughout Dominica including the Sisserou parrot found on the Dominican flag.

Mountainous peaks rose up from the shoreline covered in lush greenery that was visible for miles. The drive was only 7 kilometers, which should have only taken no more than 20 minutes, but with poor roads and cruise ship traffic, it took us nearly an hour to reach Morne Trois Pitons National Park, home of the Trafalgar Falls.

Blaise found a parking spot and with so many vans, I was worried the place would be overcrowded. She explained that I would need to purchase my ticket and follow the signs for the hike. She would wait for me as long as I wanted to explore this magnificent trail.

After paying my $5 entrance fee, I immediately noticed the sign guiding me in the direction of the falls. I hiked a lovely path within the rainforest until reaching the beautiful twin falls about twenty minutes later. I was happy that I had brought comfortable shoes with traction because the rocks and trail were wet and slippery.

The upper waterfall, lovingly referred to as “Father”, cascades approximately 200 feet from the Trois Pitons River where it empties into hot sulfur springs. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the sulfuric pools at the base of the falls, but I was not prepared.

The lower waterfall or “Mother”, is just over 100 feet and fills up a natural swimming pool below which is much cooler than the springs. I took several minutes to climb through the rocks for a closer look at the falls and felt its refreshing spray. Having stayed for about an hour, I headed back on the trail where I would meet up with Blaise so I could enjoy some time at the Rainforest Shangri-La Resort.

We arrived at the Rainforest Shangri-La Resort so that Blaise could explain the amazing geology of the island of Dominica. Out of all of the Lesser Antilles, Dominica has nine active volcanoes, making it one of the best preserved rainforests in the world. The geothermal springs create natural hot tubs where visitors can come to experience the healing properties of these amazing waters.

While there have been no volcanic eruptions since the time of Christopher Columbus, one can see the steam coming up from the ground showing how hot the earth is below the surface. Boiling Lake, a fumarole located within the park, has a temperature that measures from 180 to 197 degrees. Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the lake, but saw evidence of the underground heat within the park where we saw bubbling water coming out from the ground as we strolled through Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Although I was hoping to see some of the local parrots, we were unable to enter the Parrot Conservation & Research Centre because they were entertaining cruise ship passengers. I would have loved to have seen the Sisserou Parrot, but it was time for us to return to the port to find a local dish and enjoy a Kubuli beer before boarding the ship.

Blaise dropped me off at Ruins Rock Café which is close to the cruise ship port and before I could ask her if the menu really included zebra and kangaroo, she had already picked up her next set of patrons for a tour of the island. I ordered the codfish sandwich and was ready to find a local watering hole when I found the Hi Rise, Beach Bar, perfect for the seafood and scenery. I paid $15 for six beers and sat inside at a table with the view of the mountains and eventually left to board the ship for the next port wishing I could smuggle on my lager.

Have you visited Dominica? What excursions did you experience? I would love to hear about your adventure in the Lesser Antilles and any advice for a future visit. Many thanks for reading about my port day on this beautiful island and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Morne Trois Pitons National Park
48 Cork Street
Roseau, Dominica

Rainforest Shangri-La Resort
Wotten Waven
Roseau Valley, Dominica

Parrot Conservation & Research Center Botanical Gardens
Bath Road
Roseau, Dominica
Telephone: 767 503 4630

Where to Stay:

Fort Young Hotel
Victoria Street, PO Box 519
Roseau, Dominica, West Indies
Telephone: 767 448 5000

Where to Eat:

Hi Rise, Beach Bar
Roseau, Dominica
Telephone: 784 528 1725

Great place for drinking and local fish.

What to Eat:

Agouti is an animal similar to a squirrel or a guinea pig native to the area. The meat is seasoned and served in a spicy curry sauce with various vegetables.
Callalou Soup is one of my favorite dishes from the island made with a vegetable that resembles spinach. Served as a soup, it is seasoned with various spices and fresh local vegetables.
Chatou Water or Octopus soup is a one pot meal which contains dumplings and assorted vegetables.
The Codfish Sandwiches are amazing! A favorite among tourists.
Fresh Fruit to include mangoes, papaya, bananas, guava and pineapples
Manicou is another island delicacy made from opossum. The meat is seasoned and then smoked usually served as a stew along with rice.
Mountain Chicken is considered Dominica’s national food and does not contain any chicken in it at all but rather meat from the local frog and served with either yams, yucca, rice or plantains.
Rum from local distilleries
Sancocho is a hearty dish made with either chicken or beef with local vegetables such as plantains and cassava melon. A blend of lovely spices such as cilantro, cumin, garlic and paprika are added to a sauce of onion and tomato which is poured over the meat and served hot.
Sorrel Punch is made from a local plant which is boiled and then ginger is added to it. It is a very popular drink during the Christmas holiday.

What to Read:

The Dominica Story by Lenox Honychurch
The Orchid House by Phyllis Shand Allfry
Bayou of Pigs: The True Story of an Audacious Plot to Turn a Tropical Island into a Criminal Paradise by Stewart Bell
Pharcel: Runaway Slave by Alick Lazare

Photo Guide for Dominica:

Morne Trois Pitons National Park
Scott’s Head with its tiny village and views of the Soufriere Bay
Papillotte Tropical Gardens with its amazing waterfalls
Victoria Falls
The architecture in Roseau
Underwater Photos at Champagne Reef
Boiling Lake with its mesmerizing colors and mist coming off of it.

Barbados Shore Excursion: Malibu Rum Tour and Beach

24 November 201531 August 2024

Update: Malibu Rum Distillery is now The West Indies Rum Distillery

Barbados was one of my favorite ports of call when I worked for the cruise lines. In addition to visiting all of the historic sites, I loved its coastal beauty. So years later, when I had an opportunity to visit Barbados again, I wanted to visit the Malibu Rum distillery and its nearby beach. Exiting the ship, I strolled through the duty free shops and found the taxi stand located outside of the shopping plaza. I hired a driver for the short 7 minute ride.

One of the Caribbean’s southernmost islands in the West Indies, the island is known for its rum, beaches, natural wonders and cuisine. I was looking forward to a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun and drinking some fruity Malibu Rum drinks.

It was easy to find a cab to take me to the Malibu Rum Distillery. Malibu is the largest coconut rum producer on the island and I love its tropical taste. I entered through a small garden where I found the ticket counter to purchase my tour ticket. The entry fee allowed me a tour through the distillery, a welcome drink which included the yummy rum and entrance to Malibu Beach with a complimentary beach chair to use for the afternoon. With ticket in hand, I made my way to the guide for the start of the tour.

Update: The Malibu Rum Distillery is now the West Indies Rum Distillery

I learned the process of making rum, the secrets to perfecting the flavor where the tour guide walked me and the group through the process of fermentation, aging and the blending of the liquor.

Following the informative rum tour, I could not wait to sink my toes in the sand and enjoy the stunning beach with its pure white sand and clear blue waters. There was a variety of water activities that were free or available for purchase. I pulled up a lounge chair and clearly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings as well as a couple of free (Malibu rum) mixed drinks. The cold fruitiness of the drink, the summer breeze and the refreshing waters were a perfect ending to my limited visit on the island of Barbados.

After a couple of hours, I made arrangements for a taxi to return me back to the ship just in time for sailing.

Barbados is a beautiful island that I loved during my days working for the cruise lines. I can’t wait to explore Barbados again on another cruise in the future. What a beautiful day in paradise!

Have you visited the island of Barbados? What did you enjoy the most about your vacation? I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to the island of flying-fish soup and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The West Indies Rum Distillery
Brighton Beach, Barbados
Telephone: 246 425 9300

Home of Cockspur and Malibu Rum

Where to Stay:

Accra Beach Hotel
Rockley, BB15139
Christchurch
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 435 8920

Where to Eat:

Waterfront Cafe
The Careenage, Bridgetown
St. Michael, Barbados
Telephone: 246 427 0093

What to Eat:

Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of the island
Black Cake is baked with dried cherries, prunes and raisins with a little rum added to it.
Conkies are sweet desserts made from corn meal, raisins, coconut, and pumpkins with sugar cane and spices which is then put inside of a banana leaf and steamed.
Cutters are small sandwiches usually made up of ham, cheese or egg and served with a salad.
Fishcakes and Bakes are weekend meals usually cooked for fishfrys. The fish is usually cod, fried in a batter seasoned with local spices and herbs. Bakes are a form of bread made of flour, salt and water and once baked, dipped in hot sauce.
Jug Jug is a casserole made from a mixture of beef and pork along with pigeon peas, onions, hot peppers, corn and stewed.
Macaroni pie is similar to macaroni and cheese with onion, herbs and ketchup added to it and topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
Pig Tails are a local street food made from the meaty part of the pig tail.
Sea Urchins which are stewed or fried.
Souse and pudding is a pork and potato dish made from sweet potatoes seasoned with local herbs.

What to Read:

Triangular Road: A Memoir, by Paule Marshall
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
A Tan and Sandy Silence, by John D. MacDonald
The Seven Lives of Lady Barker, by Betty Gilderdale
The Tale of the Body Thief, by Anne Rice
Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl, by Kate McCafferty

Photo Guide for Barbados:

Andromeda Botanical Gardens in the east is home to over six acres of flowers and plants
The Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and interesting formations in the cave
Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter to photograph the local Green Monkey.
Bath in St. John for stunning views and a popular picnic spot
Bottom Bay in St. Philip is known for its rugged, towering cliffs on the southeast side of the island.
Bridgetown in St. Michael is a lovely location to photograph its architecture, harbor and charming capitol.
Cattlewash and Bathsheba in the east are fabulous surfing locations with large boulders and spectacular beaches.
Codrington College built in 1743 is the oldest Anglican Theological College in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture and grounds are absolutely stunning and is one of the most photographed locations on the island.
Cove Bay in St. Lucy offers panoramic views of the rocky coastline
Culpepper Island is on the east side of the island and only accessible at low tide, located approximately on hundred yards off of the coast.
Crane Beach in St. Philip offers pink sand and rugged cliffs. Most photographed from the Crane Beach Hotel, this location is on the southeast side of the island.
East Point Lighthouse is located at Ragged Point and provides a stunning backdrop for views of the coast.
Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter was built on a hill with outstanding views of the east coast. Photograph the architectural ruins and cliffside structure.
The Flower Forest is located on the north side of the island that offers panoramic views of beautiful gardens
The Garrison in St. Michael is home to several historic buildings and attractions. The Garrison Savannah is open seasonally offering horse racing.
Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on the south side of the island is home to wildlife set on thirty five acres.
Grenade Hall Signal Station in St. Peter was once used to send signals across the island. Beautifully restored, its beautiful views include the surrounding forest and forest trail.
Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George is one of two signal stations recently renovated. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the large lion statue and panoramic views of the island.
Miami Beach / Enterprise Beach for white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas
Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew was built in 1776 and on the site of the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. Cherry Tree Hill is north of the windmill and offers panoramic views of the east coast and mahogany forest
Orchid World in St. George to photograph a wide variety of orchids
Speightstown in St. Peter is great for photographing architecture
St. John’s Church in St. John offers stunning gothic architecture and awesome views.
St. Martin’s Bay in St. John is a charming fishing village with breathtaking views of the coastline
Sunbury Plantation House on the south side of the island is a historical plantation set in a mahogany forest.
Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas is a great place to photograph plants and the Barbados Green Monkey. Welchman Hall is a spectacular building that measures nearly three quarters of a mile long.

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Ship’s Ahoy! Pirate Boat Shore Excursion, Antigua

17 November 201531 August 2024

Cruising through the Caribbean, I finally reached the island of Antigua. Known for its beautiful beaches, historical forts and dockyard as well as its natural landscape, I was interested in purchasing the “Best of Antigua” excursion. Unfortunately, it was sold out. With limited options available from the ship, I decided to board a local Pirate Cruise for the afternoon which included a stop at the beach with drinks included.

Announcements were made for passengers holding tickets for the ship’s excursions to make their way to the meeting area prior to leaving. Crowds of passengers headed down towards the dock where we awaited the arrival of the pirate vessel. According to the literature, this tall ship was used in the filming of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, which made the experience even more exciting. Anyone up for a sword fight against Jack Sparrow?

We boarded the Black Swan and checked out its main deck and masts as well as the Jolly Roger flag. The crew gave us a safety presentation followed by an overview of the parts of a pirate ship. We learned how pirates would circumnavigate the Caribbean in search of trade ships to plunder as we sailed the open waters.

The small white caps of the waves were proof of a calm, gentle sailing. It was the perfect ship to shore experience. The informational session continued as we coasted towards Deep Bay beach. We would have an hour and a half to explore the coast by hiking the trail towards Fort Barrington on Goat Hill or take the opportunity to sunbathe.

The craggy rocks would have made sailing these waters dangerous for both merchants and pirates. The outcroppings and coves would have been the perfect protection for pirates surviving the islands, raiding merchants ships and stealing their cargo.

Cruising through the passageway we noticed a stone fort perched upon the hill. Just as we were passing by, the sound of cannons boomed from the mound and pirates threatened to board our ship. So the battle began.

The reenactment between the pirates on the island lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. It was just enough time to bring us to the beach where we hopped off for some fun in the sun.

We safely approached the bay and were greeted by other sailboats and pontoons in a beautiful harbor setting.

We were tendered off of the pirate ship to the beautiful sandy beach of Deep Bay. From here, we climbed the trail towards the fort in search of buried treasure taking in the stunning coastline of the harbor. It was a short hike and I had some extra time to enjoy the surf and sand.

The clouds began to roll in protecting us from the heat of the day. The water was crystal clear and the perfect temperature for a short swim. In the distance, sailboats were anchored off shore providing a picture perfect view and the salty air was the best therapy I could have ever imagined.

On our return, we indulged in the unlimited, free Pirate Punch provided by the pirate ship crew. We enjoyed the music and dancing as we tried on our pirate headgear looking fierce and ready for a take-down. The brave ones were challenged with the opportunity to “steer” the boat while the rest of us relaxed, sipping on pirate juice.

We arrived at the dock with about an hour remaining. I had time to stop by The Island Beehive, a popular bar for cruise ship passengers that specialized in fruity cocktails and people watching. Shops surrounding the square filled with tourists shopping for local deals while Antiguans were dancing in the streets, entertaining us with their local zydeco music.

It was finally time to stroll back to the ship where I could see a pier off into the distance. I was happy to have the short visit, but as always, cruising reminds me of my former life as a cruise ship purse. Always a great time with the friends I made from one ship to the next. How I miss those laid-back, worry-free days.

The cruise ship was within sight and I had plenty of time before departure. I couldn’t help but think back to my days at sea when I would return to a port each week, but unfortunately those days were gone. I learned so much from my work with the cruise lines, such as the island culture and its history. I always look forward to an island cruise to reminisce about those irreplaceable memories.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Antigua/Barbuda? Did you arrive by cruise ship or stay for an extended period of time? I would love to hear about the places you visited, the restaurants where you dined and the memories that you made if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience in Antigua and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Black Swan: This excursion was booked through the cruise line.

Where to Stay:

Cocobay Antigua
Hughes Point
St. Phillips, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 736 8000

Where to Eat:

Sheer Rocks at Cocobay Resort
Ffryes Beach, Valley Road
St. Mary’s, Antigua, West Indies
Telephone: 268 463 6161

We started with the Seafood Risotto, Pan Roasted Grouper and a glass of Muscadet Sevre et Maine. Saving room for dessert, we ordered the Banana and Rum Cake as well as the Passion Fruit Mousse. The meal was spectacular!

What to Eat:

Antiguan black pineapple is sweeter than the traditional pineapple and lower acidity.
Antiguan butter bread – a staple bread in Antigua
Ducana is dumpling filled with sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar and spices and placed between banana leaves. This delicious appetizer is either fried or boiled.
Fungee and Pepperpot Stew is a hearty stew with meat and vegetables that is simmered for hours; paired with a cornmeal and okra based bread for dipping
Saltfish, an abundant seafood of the island.

What to Read:

Books by Jamaica Kincaid
Sailing for Home, Theo Dorgan
Journeycakes: Memories with My Antiguan Mama by Monica Matthew

Photo Guide for Antigua and Barbuda:

The colorful port of St. John, best taken from the end of the fishing pier
View of the English Harbor from Shirley Heights
Galley Bay, the island’s most popular beach
The white sands of Ffryes Beach
Half Moon Bay, Antigua
Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda
Betty’s Hope Historic Sugar Plantation
Fort James
Nelson’s Dockyard
Sunset from Jolly Beach and Jolly Harbour, best seen from helicopter
Red telephone booth at Dickensen Bay at Antigua
The Causeway in English Harbour, Antigua

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Our Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

25 June 201514 September 2024

It was our final day cruising along the Mexican Riviera as the Carnival Splendor brought us into the port of Puerto Vallarta. This cruise ship stop on the Pacific Coast rests on the edge of Banderas Bay, protected by the tropical forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains. My friend Dani and I were so excited for this day because we had booked the dolphin excursion from the ship. We would have plenty of time after our tour to explore this popular port town and enjoy an authentic meal of tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

As soon as we disembarked the ship, we boarded the ferry that shipped us off to the Dolphin Rescue and Reserve. It was a short ride but the scenery was beautiful as we took in the bay and watched the ship fade into the distance. Our group size totaled twenty, which included not only adults but several children. The kids were so happy to see the dolphins and their energy made us just as excited as well.

Once we arrived, we followed a path through dense brush where our tour guide pointed out several native birds. The iguanas were difficult to find, camouflaged against the green foliage so we were thrilled to point them out to our fellow travelers the moment we spotted them.

It wasn’t long until we had arrived at the pool and distracted by wanting a glimpse of the dolphins, we strayed away for a minute or two in hopes of seeing these amazing creatures. The research team led us to a covered space providing us with a safety briefing as well as instructions on how to interact with the dolphins.

We were asked to remove our jewelry so that we did not scratch the dolphins’ delicate skin. It was also important that we allowed the dolphins to take their time to get comfortable with us once we entered the pool. The trainers would be looking for any signs of distress by the dolphin(s) and our interaction could cease at any time should the caretakers feel the dolphins were not comfortable. Cameras were not allowed in the pool area, but we could purchase our photos from the reserve.

Prior to hearing the rules, Dani and I happened to take a photo of the dolphins as they were let out during our educational session. I was happy that they allowed us to keep the photos, but of course, reminded us not to take any additional photographs.

Once we finished our dolphin swim, we followed our guide to an observational deck below where we could catch a better glimpse of the dolphins underwater. A highlight of my trip was to watch a seven month calf swimming side by side with her mother.

I would have loved to have had more time watching the dolphins, but our group was preparing to leave as another tour began. Dani and I had decided to stop by a local restaurant to enjoy a couple of margaritas before boarding the ship.

We selected a cozy, open-air café where we could people watch and place an order for an authentic Mexican meal.

We started by requesting a Pacifico, the local beer.

An order of chips and salsa….

and guacamole.

After finishing our snacks, we decided to return to the ship a little early and hang out by the pool. The excitement of swimming with dolphins lasted throughout the evening and I wished I would have purchased the photo. Removing “Swimming with Dolphins” from my bucket list, I was ready to relax for the rest of the evening.

Have you had the opportunity to explore Puerto Vallarta? Or have you recently marked off one of your bucket list items? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my day at the Dolphin Reserve and Rescue and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dolphin Discovery Vallarta
Tepic Km 155
63732, Nuevo Vallarta, Nay Mexico
Telephone: 866 393 5158

Where to Stay:

Fiesta Inn Puerto Vallarta Isla
Blvd. San Francisco Medina Ascencio 2477
Puerto Vallarta, JAL 48333, Mexico
Telephone: 888 734 8507

Ranked 9.2 out of 10

Where to Eat: (our restaurant has closed, but the following comes highly recommended)

Azul Vallarta
Playa de Oro #126,
Zona Hotelera, Zona Hotelera Nte.,
48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Telephone: 52 322 221 9606

What to Eat:

Birria is made of goat or lamb boiled in local spices and prepared spice. It is served with lime, onion and tortillas.
Fish roasted on a stick or “pescado embarazado”
Tamales are corn meal stuffed with meat, tomatoes, chilis, while some have pineapple without chiles. The corn meal is then wrapped by a corn husk and steamed. A favorite during the Christmas holiday.
Tequila, mescal and raicilla are alcoholic drinks. While most are familiar with the tequila and mescal (with the worm), raicilla is much stronger and has a smoky taste.

What to Read:

Knock Until the Dog Barks, by D. E. Brobst
Getaway, by Lisa Brackmann
Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, by Robert James Walter
Boomers in Paradise: Boomers in Puerto Vallarta, by Robert Nelson
Tomorrow There will be Sun. by Dana Reinhardt

Photo Guide for Puerto Vallarta:

Bay of Banderas
- Cultural sights
Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
Cuale River Island
- Stairway to heaven
Local Hotels
- Pool shots
Los Muertos Beach
- Brightly colored architecture
Old Town
- Angel Wings in Old Town Puerto Vallarta
- Beautiful Murals
Sayulita
- Charming alleys
- Iguanas
- Murals
- Restaurants
- Wall art and art vendors

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Collection of Blog Posts from 2014

29 December 201421 July 2024

What a great year for travel! Here are some of my adventure blog posts for 2014:

ASIA:

Philippines

Arriving to the Mission by Tuk-Tuk

Pre-School and Pampering at Naomi’s Heart

Haircuts for the Amazing Women at the Mission

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL:

Antigua

The Bahamas

Freeport, Grand Bahama

Barbados

Malibu Beach, Barbados

Belize, Honduras and Mexico: Altun Ha

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

Costa Rica: A Photographic Review

Gorgeous Beaches in Costa Rica

Jamaica: Dunn’s River Falls

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Mexico: Cozumel

Downtown Cozumel, Mexico

Hurricane Gilbert

The Massive Destruction of Hurricane Gilbert to the Yucatan Peninsula in 1988

EUROPE:

Italy: Venice

A Morning Stroll Through Venice

Monaco

Views from the Perfume Factory

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona: Jerome Historic State Park

Hotel at Jerome State Park

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Wood

United States, Arizona: Sedona

The gorgeous rocks of Sedona

United States, California: San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

Approaching Alcatraz Island

United States, Florida: Cypress Gardens

Enjoying the Beautiful Grounds

United States, Florida: Key West

Beautiful Sunset from Mallory Square, Key West

United States, Florida: Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom

United States, Hawaii: Diamond Head

The Hike is Worth the View

United States, Hawaii: Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial

United States, Hawaii: Hanauma Bay

Amazing View of Hanauma Bay

United States, Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Hawaii’s Volcanoe National Park

Hawaiian Luau

Enjoying the Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Epic Kauai Experience

The Gorgeous Landscape of Kauai

United States, Illinois: Chicago

Chicago Fountain, Illinois

United States, Louisiana: New Orleans

Jackson Square, New Orleans

United States, Michigan: Hale

Arriving in Michigan – The Start of our Vacation

United States, Michigan, Hale: 1st Day of Vacation

The View from Our Vacation Rental

United States: Michigan

Mackinac Island

Shepler’s Ferry

A View of the Grand Hotel from the Ferry

Mackinac Island Harbor

Bike Rentals on Mackinac Island

Beautiful Flowers in the Shopping District of Mackinac Island

Transportation to the Grand Hotel

United States, North Carolina: Bodie Island

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks

Bodie Island Lighthouse

United States, North Carolina: Carolina Beach

Choosing our Campsite

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla

Currituck Heritage Lighthouse

United States, Ohio: Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

Exploring the Gorge

United States, Ohio: Eagle Sighting at Highbanks

Spending the Afternoon Searching for Eaglets

United States, Ohio: Marietta

Road Trip to Marietta

United States, Ohio: Living Word Outdoor Drama

The Resurrection of Jesus

United States, Ohio: Renaissance Festival

Strolling the Medieval Town During the Festival

United States, Ohio: Battelle Darby Creek

A Lovely Winter Hike

United States, Ohio: Living Word Outdoor Drama

Living Word Outdoor Drama

United States Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

United States: Rhode Island: Cliff Walk

The Chanler in Newport

United States: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

My First Buffalo Sighting

United States, South Dakota: Needles Drive

The Needle

United States, South Dakota: Sylvan Lake

Beautiful Reflections off of Sylvan Lake

United States, South Dakota: Custer Park

Custer Park’s Wildlife Drive

United States, South Dakota: Yellowstone

Where the Buffalo Roam

United States, South Dakota: Yellowstone

A First Impression of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

United States, Texas: Galveston

Todd Shipyards, Galveston

United States, Wyoming: Yellowstone

The Grand Lodge at Yellowstone

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Stingray City, Grand Cayman’s #1 Excursion

4 August 201431 August 2024

The weather could not have been more perfect for our amazing excursion to Stingray City. We arrived at the pier early to catch our tour boat taking us to the barrier reefs of the North Sound. After a 25 minute ride, the boat anchored near a series of shallow sandbars. The snorkeling site was teaming with colorful fish and the infamous southern stingrays.

With our snorkeling equipment in hand, we disembarked into the sound. Carefully shuffling our feet so that we did not step on the stingray’s barb, we arrived in the shallow waters measuring three to four feet deep. Our guide had brought a pail of chummed squid meat for us to feed the stingrays. We were instructed to hold our hands flat underwater so the stingray will try to “suck” the meat from our hands. Before long, we were surrounded by nearly 50 stingrays ranging in various sizes, rubbing up against us with hopes of being fed. These gentle giants were so friendly, we could pet them, feed them and take photos with them.

Stingrays are known to live 15 to 25 years and learned that several of the stingrays on our tour were regulars. Some of the star stingrays in the group were “Ray Charles” and “Sugar Ray.” I was most surprised at how unafraid they were of humans and that they were actually playful, rubbing up against us with their soft, slimy-feeling fins.

We enjoyed our 90 minute encounter with these amazing sea creatures which was such an amazing, educational experience. If you visit the island of Grand Cayman, Stingray City is a must.

Have you visited Stingray City in Grand Cayman? What did you think of your experience? I would love to hear what you thought about snorkeling with stingrays if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience at Stingray City and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stingray City Cayman Islands
31026 Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands KY1-1205
Telephone: 345 322 3400

Visit the website for a number of excursions that include a trip to Stingray City.

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Bacaro
Yacht Drive, West Bay
Grand Cayman, KY1-9006
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 749 4800

I could not resist the Salumi e Formaggi Platter assorted cured meats and gourmet cheese, olives, dried figs, nuts and homemade crackers and ended my night with a chocolate martini.

What to Eat:

Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read:

The Firm by John Grisham
Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

Cayman Crystal Caves: stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
Rum Point: beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
Seven Mile Beach: pristine white sand for miles
Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
Stingray City: above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
Sunset over the Edge Cafe: amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Postcards from Hell, Grand Cayman

31 July 201425 May 2025

Our plane touched down on the island of Grand Cayman where the weather was a balmy 80 degrees in January of 1997. Traveling with my friend Cheryl, we were excited to pick up our rental car, check into our hotel on Seven Mile Beach and begin exploring the island, most known for its spectacular diving.

Located 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman is one of three of the Cayman Islands which is a popular cruise ship port for the Western Caribbean itineraries. I had visited here while working for the cruise lines and longed for its laid back atmosphere, friendly stingrays and beautiful white sand beaches.

After checking into our hotel, we didn’t waste time exploring the island starting with a visit to Hell. Staying on Seven Mile Beach, we drove north until we reached the island’s West Bay.

The attraction was surprisingly small, but since it was free, we followed the boardwalk towards acres of black-covered limestone formations. The rocks appeared to have been scorched from a raging fire, leaving an eerie landscape resembling a Biblical apocalypse.

Hell’s owner, Ivan Farrington was well known by the locals as he became famous for wearing a devil costume at the site. Visitors could pose for photos with the “Devil in Hell”, a picture perfect opportunity.

UPDATE: As of spring of 2019, Ivan is selling his geological attraction of Hell for an outstanding eight million dollars. Any takers?

Hell was really not much to write home about, but we thought it would be fun to send a postcard back to family and friends from the post office. We browsed the gift shop, posted our cards and decided to drive back to the hotel.

We found The Cracked Conch, a nearby restaurant where we dined on unbelievable seafood. After dinner, we decided to enjoy the pool before a big day of adventure tomorrow. We planned to wake up early and drive towards the east of the island to explore its interesting attractions and shoreline views, so we will be needing a great night’s sleep.

Have you visited Grand Cayman’s West Bay town of Hell? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my throwback visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Devil’s Hangout
Hell Road, West Bay
Hell, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Telephone: +345 949 3358

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Cracked Conch
847 North West Point, Road, West Bay
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 345 945 5217

This award-winning restaurant is located on the West Bay of Grand Cayman offering fresh seafood (namely conch) with spectacular oceanfront views. Order the outstanding conch ceviche, followed by the Pan Seared Snapper served with creamy chorizo, local cho cho, Madagascar beans and tomato vinaigrette. Save room for the Guava Glazed Bread & Butter Pudding! You won’t believe their amazing liquor selection.

What to Eat:

Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read:

The Firm by John Grisham
Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman

Cayman Crystal Caves: stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
Rum Point: beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
Seven Mile Beach: pristine white sand for miles
Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
Stingray City: above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
Sunset over the Edge Cafe: amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

An Afternoon Drive Along the South Coast of Grand Cayman

24 July 201431 August 2024

Another spectacular day on the island of Grand Cayman, so my friend Cheryl and I hopped in our rental car for an afternoon drive. Traveling from the West Bay, we headed towards our first stop, Pedro St. James, about a 30 minute journey from Seven Mile Beach.

We arrived in Bodden Town at Pedro St. James Historic Site where we parked the car and began the short trek to the attraction. Also known as Pedro’s Castle, the home had been eerily abandoned and was in its first phase of restoration. We were hoping to learn more about the history of plantation life in Grand Cayman and made the decision to explore this fabulous residence.

Dating back to the 18^th century, the Great House is considered the oldest surviving structure on the island. The three-story home, reinforced by 18-inch thick stone, was owned by wealthy Englishman, William Eden. Once a working 7-acre farm, the colorful estate sits atop a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is easy to imagine fields of yams, cassava and plantains. It was here in 1835 where Jamaican Governor Sligo read the Declaration of Emancipation, freeing the African slaves living throughout the British colonies.

We decided to explore the house and climbed to the third floor veranda to take in the beautiful view of the spectacular turquoise shoreline. As we strolled the property, we were surprised to learn that the “English Castle” was not yet open to the public. The government had just purchased the property in 1991 (we were visiting in 1997) to restore the old stone manor and its English gardens.

Today, Pedro St. James Historic Site is complete with memorabilia, antiques and period furniture. The comfortable theater presents an interactive video providing a historical account of the site. The 20-minute audio-visual runs hourly starting at 10AM with the final show beginning at 4PM. In addition to touring the estate and gardens, the attraction includes a stamp room, a hurricane Ivan memorial and a self-guided rum tour with rum tastings included.

A ten minute drive from St. Pedro are the Pirates Caves. Sitting atop a hill, it was here where buccaneers were said to have hidden their plunder in a series of caverns. A great, family-friendly attraction, grown-ups and children alike can hunt for the buried treasure of infamous pirates such as Blackbeard, Edward Low and local swashbuckler, Roy Bodden. Installed lights within the caves make the venue a more appropriate excursion for families with small children. While legend claims the loot remains within the caves, it has not yet been discovered.

Today, visitors can explore the caves on a self-guided tour. Aspiring trailblazers can don a helmet with a light attached and grab a flashlight to authenticate the experience, reveling in their adventurous fantasy. Fruit bats living in the caves and legendary ghosts said to protect the buried treasure add a level of intrigue to the quest for riches beyond belief.

Our pursuit to locate a pirate’s booty was unsuccessful, so we drove further east towards the blowholes on the southeast side of the island. We couldn’t resist the short drive to relax along the seashore and watch the waves crash along the craggy coast. We stepped out of the car, walked among the rocks and felt the salty spray misting our faces. Searching for hermit crabs and starfish, we enjoyed exploring the shallow pools before ending our day at Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant on Seven Mile Beach. With an abundance of seafood and tropical drinks, I could not imagine ending the day in a more spectacular way.

Have you visited Grand Cayman? Did you venture out past Seven Mile Beach and George Town? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my “throwback” visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pedro St. James Historic Site
Pedro Castle Road
Savannah, KY1-1501
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 947 3329

Admission Fee for Self Guided Tours: Adults: CI $10; Children (ages 6 – 12): CI $5 and Children (0-5): Free Admission Fee for Guided Tours: Adults: CI $15; Children (ages 6 – 12): CI $5 and Children (0-5): Free
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 5PM; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Amenities: Theater, Wedding Venue, Stamp Room, Rum Tastings, Hurricane Ivan Memorial
Guided Tours: Self-guided and guided tours available (see Admission Fee information)
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: For a more memorable experience, book the guided tour. One of the guides is a descendant of the original owner. Although the house is open until 5PM, visitors must arrive before 4PM to view the amazing video.

Underground Pirates Caves
281 Bodden Town Road
Bodden Town, KY1-1501
Telephone: 345 929 2520
Email: cindy@piratescaves.ky or ian@piratescaves.ky

Admission Fee: Adults: CI $15; Children (ages 0 – 11)
Hours: Open only by reservation; contact Cindy or Ian by email or telephone
Amenities: Gift shop, Pirates Eatery, Rescue Animals
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear tennis shoes because the caves can be slippery. Advanced reservations must be made by contacting Cindy or Ian by email or phone (provided above).

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Morgans Seafood Restaurant
Governors Creek Cayman Islands
Yacht Club, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 946 7049

I started with the Tomato & Mozzarella appetizer and ordered the Fresh Mixed Seafood Risotto which was absolutely divine. We ordered a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to celebrate our vacation!

What to Eat:

Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read:

The Firm by John Grisham
Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

Cayman Crystal Caves: stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
Rum Point: beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
Seven Mile Beach: pristine white sand for miles
Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
Stingray City: above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
Sunset over the Edge Cafe: amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.