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Category Archives: World travel

Naomi’s Heart Mission, Philippines: Preschool and Pampering

18 August 201531 August 2024

Waking up early, we had a delicious breakfast of eggs and fresh fruit then prepared for the preschoolers to arrive.    There were close to fifteen children enrolled in the preschool program and Naomi’s Heart Mission also pays for the children to continue their education until they reach college paid for by the generosity of their sponsors.

Preschool classes start early, so we greeted the parents as they dropped off their children and led the little ones to let them entertain themselves before beginning their studies. With plenty of toys donated to the mission, we had time to play with the preschoolers before they made their way to their classroom.

While the students are attending classes, NHM sponsors a wide range of activities for some of the parents as they wait for their children.  Kristi leads a Bible Study for the women while fellow Filipino men offer trade instruction.

While we visited Naomi’s Heart Mission, Dawn Willis, one of our pastor’s wives, gave the local volunteers haircuts.   Kristi was so thankful that she could give back to these beautiful women for giving of their time and hearts to continue the ministry.

 

Following preschool, NHM feeds the children at the mission as well as the local neighborhood with Lugaw, the local rice porridge. Served hot, this household staple is best when made with chocolate.  The kids absolutely loved this and would line up for seconds.

As we were leaving to feed a community outside of the mission, there were several volunteers who began preparing our dinner so that we could eat when we returned.

NHM’s Preschool Children: 

Local Feeding from Naomi’s Heart Mission: 

For More Information about Naomi’s Heart Mission, visit their website at http://www.naomisheartmission.org/.

To Give to the Mission, visit their website at http://www.naomisheartmission.org/ways-to-help—contact-us.html.

Naomi’s Heart Mission
Purok 2 Lanton Apopang
General Santos City
9500 Philippines
Telephone:  937 304 8110

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

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Visiting Naomi’s Heart Mission, Philippines: A Day of Travel

11 August 201531 August 2024

I was so excited for the opportunity to visit Naomi’s Heart Mission on a missions trip.  Located in General Santos City, Philippines, our flight would leave out of Dayton, Ohio with stops in Hong Kong and Manila.

A view of Hong Kong

A Rainy Day in Hong Kong

Welcome to Hong Kong

We were met by our Tanod (guard) at the Manila airport late at night and he watched over us until our morning flight to General Santos City

Our 7AM flight to General Santos City, Philippines

Flying Philippines Airlines

Our flight preparing to land in Gen San, on the island of Mindanao

Riding the Mission’s “Mystery Machine” from the airport to Naomi’s Heart Mission

A Warm Welcome from Kristie Ward from NHM

A Tour of NHM:  the kitchen

Check out the “Mystery Bus”

Dinner at NHM consisted of chicken and plenty of rice.

The Faces of Naomi’s Heart Mission:

For More Information about Naomi’s Heart Mission, visit their website at http://www.naomisheartmission.org/.

To Give to the Mission, visit their website at http://www.naomisheartmission.org/ways-to-help—contact-us.html.

Naomi’s Heart Mission
Purok 2 Lanton Apopang
General Santos City
9500 Philippines
Telephone:  937 304 8110

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

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The Mayan Mystery of Tulum

4 August 201531 August 2024

Overlooking the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean Sea, I could hardly wait to revisit the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum.  Working for the cruise lines, I had the amazing opportunity to explore many of the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan and learn about their spectacular culture.

I had arrived by colectivo (the shuttle van) from Playa del Carmen (80 pesos round trip) which took just a little over 45 minutes one way. It was a wild ride and it took me back to the days of traveling this road in the 1990s.  We always joked about how fast the buses traveled along this long stretch of road.  Does Mexico have a speed limit?

Staying in Tulum, I was so happy to have arrived at the site, long before the cruise ship crowds.  With plenty of time to explore, I visited each of the Mayan structures and then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

The Mayans were responsible for building several magnificent settlements throughout today’s countries of Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. While much is known about ancient Greek and Roman civilization, there is extensive evidence of the intellect of the Mayans as found in their construction, mathematics and astronomy.

Their temples and buildings include magnificent stairways, columns, terraces, decorative carving, arches and moldings. Research has shown that the Mayans used three symbols for use in counting with the dot representing the number one, a line for the number five and a decorative shell standing in as the number zero.  They also succeeded in developing the 365 day calendar known as the Haab based on the solar system.   Similar to the Egyptians, the Mayans used hieroglyphs to document historical events.

On the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula, Tulum was the most important archaeological site of the Maya.

Tulum has a special place in my heart as I had first toured this location in my early 20s.  I was amazed by the stunning architecture and history of the Mayan civilization as well as the location of this beautiful place.  I couldn’t help but stand in awe, feeling as though I had stepped back in time entering this magical place.

Tulum was one of several walled cities within the state of Quintana Roo. Most likely inhabited between the 13th and 15th centuries, it was an important port city for trading obsidian.  Beautifully built on a bluff that faces the Caribbean Sea, Tulum may have been known as  Zama, which means City of Dawn.  It is also believed that Tulum was an important site for the worship of the Descending (or Diving) god.

According to the document, Las Relaciones de Yucatan (the Accounts of Yucatan), the Spanish first encountered Zama during their 1518 expedition, conquering the site in 1544.  By the end of the 16th century, the site was completely abandoned.

In 1847, the War of the Castes saw an uprising of the Mayans against the government and landowner as Tulum became their refuge.  Following another revolt in 1871, Tulum was considered a shrine until 1916 when restorations of the site were led by Sylvanus Morley and George P. Howe.  By 1938, Mexican archaeologist Miguel Angel Fernandez  began his conservation and restoration work of the site.

Stretching nearly four miles along the coast are buildings, platforms and tombs within the Inner and Outer Precincts (The Great Wall).  The wall may have been built as a defense for the city but also separates the government and religious buildings.  With five narrow entrances, there may have also been watchtowers on the northwest and southwest corners.

The inner precinct may have been where the more important buildings would have created the city’s center. These structures would have included the Castillo (Castle), the Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Initial Series with additional temples, shrines and platforms throughout.

One of the most important of these buildings was the Temple of the Frescoes which stands east of the main street. It is believed that this temple was used to track the movements of the sun. Integral to the society’s social and religious activities, the murals, frescoes, and sculptures gave the world an insight into Mayan culture.

Built over various stages, the temple’s first level was a simple ground level structure with a small altar on the opposite end of the entrance.  The original murals have been exquisitely preserved by the gallery built in its second stage.  These religious paintings illustrate the Mayan gods, entwined serpents and offerings, based on this Central American culture.

In its second stage, a chamber was added in addition to columns, capitals and pillars.  Stucco mask figures make up the frieze in addition to niches that may have held important relics.  Additional  paintings include one of the Descending god surrounded by figures with elaborate headdresses. The architrave displays red handprints, an unusual relief of men and snakes as well as two large masks of the gods, most likely that of Char and Itzamna, the giver of life.

To support the temple built on the next level, the third stage required reinforcements to sustain this religious place of worship.

Outside of the temple was displayed a stele engraved with text but the stone was so worn that it could not have been deciphered.

Second to the Temple of the Wind rising up from the coast of the Caribbean Sea, the Castillo also dominates the skyline of this archaeological site.  The tallest building in Tulum,  the Castle has evolved over many years to include a ginormous buttress, double gallery on a terrace and a mountain of stairs reaching a gorgeous temple on top.

Shrines, niches, porticos and serpent shapes were discovered deep in its interior as well as a figures, stucco masks and feather headdresses.

Tulum’s House of the Halach Uinik was the home of the supreme ruler of Tulum during the colonial period.  Standing on a platform, the entrance has four columns and towards the rear walkway, a roofed shrine.  Inside of the two vaulted tombs, archaeologists found fragments of incense burners. On the east side of the structure is a carving of the Descending god.

Iconic photos of Tulum show the Temple of the Wind against the background of the crystal blue Caribbean ocean.  This is what originally drew me to the archaeological site in the early 1990s.

With only a single room, the Mayans would gain entrance from the north.  Unlike the other structures, this temple stood on a round platform which was used in temples dedicated to the god of the wind, Ehecati throughout the Central Plateau.

It is estimated that there are sixty structures that have been labeled at Tulum.  Among them are:

  • the Temple of the Descending god, a well preserved site with murals, carvings depicting religious scenes and elaborate cornices;
  • House of the Chultun, a cistern that stored rainwater;
  • the Temple of the Initial Series, where a stele was found, now housed in the British Museum;
  • the House of the Columns, known as the Great Palace;
  • House of the Cenote, which stood over an ancient well

I could have spent a couple of days exploring this spectacular site where my fascination of the Mayan culture began but I had scheduled a dive at Akumal to revisit another one of my favorite activities in Quintana Roo.

Have you visited Tulum and did you find yourself drawn to the Mayan culture?  I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my revisit to Tulum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Archaeological Site of Tulum

  • Admission Fee: 65 pesos
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8AM to 5PM, last admission at 4PM
  • Length of Visit: 2 – 4 hours
  • Amenities:  Shopping center, store, ticketing window and restrooms
  • How to Get There: The colectivo from Playa del Carmen is located at Avenida 15 and Calle 2. The drivers will be holding signs and/or calling out the destination, so make sure you are listening or looking for “Tulum”.   You can access the shuttle schedule by visiting their website at ado.com.mx.  The shuttle will drop you off at ruins first where there will be a 10 minute walk from this location or you can take a little train for 20 pesos.  If you are driving from Playa del Carmen, take Highway 307 South.  If you are staying in Tulum, the trip is on 5 minutes away.
  • Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early as the ruins are crowded in the afternoon and is the hottest time of the day. Do not purchase tickets at stands along the entrance to Tulum as they may not be valid tickets.  Wait until you reach the entrance into the Mayan ruins. Wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat.  There are no restaurants at the site, so if you are hungry, eat outside of the entrance.  Climbing the ruins and touching them is prohibited.  If you want to stay to enjoy the beach, make sure you bring a swimsuit and beach towel.

Where to Stay:

Gramercy Tulum
Av. Boca Paila Km 9.5,
Tulum Beach, Zona Costera, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.
Telephone:  +52 1 (984) 877 0483

  • Amenities:  Oceanfront, Restaurant and Bar, Free WIFI, Spa, pet friendly, room service

Where to Eat:

Hartwood
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila 7-6Km,
Tulum Beach, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
reservations@hartwoodtulum.com

One of the most sought out restaurants in Tulum, you must make reservations in advance for the months of June, July and August

What to Eat:

  • Cochinita Pibil is a suckling pig marinated in a sauce which includes sour orange juice, spices and ground achiote.  It is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked overnight in an outdoor oven. Truly Authentic!!!
  • Pescado de la Veracruz– fish drowned in tomato sauce with green olives, onions, tomatoes, chiles and garlic.
  • Poc Chuc– pork marinated in sour orange juice which comes from a local fruit indigenous to the Yucatan.
  • Sopa de Lima– a type of chicken soup that is seasoned with limes.
  • Tikin – Xic– red snapper or grouper that is wrapped in banana leaves with sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and drenched in a special sauce made with sour orange juice, oregano and spicy paste.
  • Ceviche – fish “cooked” using fruit juices such as lemon or lime

What to Read:

  • A Tourist in the Yucatan, by James McNay Brumfield

Photo Guide for Tulum:

  • Tulum Ruins and Playa Tortuga
  • Cenote Suytun – For the best photo, visit late morning and early evening to catch the sun’s beams shining directly on the circular platform
  • Cenote Zacil-Ha – amazing platform and open air
  • Cenote Car Wash – swinging ropes and bridges
  • Grand Cenote with this spectacular boardwalks
  • Kaan Luum Lagoon – arrive early for uninterrupted photos
  • Crooked Palm Trees at Hotel El Pariso and Amansala Resort Hotel
  • Casa Cenote between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
  • Sculptures at Ven a Luz at Ahau Tulum Beach
  • Muyil Mayan Ruins
  • Matcha Mama and their swings
  • Follow That Dream sign, located near the Lolita & Lolita Boutique
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Exploring El Arco at Cabo San Lucas: A Photographic Tour

2 July 201514 September 2024

Taking the tender into town

Boarding the Catamaran to Visit El Arco

Departing from the Dock Towards El Arco

Boat Ride

Catamaran Trip

Enjoying the Crystal Clear Water

Approaching a little beach town

Approaching El Arco

 A Sandy Beach

Secluded Beach

Beautiful Rock Formations

Coves

Beach Between to Large Boulders

Gorgeous Colors of the Water

A Lonely Cross on the Boulder

Stunning Nature

Approaching El Arco

Pelicans

Taking in the Gorgeous Scenery

Adorable Cove

Secluded Beach

The Sunlight Reflecting Off of the Water

Getting Close to El Arco

Looking Back towards Cabo

Amazing Beaches and Boulders

Have you had the opportunity to explore Cabo San Lucas, Mexico?  What did you do during your visit?  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 cruise around El Arco and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Viator
Viator offers day cruises to El Arco starting at $20 per person
Book on their website or call them with any questions
Telephone:  855 234 8223

Where to Stay:

ME Cabo by Melia
Playa el Medano
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Telephone:  52 624 145 7800

I have stayed here on a subsequent visit and absolutely loved it.

Where to Eat:  

Mango Deck, Restaurant, Bar and Beach Club
Playa el Medano S/N, Col El Medano
Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Mexico
Telephone:  52 624 144 4919

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that they serve sushi!  I ordered a couple of Rainbow Rolls and a margarita….interesting combo, but delicious.

What to Eat:

  • Clamato is a local drink made from clam juice and tomato juice.
  • Damiana liqueur is an aphrodisiac made with cane alcohol, sugar and water.  It is a digestive liquor.
  • Mexican Chocolate Clams are roasted over stone and covered with rosemary.  You must try this!
  • Pitahaya  is a local fruit that is similar to Asia’s dragonfruit.  Growing on cacti, this fruit is also made into jellies, jams, spreads, candies and marzipan.
  • Shrimp and Fish Tacos are one of my favorite dishes to eat in Cabo.  The fish is so fresh served with cole slaw, salsa and veggies then stuffed into a soft tortilla shell
  • Smoked Marlin because I have never seen this anywhere else in Mexico.  Shredded and smoked, the marlin is served with cheese and veggies on a tortilla.
  • 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:

  • Sammy Keyes and the Killer Cruise, by Wendelin Van Draanan
  • Gringos in Paradise, by Barry Golson (nearby)

Photo Guide for Cabo San Lucas:

  • Beach for its white sand
  • Book the Baja Shark Experience for photos of makos and blue sharks
  • Cabo Azul rooms with a view and their infinity pool
  • Cabo Pulmo Marine Park for underwater pics
  • Canon de la Zorra (Canyon of the Fox) for desert, mountains, waterfall and mother nature
  • Flora Farms for views of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains
  • Land’s End to photograph El Arco
  • The Gallery District in San Jose del Cabo
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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.

 

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Staying Close to Port in Mazatlan

18 June 201531 August 2024

As the ship sailed into the port of Mazatlan, I was so surprised by the large number of containers and cranes that were lined up along the dock.  While it is not the prettiest of sights, in the distance, we could see the colorful homes climbing up the hillside.  From the ship, the center of town seemed so far in the distance.

There were not many tours available from the ship, so my friend Dani and I decided to explore the nearby plaza for shopping and then enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch.  Since Mazatlan is known as the “shrimp” capital of the country, I was excited to try one of their local specialties, Mexican antojito, a dish which includes shrimp stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon.

Instead of boarding the complimentary shuttle into town, we decided to walk the short distance to the shopping plaza.  We had six hours to explore the port town of Mazatlan and continued on through the walk way which was highly guarded with military soldiers holding automatic machine guns.  The scene reminded me of my cruise ship days while visiting Playa de Carmen in the Yucatan.

A few of the excursions available for this port were  (1) City Tour, Scenic Drive of Malecon, Cliff Divers and Scenic Harbor Cruises; (2) Panoramic Hike to Faro Lighthouse and Scenic Drive of Downtown;  (3)  ATV, Mexican Village, Tequila and Lunch;  (4) Top 10 Best of Mazatlan;  (5) Bar Hopping Tour.  Unfortunately, we had waited to long to book one of these tours and they were sold out.

We strolled the cruise ship terminal where we found a few shops with colorful crafts to purchase.  To be honest, it was quite disappointing but we found a taco stand and searched for souvenirs before heading back to the ship.  I wished we would have booked a tour here….maybe next time…

Old Town Mazatlan is only a mile from the cruise ship, so it would have only taken about 25 minutes to reach the town.  In hindsight, I wished we would have made the most of our time here, but I was surprisingly unprepared.

It has been my experience that when Americans visit Mexico for the first time, they are fascinated by the over the counter products that are available without a prescription.  From Cipro to Z-Pacs, this is typical of the pharmacies in Mexico.

After lunch, we walked back to the ship, took more photos of the military men and relaxed on the deck with a Miami Vice (mix of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri).  We had plenty of time to watch the sun begin to set as a rainbow appeared in the distance.

It was a relaxing day and we enjoyed strolling the port, agreeing that if we were to return, we would book an excursion, take a third party tour or walk the 25 minutes into town.

Have you been to Mazatlan?  What did you see and which attractions did you visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my simple visit to Mazatlan, and if you have any suggestions for a future, visit that would be great!  Wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and Do:

Old Town Mazatlan is a 25 minute walk from the port of Mazatlan and well worth a visit.

Where to Stay:

Casa de Leyendas
Venustiano Carranza, Centro
82000, Mazatlan, Sin., Mexico
Telephone:  +52 669 981 6180

Where to Eat:

Restaurant La Puntilla
Cruise ship terminal
We ordered chips and salsa and a shrimp salad with a couple of coronas.

What to Eat:

  • Camarones: shrimp, prepared in a large number of ways.
  • Damiana: an alcoholic drink made from the Damiana plant
  • Empanadas de fruta: mini fruit pies usually filled with pineapple, pumpkin and guava
  • Jamoncillo: milk candy
  • Tacuarines: corn and flour cookies usually in the shape of doughnuts
  • Tamales de camaron: tamales with shrimp, wrapped in corn husks
  • Mangos: more than 30 varieties of mango can be found in the province of Sinaloa

Books to Read:

  • Sweet Spot: A Novel About Mazatlan Carnival, Dirty Politics and Baseball, by Linton Robinson
  • Hotel Belmar: The Ghost has a Key, by S.K. Carnes
  • (Baja) The Pearl, by John Steinbeck

Photo Guide to Mazatlan:

  • El Faro Lighthouse for stunning views
  • The Fiesta Land for history and culture
  • Clavadista Divers Rock Point to see local cliff divers
  • Angela Peralta Theatre
  • Continuity of Life Fountain
  • Solar Eclipse set for April 24, 2024, visible from Mazatlan

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

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Incidental Cruise Line Costs

14 May 201531 August 2024

0928 The Sovereign

Have you ever booked a discounted cruise and realized that there were additional charges that you did not factor in the total cost of your trip?  Here are some hidden costs that may take you by surprise:

  1. Cruise Ship Taxes: The base rate of the cruise is usually listed on advertisements and websites, but it is important to know that this is not the final total that you will be paying for the cruise part of your vacation.  There are those little additional fees called taxes. These include tax on the cruise as well as taxes that are charged by the Port Authority of the various ports that you will be visiting on your trip.  These fees are not controlled by the cruise lines, but rather the government agencies or states that govern the port.
  1. Drinks: Many cruise travelers are surprised to learn that soda is not included in the drinks that are available on the ship.  Of course alcohol is an additional charge and this includes wine unless you happen to be sailing on a European cruise where wine and well drinks may be included.
  1. Coffee Shop Drinks: One of the best services brought on board cruise ships is the inclusion of specialty coffee options.  There are stands that are usually set up around the ship that offer cappuccinos, macchiatos, frappuccinos, etc. and may be available 24 hours or at posted times according to the coffee stands and/or ship’s itinerary for the day.  Specialty coffee drinks require the services of a barista, which is why there is an additional charge for an afternoon caffeine boost.  Don’t be surprised when you receive a bill for the service and you may want to check to see if a tip was already included as well.
  1. Water in your room: Just as in hotels, the bottled water provided to you in your stateroom is not free (unless otherwise indicated).  There is usually a fee for drinking this water and a receipt for the bottled water will be provided to you at some point in your cruise.
  1. Wine Corkage Fee: So you have decided to order a bottle of wine and notice that when the bar service representative presents you with the receipt that there is a “wine corkage fee”, your first instinct may be to ask why you are paying an additional fee on top of the wine that you had purchased for your meal.  What could this possibly cover?  Interestingly enough, this fee is included for the service of opening the wine as well as providing wine glasses and chilling or storing the wine depending on the type that you have purchased.  I consider it a small token for the additional service that is offered to you by the bar staff.
  1. Room Service Fee: Room service can be very convenient, especially during the one or two hours where a buffet is not available.  Many cruises will offer a 24 hour pizza delivery service, but of course, there is a fee for them to deliver the pizza.  It’s a small price to pay for the luxury of having food delivered to your room, but again, it is available and you need to know that there is an additional charge added to your bill.  The information will be outlined in the daily schedules that are provided to you during your cruise.
  1. Gratuities (bar, room attendant, waiter, busboy): In the good old days, before computers and technology, tips to service staff included an envelope in each passenger’s stateroom.  It was the passenger’s responsibility to tip each of the service staff for their work over the number of days that they cruised.  Of course, the cruise director would provide the standard tipping rates and passengers could provide more (or less) as they saw fit for tipping.  Today, the tips are already included in the total cost at the close of the ship’s journey.  You can choose to keep the charges on your credit card, pay cash or challenge the amount that was predetermined at the front desk.  Just remember, the service staff work very hard to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible, so even if you decide to forego the dining hall and eat at the snack shop, keep in mind, that the minimal charge that is added to your bill may be a big help to the service staff, as they depend on these tips for their livelihood.
  1. Shore Excursions: Most people know by now, that if the ship offers shore excursions, there will be a fee for signing up.  These outings are optional, but depending on the port of call, you may decide that you want to see your destination with the assistance of a tour guide, most of whom are local residents.  The ship usually provides a wide range of port options ranging from a day at the beach to a full day of port exploration.  When using the internet, you can select which trips you want to take while you are in port and you can determine which ports you may want to adventure on your own.  Just note that if you purchase excursions apart from the ship’s offerings, you will want to ensure that you board the ship at the designated time or the ship will depart without you.  Please be aware that the tour guides welcome tips, so be prepared to have an amount of cash as you see appropriate.
  1. Laundry service: Did you know that some ships offer laundry service for its customers?  Most likely you will find this service available on “world cruises”, but you may want to check into this service if you plan on taking an extended cruise.  This helps you plan accordingly for packing and can also save you luggage fees for flights if you travel light.  You can leave your laundry in a bag, the room steward will pick up the laundry and you will receive you cleaned belongings ironed and folded in perfect condition.  This of course will incur a fee and you may feel obliged to tip your room steward as well.
  1. Exercise Classes/Gym Use: On most of the ships I have traveled, there is a gym as well as a spa on board.  There may or may not be a gym fee, but spa services are not included in the cruise rate and an additional fee will be charged according to the spa menu.  You may also note in your daily itinerary the various workout classes that are being offered on the ship and something may peak your interest.  Read the fine print to see if there is an additional charge for attending the class and again, if you find the service to your liking, you can opt to tip the instructor as well.

I suppose it is obvious that there are additional items where one could spend money on a cruise ship, such as gambling, internet use, purchases from the gift shop, bingo and raffles.  But if you plan accordingly, these additional fees and charges will not come as a surprise.  This will allow you to enjoy your vacation without stressing about the final bill, which will appear in your room the night before departure.  When in doubt, contact the front desk to keep your charges in check or if you have any questions about the status of your charges, they will be happy to help.

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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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

1 D2 Watching the Sunrise at St. Mark's Square

A Morning Stroll Through Venice

Monaco

0928 Castle of Eze

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

Sedona Colors, 1999

The gorgeous rocks of Sedona

United States, California:  San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

+020903 Approaching 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

4 110721 Macinaw city harbor from ferry

Shepler’s Ferry

5 Approaching Mackinac Island

A View of the Grand Hotel from the Ferry

6 48 Mackinac Island Harbor

Mackinac Island Harbor

8 110721 Joy and Bikes at Mackinac Island

Bike Rentals on Mackinac Island

10 110721 Amazing Flowers at Mackinac

Beautiful Flowers in the Shopping District of Mackinac Island

13 54 Horse Carriage of Grand Hotel

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

DSC_1117

Spending the Afternoon Searching for Eaglets

United States, Ohio: Marietta

Road Trip to Marietta

United States, Ohio:  Living Word Outdoor Drama

11 DSC_0233

The Resurrection of Jesus

United States, Ohio:  Renaissance Festival 

100-img_4612

Strolling the Medieval Town During the Festival

United States, Ohio:  Battelle Darby Creek

DSC_1082

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

Chanler Entrance 1

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

DSC_0287

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

6-dsc_0508

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

United States, Texas:  Galveston

Todd Shipyards, Galveston

United States, Wyoming: Yellowstone

The Grand Lodge at Yellowstone

 

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Exploring the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica

15 December 20148 February 2025

The view of the Arenal Volcano could be seen from miles away as we approached central Costa Rica.  The most beautiful blue background accented the green and grey contrast as thin clouds hovered over the peak.  Drawing thousands of visitors to central Costa Rica each year,  We had time to explore the volcano one last time before departing for the Gulf Coast where we would reach Puerto Limon.  It would be nearly a 7 hour drive to the coast with a stop in Poas.

We could not have had a more relaxing drive with just a few wispy clouds moving through to provide some relief from the hot, burning sun.  The trek was absolutely stunning with its scenic views, local gatherings and surprises behind each turn.  We shared the drive and I was happy when I could turn the car over, relieving my knuckles from holding so tightly to the steering wheel.  I quickly learned that the Costa Ricans drive somewhat aggressively, and the roads are a little unstable along the cliffs.

Reaching nearly 9,000 feet, the Poas Volcano is another one of the most visited attractions in Costa Rica.  This protected area in the Central Valley region is Costa Rica’s amazing geothermal feature with a milky blue sulfuric lake at its center.  Smoke and steam rise up through the cracks and crevices created in the hot rock.  Recorded as the largest active crater in the world, the hot water geyser shoots up over 820 feet high, but at that height is not dangerous to visitors.  We hiked up to the crater overlook trail which only takes about 10 minutes each way, measuring .3 miles for spectacular views.

I could have stayed here, mesmerized by its beauty, staring out over the volcano, but we had plans to reach the Caribbean side before nightfall.  We took in the amazing view and returned back to hiking the overlook trail leading to the parking lot.

Update:  Poas Volcano erupted on October 1, 2019 and the park is temporarily closed.

It took us nearly 8 hours to reach Puerto Viejo, but the ride was incredible with scenic views of farmland and tropical trees.  When we arrived on the coast, we were elated to find our hotel and unpack the car to explore the east coast for a couple days.

The next morning we sprinted down to the beach to find a great place to catch some waves and rays.  The weather was hot enough to take the cold edge off of the water, so we spent hours surfing the Salsa Brava.  We found hammocks to take some time to snack on the local food, especially the fruit and my favorite, ceviche.  With our suntans and sun-baked cheeks, we returned back to our room, showered and prepared for dinner and a night on the town.

Our hotel was close to the beach so we didn’t have far to drive.  I was ready before everyone else, so I took a seat outside of our room to enjoy the palm trees, beautiful bay  iguanas and a gentle breeze.  I enjoyed the few minutes to myself just taking in the scenery and wondering what lay ahead for dinner and drinks.  I was hoping we could stop by some of the shops as well to find a new bathing suit or cover up and another supply of Sex Wax for our boards.

We all agreed that we wanted to find a beachy restaurant where we could hear the waves and look out onto the water.  We could not get enough of the local ceviche and found an eatery that checked all of the boxes, Restaurante Tamara.  When it’s a place that the locals eat, it’s sure to be amazing.

A couple of drinks in and Edwin the owner introduced himself to us.  He was extremely hospitable and gave us a few tips for local attractions and sites.  The fresh seafood was absolutely fabulous, the ceviche did not disappoint and the drinks continued to flow.

After dinner, we walked over to the Salsa Brava Beach Bar for more drinks and dancing.  The reggae vibe of Puerto Viejo is infamous and the laid-back music made for a relaxing evening.   We were so tired from spending the day at the beach, so we left earlier than usual for another sunny day at the beach tomorrow.

Have you visited Costa Rica?  What was your favorite place and do you have any recommendations for where to spend my next stay in this beautiful country?  I would love to hear from you if you would leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my journey through Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo Beach and the Salsa Brava wave

Where to Stay:

Casitas Las Flores
Casa Amma Road
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
41001, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 8343 7810
Website: http://www.casitaslasflores.com/

Where to Eat:

Restaurante Tamara
Avenida 71
Limon, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70401, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2750 0148

What to Eat: 

  • Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
  • Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
  • Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
  • Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
  • Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
  • Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

Where to Drink:

Salsa Brava Beach Bar
100 MTS South Discoteca Stanfords
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70002, Costa Rica

What to Drink:

  • Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
  • Cerveza (Beer):  Imperial
  • Guaro:  sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you.   Cacique is the most poular brand.

What to Read:

  • It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
  • Oro by Cizia Zyke
  • Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
  • Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
    Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
    The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
  • Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
  • Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

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Capuchins in Quepos

8 December 201431 August 2024

My first week in Costa Rica flew by as we began to make our drive south towards the Pacific Coast.  It felt great to arrive at our beach house for an afternoon of relaxation and then to host a bonfire for our neighbors in the evening.  Cheffy cooked an amazing meal for us and we watched a couple of movies before turning in.  We had a big day planned with a day of surfing and exploring Manuel Antonio Park in Quepos, about an hour drive from Playa Palo Seco.

We stopped by to see our neighbor Maria to see if she needed us to pick up anything from the grocery on our way back.  She had decided that she had a freezer full of quick and easy prepackaged meals and a a refrigerator stocked with Imperial beer.  She should be good for a couple of days.

Known for its white sandy beaches and outdoor bars, the sleepy town of Quepos is most known for its local park full of monkeys and sloths.  We were so excited to take a few hours to explore Manuel Antonio National Park to interact with the white faced capuchin, hired a local guide and broke out our binoculars to find the elusive three-toed sloth.

As we walked the main path through the park, we felt as though we were being followed by the same troop of monkeys at the start of our adventure.  These cheeky capuchins have become accustomed to humans and love to interact.  Whether you find it charming or a bit invasive, the adorable primates are determined to be center stage.

Most white-faced monkeys travel together in numbers that reach between 18 to 20.  We learned from our guide that it was mating season and that the gestation period lasts for close to 160 days.  Their diet consists of both plants and animals such as nuts, fruits, insects, birds, squirrels, lizards and tree rats.

The two-toed sloths, on the other hand, could care less about their surroundings and stay high towards the top of the trees to maintain their privacy.  Because they are nocturnal, these “smiling” sloths are very difficult to find.  The sloths are synonymous with laziness, but in fact, they do as least they can to conserve energy.  It takes nearly two weeks for a meal to be digested for the sloth and lucky for them, their diet consists of tree leaves and branches.  It is rare to find a sloth near the ground as they only leave their treehouses about once a week to relieve themselves.  One of the easiest ways to spot a sloth is to hire a guide, while some find sloth spotting easier on a night hike when they are wide awake.

Hiking the Punta Catedral brought us to the park’s island, where we could easily see the diversity of the park.  From its snow white beaches, life sustaining rain forest and colorful coral reefs, we decided to cross over a small stream of water to reach the stunning isle.

Nearly a half a million visitors explore Manuel Antonio National Park each year and it has recently opened its elevated trail.  Each year we would make our pilgrimage to one of Costa Rica’s most visited attractions to practice spotting sloths and tracking monkeys.  We would end the day watching the sunset from our local friends’ home and reflecting on our spectacular adventure would agree that this is Pura Vida.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?  What was your favorite part of the day?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading through one of my favorite places to visit in the world and wishing you many Happy Travels.

 What to See and What to Do: 

Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone:  506 2777 3339 or 800 280 2597

  • Admission Fee:    $18.08 for adults; $5.65 for children ages 2 – 12; children under the age of 2 is free
  • Hours:  Daily from 7AM to 5PM with the exception of Tuesday.  The park is open on holidays unless the holiday falls on a Tuesday.  The nearby beach closes at 3 and the park rangers will notify the remaining visitors that they will need to leave the park by 4PM, starting towards the exit by 3:30PM.
  • Amenities:  Guided tours ($51 for adults, $35 for children); Private tours ($71 for adults and $55 for children) The tours last for about 2.5 to 3 hours.   You can purchase your tickets through a third party (i.e., Viator) that will provide a guide.  Guides are available to show you around the park.  They will tell you about the flora and fauna as well as show you were the animals are hiding within the parks. Most tours will last only a couple of hours, but should you want to stay longer, the guide can explain how to take the bus back or where to grab a taxi.  Independent guides should wear their badges showing their ICT certification. For 2, expect to pay $20 per person for 2 hours and if they charge more, you can easily find another guide that will accept the $20 per hour/per person rate.
  • Parking: Parking is available at the park and there are several parking lots.  Follow the sign at the entrance and an attendant will assist you with parking.  Remember to note which parking lot you have parked your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in the car, roll up your windows and ensure the doors are locked.  Pay for parking in Costa Rican colones, not American dollars.  Depending on the season, you can expect to pay 3000 to 6000 colones. On your way to parking, look for restaurants and shops on the left and this will let you know that you are close.  There may be attendants that will tell you that you must park in their lot, but this is a scam.  After passing the shops and restaurants, you will see the Super Joseth convenient store.  You will notice a small road to your left, so turn left here and past the Hotel Vela Bar to reach the parking lots. Drive carefully as this is a narrow road.
  • Scenic View:  The park’s animals…the sloths and monkeys in the wild.
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours to include the beach
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early before the crowds.  Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available at the entrance.  If you arrive without a ticket, you will not be able to enter.  The park only sells approximately 3000 tickets per day. December through April and June through August are high season, so purchase your tickets well in advance. The website provides instructions for purchasing the tickets and you can select the English language.  The tickets are only valid for one day as there are no multi-day tickets available.  Your ticket can only be used once, which means you will need to purchase multiple tickets for the dates you would like to enter.  Ensure that you hire a certified guide who can point out the elusive sloths.  You should ask for their ICT (Institute of Costa Rica Tourism) credentials.  There will be scammers dressed in park ranger uniforms or fake badges and name tags.   When you arrive at the park, bring a printed copy of your reservation (the reservation number or barcode) in addition to your passport.  Should you not have your passport, you can show a copy of your passport for entry.  Alcohol, guns, cigarettes, drugs and speakers are prohibited.   Set your GPS or Google Maps to “Welcome Center Manuel Antonio” or “Hotel San Beda” for the correct directions.There are three bathrooms at the entrance of the park and three additional bathrooms within the park.  There is one facility where you will find bathrooms, showers and changing booths.   Visitors are not permitted to being food into the park. In 2023, the park added a cafeteria where visitors can purchase sandwiches, salads and drinks. There are also restaurants at the entrance of the park.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at our private residence located at Playa Palo Seco during our stay

Where to Eat:

Rico Tico Jungle Grill
Near Manuel Antonio Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 0777

What to Eat:

  • Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
  • Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
  • Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
  • Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
  • Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
  • Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Drink:

  • Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
  • Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
  • Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most popular brand.

What to Read:

  • It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
  • Oro by Cizia Zyke
  • Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
  • Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
  • Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
  • The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

  • Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
  • Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
  • Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

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

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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