The Bali Zoo, A Journey Through Photos

25 March 202222 September 2024

Trying to decide what I wanted to do while in Kuta, I learned that I could interact with some of the animals at the Bali Zoo. Hiring an amazing driver for the day, he suggested that we start here and then I could decide if I wanted to attend the Safari Park as well.

The Bali Zoo attracts visitors from all over the world. I was looking forward to seeing some of the unique animals that I may not have a chance to see back home. Here is a photographic account of some of the animals I enjoyed meeting at The Bali Zoo.

Entering the zoo, I was welcomed by white parrots and an opportunity to have my photo taken with them. I quickly made my way towards the lions when I noticed the zookeepers were preparing to feed them.

With raw chickens tethering from a hoisted line, these lions were going to have to work for their lunch.

Once the lions had eaten, the lioness took a relaxing break from the action by resting on the rock.

This tiger had a large area to roam and was pacing back and forth in preparation of eating his afternoon meal.

The Australian wallabies were preparing for their nap while basking in the afternoon sun.

Can you believe the tongue on that sun bear? They use it to extract honey from bee nests.

The orangutan gave us quite a show. He paced back and forth, posing for the cameras.

After taking a ride on this beautiful beast, I fed Budi sugarcane sticks in preparation for his next customer.

While grabbing a bite to eat at the Elephant View Restaurant, I was entertained by the bathing elephants.

I had the opportunity to wrap a bearcat around my neck.

I was a little less excited to hold the crocodile as I watched him become a bit fidgety with the person holding him before me. Was happy to give him back before I lost any body parts!

Look at the paws on this tiger cub! We could have our photo taken with him but was instructed not to touch him. So beautiful!

Indonesia’s native kumodo dragon. This beast could eat a human!

Additional Zoo Photos

The beautiful zoo grounds

Elephant Souvenirs

Majestic Tiger

Frisky Crocodile

The Tiger and White Tiger

The Bali Zoo is in the south of Bali in Gianyar about an hour’s drive from Kuta. They are open from 9AM to 6PM and offer several different packages, elephant rides, animal handling and feeding. There is a night time admission as one of the packages that Bali Zoo offers. Admission price is $28 US for adults and $18 US for children. There are additional fees for the elephant rides and animal feedings. For more information about the zoo, visit their website at http://www.bali-zoo.com/en.

Zoos are wonderful attractions to visit in other countries as well as the United States! Do you have a favorite zoo experience? I would love to hear about it, so leave your comments below! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bali Zoo
Jalan Raya Singapadu,
Sukawati, Singapadu,
Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar,
Bali 80582, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 294357

Admission Fee: $28 US for adults and $18 US for children
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 6PM.
Amenities: Animal Interactions, Breakfast with the Orangutan, Elephant Expedition, Dinner with the Great Elephant, Jungle Dinner, Event Rental, Villas and Spa, Photography, Gift Shop, VIP Experience, Restaurants (Wantilan, Wana Lounge and Bar, Gayo Restaurant, Snack Shack)
Scenic View: Spectacular views of local, exotic animals
Length of Time to Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The traffic in Kuta can be brutal in the morning, so leave early. When the park is busy, expect long lines for the buffet.

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Where to Eat:

Bali Zoo Gayo Restaurant
Jalan Raya Singapadu,
Sukawati, Singapadu,
Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar,
Bali 80582, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 294357

Lunch Buffet from 12PM to 2PM.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for South Bali:

The Edge Hotel in Uluwatu, Bali is amazing for spectacular cliff views.
Rock Bar Bali is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Uluwatu
Ulu Cliff House is a beach club located in Uluwatu that provides incredible views of the coastline
OMNIA Bali’s infinity pool
Gili Trawangan Swings at Ombak Sunset
The Ayana Pool at Ayana Resort
Sea Circus in Seminyak for breakfast
La Brisa Bali located in Canggu is the popular location to watch the sunset
Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
Tegalalang Rice Fields for the gorgeous scenery and the Love Bali sign
Thomas Beach Uluwatu
Bingin Beach Uluwatu
Motel Mexicola for its colorful exterior
Bambu Indah Hotel in gorgeous Ubud
The Monkey Forest in Ubud
Hidden Hills Villas
Nusa Penida for the cliffside views
La Laguna Bali in Canggu
Mt. Batur for its sunrise (north Bali)
Crate Cafe at Canggu

Kuta Puri Bungalows, Bali

11 March 202222 September 2024

The Kuta Puri Bungalows is a jewel of a resort in Kuta, Bali that is quietly tucked away in the fast-paced streets of the city. I had been booked in the nearby Hard Rock Hotel, but they had overbooked and my friend, Wayan found this amazing place.

The front desk is an open air structure where the attendants are super friendly and helpful in arranging tours and drivers for the day.

The paved pathways are perfect for exploring the grounds and taking a leisurely stroll.

Towards the front of the resort are the smaller rooms that are perfect for an economical stay.

I opted for the bungalow which included a sunken in living room, raised bedroom and an upscale outdoor bathroom set up in a garden style environment.

The outdoor bench was the perfect location for watching the thunderstorms. The bungalow was set towards the back of the resort where it was very private and quiet.

A small back porch of flowers and fauna was located off of the living quarters of the bungalow.

Two swimming pools are one of the few wonderful amenities provided by the hotel.

An attendant provides guests with pool towels each day.

Kuta Puri offers daily massages in a simple secluded area of the hotel’s property.

A Hindu temple is located towards the back of the hotel.

The resident cat stands guard at the Hindu temple.

A complimentary breakfast is served each morning at the resort’s restaurant. Lunch and dinner can be purchased here throughout the day.

The grounds are impeccable which makes for a nice morning, afternoon or evening walk.

Thank you for exploring the grounds of the Kuta Puri Bungalows with me. It is a resort that I highly recommend during your stay in the Kuta area of Bali. The hotel is reasonably priced with great accommodations and is close to the beach.

Have you been pleasantly surprised by a hotel or accommodation that you booked? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Bali Safari & Marine Park Photos

28 January 202222 September 2024

I enjoyed a fabulous morning at the Bali Zoo and my driver suggested that I also check out the Bali Safari Marine Park. The Safari Park is quite different from the zoo. The setting is similar to booking a safari experience where an open air tram transports visitors through nearly 100 acres of animals in their “natural” habitat.

Here is a photographic account of my experience at Bali’s Animal Safari Park.

Since I had arrived later in the afternoon, I did not want to miss the opportunity to take the tram , so I decided that this would be my starting point. There were tigers, lions, rhinos and all sorts of exotic animals along the open environment. We witnessed a beautiful Blackbuck Antelope, one of the fastest antelopes in the world.

I would have been sad to have missed the hippo, who just happened to appear out of nowhere from the waters below.

A giraffe was slowly making its way to meet up with a tower of giraffes close by

I could have reached out of the tram to touch the zebra. Look at the beautiful design of his coat! Did you know that their dark stripes are actually brown?

The rhinoceros could not have been more friendly. As we were passing by, he began walking towards the tram….or maybe he was ready to charge….

One of my favorite exhibits was that of the white tiger. Magnificent!

Across from the white tigers was a lion cub. We were also allowed to pet this beautiful animal and have our photo taken with him! Check out those paws!

A cheetah taking a nap in one of the trees

The white tiger after feeding time. We were separated only by a piece of glass and had a fabulous view!

Do you enjoy animal adventure, encounters and zoos? i would love to hear about your favorite experience, so leave a message below in the comments section! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bali Safari & Marine Park
Jalan Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km.
19,8 Kec. Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 950 000

Admission Fee: Rates range from 720,000 Rupiah (IDR) to 2,140,200 Rupiah (IDR) per person ($39 US to $145 US, at the time of my visit) depending on the number of activities purchased. The Bali Night Experience package is offered for visitors who want to tour the park after hours.
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 9PM.
Amenities: Safari Journey, Aquarium, Animal Show, Harimau Show, Elephant Show, Bali Agung Show, Waterpark, Afternoon Tea, Restaurants, Welcome Drink, Elephant Ride, Photo Pictures, Souvenirs
Scenic View: Spectacular opportunity to see local animals to Asia
Length of Time to Visit: More than 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear appropriate shoes for walking. Compared to other attractions in Bali, this may seem expensive to some. The park is about an hour and a half drive from Kuta.

Please make sure to check the website for hours and updated pricing.

Where to Stay:

Kuta Puri Bungalows
Jalan Pantai Kuta
Poppies Lane 1
Kuta, Bali 80361 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 751903

Where to Eat:

Tsavo Lion Restaurant
Bali Safari Marine Park

Tsavo Lion Restaurant: An African-themed restaurant at the park, the venue allows visitors to experience a close encounter with the lions in the park.

Uma Restaurant: Buffet style restaurant with a unique ethnic theme offering Asian and local specialties.

Antico Caffe del Teatro di Marcelo
Via del Teatro de Marcelo, 42 00186
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 678 5451

I ordered a margarita panini and it was fabulous! Check out their facebook page!

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for South Bali:

The Edge Hotel in Uluwatu, Bali is amazing for spectacular cliff views.
Rock Bar Bali is the perfect location to watch the sunset over Uluwatu
Ulu Cliff House is a beach club located in Uluwatu that provides incredible views of the coastline
OMNIA Bali’s infinity pool
Gili Trawangan Swings at Ombak Sunset
The Ayana Pool at Ayana Resort
Sea Circus in Seminyak for breakfast
La Brisa Bali located in Canggu is the popular location to watch the sunset
Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud
Tegalalang Rice Fields for the gorgeous scenery and the Love Bali sign
Thomas Beach Uluwatu
Bingin Beach Uluwatu
Motel Mexicola for its colorful exterior
Bambu Indah Hotel in gorgeous Ubud
The Monkey Forest in Ubud
Hidden Hills Villas
Nusa Penida for the cliffside views
La Laguna Bali in Canggu
Mt. Batur for its sunrise (north Bali)
Crate Cafe at Canggu

Bali, Indonesia: Amazing Culture, Phenomenal Nature

8 January 202222 September 2024

Rice Fields Heading to Northern Bali

Bali had been on my bucket list for years, so taking advantage of the Christmas holiday season, I decided it was time to make the trip. I wasn’t sure when I would have the opportunity again, so I booked my travel to stay for two weeks starting on New Year’s Eve. I was taking a chance on the weather because the rainy season is between December and January and trying to find a hotel over New Year’s was proving to be a challenge.

Balinese Fishing Boats

At the last minute, all of my travel plans were confirmed and the day of my flight had finally arrived. What an adventure!

It’s New Year’s Eve and the plane was beginning its approach for landing. The view from my window was a picturesque setting, typical of island life. The fishing vessels, shrimp boats and scenic cruises scattered along the shoreline and the weather was a balmy 80 degrees.

A sample of the Indonesian Visa, Immigration

As I exited the plane, I followed the crowd of passengers into the open air terminal. Indonesia requires Americans to purchase a 30-day visa which is available on arrival at the airport. Although the lines were long, the process was quick. Once I passed through customs, I waited at an outside café to meet up with my cruise ship friend, Wayan Sunarsa and his family.

My Waitress at the Snack Bar

Trying to reach Wayan by phone, the lines were busy and the traffic was packed. I later learned that the drive from Singaraja (located in northern Bali) took twice the amount of time to reach the airport because of the New Year’s holiday. While waiting, at the snack bar, I ordered a fruity cocktail to start the celebration and enjoyed some downtime watching the crowded terminal.

The Entrance to the Ngurah Rai Airport of Bali

Located in the Bali’s capital of Denpasar, the Ngurah Rai Airport is adorned with statues representing the island’s Hindu religion. It is conveniently located in the southern part of Bali within minutes of the more popular tourist destinations such as Kuta, Ubud and Jimbaran. The grounds of the airport were well-manicured with beautiful tropical flowers and palm trees and I could not help taking in my paradisal surroundings.

An Indonesian sacrifice at one of the many alters on the island of Bali

The stories I had heard about Bali were legendary. Laid-back and friendly, this extraordinary, Indonesian island offers spectacular scenery, phenomenal food and a fascinating culture. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim except for the island of Bali which is Hindu. Bali is a magnificent paradise where temples suspend from scenic mountainsides and sacrifices line the streets giving thanks to their Hindu gods.

The Sunarsa Family

Most people are familiar with the Bali that is depicted in movies like Eat, Pray, Love. Of course the scenery is breathtaking, but the people of Bali have an exuberant passion for life. In addition to the sites of the island, I wanted to explore their Hindu way of life through religious celebrations, monuments and everyday traditions. I was excited to meet up with the Sunarsas who were happy to show me around South Bali during the New Year’s celebration.

Garuda Statue

We finished dinner, watched the fireworks and enjoyed the festivities along the beach. Although it was late, Wayan and his family wanted to show me Wisnu Park in the nearby town of Ulu Watu. Known for its enormous statue of the Hindu god Garuda, the park is open each day and provides year around entertainment.

We would need to start driving north towards Lovina early in the morning, so we found the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta and checked in. It was a long day of travel for me and I was exhausted. I fell asleep quickly but not before thinking about the fact that I had just spent New Year’s Eve in Bali! I was so happy to be starting the new year in such a beautiful place. Happy New Year! Or as they say in Bali, Tahun Baru!

Have you visited Bali? I would love to hear about where you stayed, what you ate and which attractions you visited if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my blog post about Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Jalan Raya Uluwatu
Ungasan, Kuta, Selatan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80364
Telephone: +62 361 700 808

Admission Fee: Varies depending on entertainment and events
Hours: Daily from 8:00AM to 10:00PM
Amenities: Entertainment venue, shopping, restaurants with spectacular views (Beranda and Jendela Bali, gardens and plaza for entertaining, street theater, Segway rental, cultural performances, wedding venue, photo studio.
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of Bali from the park; dine at one of two restaurants for additional views.
Length of the Tour: Minimum of 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Visit the park’s website for upcoming events and performances.

Where to Stay:

Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Jalan Pantai
Banjar Pande Mas
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 761 869

Where to Eat:

Seafood House Restaurant
Jalan Kartika Plaza
Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Telephone: +62 361 763900

I tried to eat as much seafood as I possibly could while I was in Bali. The fresh food and spices are unlike any other that I have tried. I ordered the fried red snapper and the bakso soup for a filling lunch.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

Flight information from Taipai

A perspective of the magnitude of Garuda’s Head

Wisnu, more commonly known as Vishnu is the supreme being of the Hindu religion

The island of Bali as seen from the Airplane

A Photographic Review of My 2017 Travel Blogs

5 January 201816 September 2024

I have had so much fun writing about my many travels that took place in 2017 and past travel as well. Here is an overview of my blog posts for this past year. Don’t forget to select the link to check out more photos and additional information regarding each attraction. Enjoy!

Indonesia: Bali

Kuta Beach

An Evening Stroll Along Kuta Beach

North Bali

Ulun Danu Temple: The Most Photographed Temple in Bali

Mexico: Cabo San Lucas

El Arco in Cabo San Lucas

Mexico: Mazatlan

The Port of Mazatlan, Mexico

Mexico: Puerto Vallarta

A Port Day in Puerto Vallarta

Turkey: Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

The Facade of the Hagia Sophia

United States: Arizona

The Grand Canyon

The Colorado River Runs Through the Grand Canyon

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Indian Settlement at Montezuma Castle National Monument

The Painted Desert

The Spectacular Colors of the Painted Desert

Rawhide

Rawhide, Arizona

United States: California

San Diego

Spectacular California Sunset

Sebastiani

An Amazing Visit to Sebastiani

Viansa Winery

Acres of Vineyards in Sonoma, California

United States: Colorado

The Rocky Mountains

Camping in the Rocky Mountains

United States: Louisiana

Mardi Gras

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans: Black & White Photos

The Old Absinthe Bar

United States: Ohio

The Farm Restaurant in Adena

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at The Farm

The Merchant House

Enjoying a Fabulous Dinner at the Merchant House

The Old Arcana Restaurant

The Bourbon Praline French Toast

Cincinnati: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Columbus: Inniswood

Having Fun with my New Camera

Columbus: Ohio Village

Celebrating 100 Years of Beatrix Potter at Ohio Village

Springfield:

Farmer’s Market

The Historical Springfield Farmer’s Market

Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright

The Westcott House

Clifton Mill Lights at Christmas

Gorgeous Holiday Lights in Clifton

Ohio Wineries:

United States: Tennessee

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville

United States: Washington DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

United States: West Virginia

New River Gorge

Floating down the Lower Gauley at the New River Gorge

I hope you enjoyed checking out all of my travels and post-related photos for 2017! I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings! Happy New Year!

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.

The Liebster Award: Nominating Fellow Travel Bloggers for their Exceptional Talent

10 July 201431 August 2024

I want to extend a humbling thanks to the wonderful staff of bohotraveller at http://bohotraveller.com/ for nominating me for the Liebster Award, an award by fellow travel writers who in turn recognize other writers for their amazing contribution to travel! I am overwhelmingly grateful for the recognition as I had recently started sharing my travel adventures this year! Here is what bohotraveller had to say about my travelblog:

A travel bug bit her when she was a little girl and her passion for travel increased multifold when she took up a job as Assistant Purser on the SS Vera Cruz. What hooked us to her blog was the amazing collection of pictures from around the world and her coverage of Arizona just blew us off our feet. So before we spill more beans on her, why don’t you pay a visit to her on https://www.thesuitelifeoftravel.com/ and get in touch with this lovely traveler!

Many thanks to bohotraveller for taking an interest in my blog and for the nomination! It has been such an amazing experience to share stories with others who are just as passionate about travel as I am! I look forward to posting more information that I hope can be helpful to all my readers with their travels and thank you for your continued support! I can’t thank you enough for the honor, bohotraveller! Muah!

Having accepted this nomination, I have answered the ten questions that were provided by bohotraveller and have thoroughly enjoyed this process as it has taken me back to some of most memorable adventures!

Question 1: Tell us a little about yourself. And do add something that we do not know about you!
Travel is my passion and I currently work in pharmaceuticals on the research development side of the industry. I have been an active traveler for most of my life living on both coasts of the United States! I am an insane lover of all animals, especially cats, big or small and have one of my own named Sammy. When I was in the sixth grade, I won the highest honors for a singing contest for the state of Ohio!

Question 2: What is your blog about and when did you start?
My blog is a compilation of travels that I have experienced both internationally and in my backyard. You can find an opportunity to write a story if you just look for it and explore the places that interest you, even in your own hometown! My first blog post was published on January 1, 2014!

Question 3: Why did you feel the need for a blog?
I have always been fascinated by travel writing, and kept journals of my cruise ship life and all of the travels I had experienced since my early vacations. I did not have the courage to submit my writings to be published, but my friends and colleagues encouraged me to start a blog as a way to keep up with me and my travels. And voila! It has since become a passion and second career, to say the least!

Question 4: What is your most favourite destination till date?
Working on cruise ships, this was always the question I dreaded to answer. Mainly because each place that you visit will usually make an impact on you in one way or another. But to be fair in answering, I would have to say Bali, Indonesia, for several reasons. It was my first major solo travel trip with the help of a Balinese friend that I stayed in contact with over the years since my cruise ship days. Secondly, I was invited private Hindu ceremonies that brought me closer to the culture of the Balinese. Finally, if you have ever seen photos of Bali, you can see the beauty in the island and the diversity that you can experience here!

Question 5: What is next on your bucket list?
I have a bucket list that seems to be unending. This year I will be hitting Madeira, Portugal, Vietnam and Cambodia as well Nova Scotia and New Brunswick! Next year I have already begun planning my two top bucket list items which are trips to Israel and Machu Picchu!

Question 6: If you could live only in one place all your life, which place would you choose and why?
I have always been fascinated by the Italian culture and their way of life. I would have to say that living in Tuscany would be the ideal place for my laid-back personality and love of wine. The only drawback would be that the weather can be cold at times.

Question 7: What is the biggest challenge that you have ever faced in your travels to date?
Having missed my connecting flight to Venice, I worked with the ticketing agent to “creatively” create an itinerary that would allow me to arrive before the cruise ship for which I was scheduled to embark the next day. Within a 24 hour period, I had visited five countries. The route went from Newark, NJ where I was to fly into Heathrow, England and taxi to Gatwick. The time to reach Gatwick was too short, so the agent booked me on a flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Upon arrival they immediately provided me a ticket to Paris, France, as there were no seats available for Venice. From Paris, I boarded the final leg of my flight, finally arriving in Venice, Italy! I was about 10 hours late from my initial arrival, but I somehow managed, with the help of the airline staff, to make it before my cruise the next day!

Question 8: You are a seaside person or a mountain person? And why?
Maybe it’s my living on cruise ships for so many years, that I love the sound of water and love to watch the waves crashing on the beach. It is such a therapeutic experience for me to smell the salty air and sink my toes in the sand.

Question 9: Apart from travelling, what else do you really enjoy doing?
Photography! From family photos to landscape and animals, I absolutely love to capture incredible sights on film!

And with that said, I want to once again thank bohotraveller for their kind words of introduction, the nomination and keeping in touch for some travel inspiration!

For some, travel is an outlet that takes one to a whole new level in understanding culture, seeing the beauty in the world and experiencing an education that you can’t always find at home! This is what I found in MY nominees for the Liebster award!!

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