Bodrum: Relaxation and Retail Therapy

24 April 20233 May 2025

We slept in late after a long day of travel and enjoying the pier for a swim and some sunbathing. It was looking as though we would have another perfect day to spend on the water at our resort home in Bodrum. We ate a hearty breakfast and then strolled the ten minute walk where we found some chairs and umbrellas to protect us from the hot sun.

We set out our belongings and carefully eased into the water from the ladder on the pier. We floated, swam and failed to improve our artistic swimming skills, though we did try. We took to the Aegean Sea which was crystal clear. Some of us snorkeled, while others went back to sunbathing. We couldn’t seem to stay out of the water for long and eventually worked up an appetite.

We had lunch at the outdoor restaurant and decided to take a walk through the maze of streets within the community. Houses of brick and stone were built along steep cliffs with gardens of tropical flowers as well as petunias in flower boxes and hanging baskets.

What I found most intriguing as we passed each of the homes was that they were decorated with a symbol that resembled an eye. I had first seen it in Istanbul on key chains and jewelry, but hadn’t taken much notice until it began appearing on street number signs and embedded in walkways and doorframes.

The Nazar Boncuk, or “Evil Eye”, is said to protect a person from an evil glare. The superstition dates back to the ancient Greeks who believed that receiving the malevolent stare would cause injury or misfortune. Since the look could take place even when the innocent person is unaware, there was a need to protect oneself from this supernatural force. The Nazar Boncuk reflects off the bad energy back onto the person who is inflicting the negativity towards another. This symbol is often hung throughout homes, offices and cars in the form of jewelry or ornaments.

We returned back to the house to take a car into the casual town of Bodrum. We started out strolling the streets, looking at menus along the way in search of seafood. In Turkey, most families will dine late at night for their final meal of the day, even as late as 10PM. Since we had plenty of time to explore the town, we got lost along the bustling maze. Beautiful homes hung to the cliffs, many whitewashed with clay-tiled roofs and accented with colorful bougainvillea.

After dining at Onikon Beach and Restaurant, we decided to shop for clothes and souvenirs. The shopping district was full of unique gifts and familiar boutiques. From inexpensive Turkish lanterns to luxurious carpets and towels, there were so many great products to purchase. I had such a difficult time choosing which items to buy, so I selected several: Turkish Delight, ceramic bowls, Evil Eye pendants and Raki.

With our hands full and wallets growing smaller, we were ready to head back home for a quick dip in the pool and another day to explore Bodrum.

Have you visited Bodrum, Turkey along the coast? I would love to hear about the places you visited, restaurants where you dined and shops that you absolutely loved if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing adventure in Bodrum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Explore the seaside shopping area of Bodrum

Where to Stay:

METT Hotels and Beach Resorts, Bodrum
Heramton Cove, Eskicesme Mahallesi
Haramton Sokak, Degirmenler Mevkii
48400 Bodrum City/Mugla, Turkey
Telephone: +90 252 316 48 48

Where to Eat:

Onikon Beach and Restaurant
Menemene Yall, Mevkii No 57/A
Turkbuku/Bodrum, Golturkbuku
48400 Turkey

What to Eat:

Fruit: pomegranates, figs, peaches
Kumpir: potato with toppings
Lokmasi: deep-fried dough drenched in honey syrup
Peynirli borek: similar to Greek spanikopita
Sebzeli doner: meat, potato and vegetable skewers
Simit: bread that is between a bagel and pretzel

Cruise Ship Excursion in St. Lucia, The Catamaran Ride, Part 2

30 April 201821 September 2024

Dave and I had just explored the island of St. Lucia by coach and we were ready for the second half of our tour. Our cruise ship tour in St. Lucia included a stop at the Diamond Botanical Gardens in the town of Soufriere. Covering approximately 6 acres, the oldest gardens in St. Lucia includes the Diamond Falls Waterfall, Mineral Springs and Spa, the Nature Trail and Botanical Gardens as well as the Old Mill Restaurant. It is a popular tourist spot and has been open for visitors since 1983.

Red Prumalina

Pink Ginger

Red Ginger

Chenille Plant

Coconut Shell Retaining Wall

Bird of Paradise

Pink Torch Ginger

Lobster Claw

Diamond Waterfall

Sulphur Springs

Once we completed the Diamond Mineral Waterfall and Botanical Gardens, we boarded the catamaran for lunch, a stop for swimming and Caribbean dancing. The harbor of Soufriere is such a beautiful, tranquil location to start the ride.

A close up view of the harbor with the various boats, the tropical trees and mountains in the distance.

As all of us boarded the catamaran and took our seats, the view as we left the harbor was breathtaking. I had been waiting for this moment to see the two Pitons.

I am always fascinated by the structures that are built into the hills. It looks like another cozy harbortown in St. Lucia!

I could not seem to take my eyes off of the Pitons in the distance.

Out of nowhere a loud blast comes from the port side of the catamaran and we noticed a St. Lucian on his boat blowing out of a conch shell.

The catamaran started to slow down and we were taking a little swim break in the cove. We only had about 30 minutes before we would depart, but it was a refreshing opportunity for those that were interested and the scenery was paradise picture perfect.

I opted to stay aboard for a couple of rum drinks and hung out with this little cutie driving the boat.

Everyone was called back to the boat so that we could meet up with the cruise ship prior to departure. We were able to watch the tour guides and brave (or tipsy) ship passengers danced to the island music.

Coming back into the harbor of Castries, we saw the ship in the distance. I was sad to leave because it was such a great day to visit St. Lucia and I looked forward to the opportunity of coming back again soon.

When you cruise, do you take the shore excursions or go out on your own? I would love to hear your pros and cons for both if you would kindly leave your message in the comments section below. Many thanks for joining us on our catamaran excursion in St. Lucia and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Diamond Falls & Mineral Baths
Soufriere Estate
PO Box 1020
Soufriere, St. Lucia, West Indies
Telephone: 758 459 7155

Admission Fee: Adults: $17.50 EC (US $7); Children: half price; Private Baths: $17.50 EC (US $7); Public Baths $15 EC (US $6); +10% VAT tax.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 5PM. Open Sunday from 10AM to 3PM. Open public holidays from 10AM to 3:00PM.
Amenities: Diamond Falls waterfall, Mineral Baths & Spa, Botanical Gardens, Nature trail, Old Mill Restaurant.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Bring a bathing suit and additional change of clothes to enjoy the waterfall. Pool shoes are also recommended.

Where to Stay:

Fond Doux Resort
PO Box 250
Soufriere, Saint Lucia
Telephone: 758 459 7545

On a return trip, I stayed at the Fond Doux Resort on the southern side of the island in Soufriere. Booking a 1 Bedroom Cottage with a pool, I enjoyed the fabulous amenities of the property and enjoyed a long weekend of rest and relaxation. The Fond Doux Heritage Tour offers a fascinating look into the art of chocolate making and the opportunity to learn about local vegetation.

Where to Eat:

Fond Doux Resort
PO Box 250
Soufriere, Saint Lucia
Telephone: 758 459 7545

The Bamboo Restaurant & Bar serves lunch, so I ordered the Creole Fish to sample some of the local flavor, served with rice and salad.

For dinner, I was excited to see Lamontagne’s Cous Kaye with octopus and conch, served at the Cocoa Pod Restaurant

What to Eat:

Boudin – black pudding
Bouyon – beef soup with dumplings but other meats can substitute for beef
Callaloo soup – made with seafood or cuts of meat, okra, potatoes and garlic
Cassava Bread
Cow Heel Soup – a hearty soup with cow foot, carrots, pumpkin, chayote squash and yellow yam with dumplings
Curried Meats
Fried Plantains
Green figs and saltfish
Grilled Fish
Lambi – conch meat seasoned with multiple spices and then fried
Lobster
Pemme – cornmeal, pumpkin, cinnamon, sugar and dry coconut leaves then wrapped in banana leaves
Pepperpot – Caribbean dish made from onion, garlic, cinnamon, brown sugar, thyme, cloves, orange peel, cassareep and meat
Smoked herring and breadfruit – breadfruit is cooked until tender

What to Read:

Omeros, by Derek Walcott
A Room on the Hill, by Garth St. Omer
Don’t Believe It, by Charlie Donlea

Photo Guide for St. Lucia:

The Pitons from the Water
The Pitons from the Tet Paul Nature Trail
Sulpher Springs
Toraille Waterfall
Paradise Beach
Honeymoon Beach
Quarry Hill

Wandering Walden Pond

22 December 201716 September 2024

Concord is a charming literary village established in 1635. It is most known as the town that incited the American Revolution with the “shot that was heard round the world.” With its steeped history in combat, Concord’s Walden Pond is the antithesis of war. A muse of Henry David Thoreau, the lake stands to represent the simple life of the author who spent over two years here living off the land. Building a cabin close to the lake, Thoreau was drawn to the simple things in life and immersed himself in the surrounding nature.

Strolling the trail that followed the perimeter of the pond, I stopped to enjoy the playful chipmunks and rabbits scurrying along the path and chasing each other among the forest of maples and pine.

I could hear the crunching of dried leaves and the crackling of slender branches beneath me as I explored Thoreau’s solitary refuge. Walden Pond was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and a replica of Henry David’s cabin was reconstructed at a location near the current parking lot of this 335 acre state park and recreation area.

In addition to hiking the pond, visitors can swim, canoe, fish and cross country ski during the winter months. Walden Pond would soon become a popular vacation destination after Henry David Thoreau’s book was published. This area had previously served as an excursion park in the late 1860s. Visitors would be able to swim, swing, boat, play baseball, bike and run. Concession stands, dining halls, bathhouses and a baseball diamond stood on this site until it burned in 1902.

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord in 1817. After graduating from Concord Academy, he went on to pursue his education at Harvard. Interested in ornithology, the study of birds, it is no wonder that Thoreau pursued the natural beauty of Walden Pond. While he was also interested in Greek mythology and British ballads, he returned to his hometown of Concord to teach school. Influenced by writers such as Hawthorne, Alcott, Fuller, Thoreau wanted to become a writer as well. His friendship with Emerson and death of his brother would lead Henry David to Walden Pond to journal about his experience and later publish his famous manuscript.

About a quarter of a way along the hike, there were a series of stones that marked the original site of Thoreau’s one bedroom cabin. Several quotes from the author are on display as well as a marker which identifies the site of his original home.

Much like many of the other famous writer’s of his time, Thoreau became involved in many political manners and had even helped runaway slaves cross into the border of Canada. This led Thoreau to write the essay Fit, which brought him international fame.

Prior to Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond, the Fitchburg Railroad was built to bring hundreds of visitors to the site. I had wandered off of the well-hiked trail to check out the train tracks that seemed to expand endlessly into infinity. I had expected a train or two to pass by yet there was no activity along the tracks. I imagined the incoming of visitors loading and unloading in a nearby spot and was disappointed that I did not see a single train.

By the time I had reached the end of the trail, I knew exactly how Thoreau could fall in love with this place. From the abundance of wildlife to the time of solace, a side trip to Walden Pond was well worth the visit.

Have you visited Walden Pond State Reservation? Did you experience Thoreau’s love for the area? I would love to hear about your time at the park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my post about Walden Pond and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street
Concord, MA 07142
Telephone: 978 369 3254

Where to Stay:

Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

Where to Eat:

The Liberty at Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

I couldn’t help myself and decided to make it a seafood night. I started with the clam chowder and then ordered the Lobster Roll which was overloaded with delicious Maine lobster and served with Truffle fries. There was so much food that I did not have room for dessert, but if I had the chance, I would have ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

What to Eat:

Boston Baked Beans
Cape Cod Potato Chips
Chop Suey Sandwich at Salem Lowe Restaurant
Clam Chowder
Fluffernutters – sandwiches made of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff
Fried Clams
Griddled Blueberry Muffins
Hoodsie Cups – cups of vanilla ice cream with a paper lid
Lobster Rolls
Necco Wafers
Roast Beef Sandwiches at Kelly’s Roast Beef

What to Read:

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
The Things We Cannot Say, by Kelly Rimmer
In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrock
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, by Jerome Lawrence

Browsing the shores of Walden Pond

Cute Lifeguard On Walden Pond

Walden Pond Beach

The forests of Walden Pond

More Glimpses of Walden Pond

Exploring Central Costa Rica

1 December 201431 August 2024

We spent a couple of days hanging out on the beach, cooking fresh seafood and making daily trips to the grocery store. It was time for us to travel inland towards the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and spend a night at Tabacon Hot Springs. Our route took us northwest up the coast where we would make a quick stop in Jaco before making the trek towards our first stop at the waterfall. We crossed the bridge saying goodbye to the alligators before stopping at the market for some road snacks then hopped on route 34 passing quaint little coastal towns along the way.

La Fortuna was an impressive 200 feet tall and we couldn’t wait to see one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls. The roar of the falls could be heard before we reached this magnificent cascade. This spectacular force of nature is one of the most popular sites in Central America. It didn’t take us long to descend the steps to the rocky base but took note that somehow we would have to make our way back the way we came down.

We had packed a picnic, so we found a space to admire the waterfall and the incredible mist that called us to take a swim. I couldn’t help but test out the water, but even in the tropics, I was surprised the water was so cold and decided against jumping in.

It was difficult to break away from this magical spot, but we wanted to hike up to the Arenal Volcano where we would find several viewpoints and scenic lookouts. The national park is the second most visited in the country and for so many reasons. This was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but it has remained dormant since 2010. The last time Arenal exploded was 1968 which destroyed the towns of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo. At the time of my visit in 2006, there were rumors that the top could blow off at any moment, but we decided not to let that stop us.

I was pleasantly surprised that there were only two trails and that they were so short with the maximum length measuring 2.1 miles. Hikers can pass through lava beds from blasts from the volcano’s past and capture scenic views of Lake Arenal.

While the hike in the park has a beautiful scenic area we decided to visit the Arenal Observatory for views of the volcano and lake. Both were stunning, impressive and worth the detour.

Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake measuring 33 square miles. There are a wide range of activities that revolve around this large, man-made body of water such as boating, windsurfing, hiking, biking and of course spectacular fishing. Arenal is known for its guapote, a local fish with sharp teeth and aggressive attitude. I was surprised to learn that the ancient villages of Tronadora and Arenal are actually below the current lake, while newly built hotels around the volcano offer spectacular views and luxury accommodations.

It was getting late and we stopped at the Tabacon Hot Springs before checking into the Thermal Resort & Spa for the night. Sitting under the grandeur of Arenal Volcano, this gorgeous hideaway is the perfect location for exploring and experiencing the natural pools of Costa Rica. Visitors are not required to stay at the resort to enjoy a day of pampering and can book a day pass. While the Resort and Spa are family friendly, the Shangri-La Gardens is more private and accommodating for an adults-only experience.

The thermal spa was perfect for soothing our muscles after a long ride in the car and the luxurious bed was the perfect spot for an amazing night’s sleep, and what a restful night it was.

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 central Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

La Fortuna Waterfall
Alajuela Province
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2479 9515

Admission Fee: 18 US dollars to enter
Hours: All year around from 7AM to 5PM
Amenities: third party tours provide more details; check Viator for more information
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The busiest time is midday and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive in the morning.

Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal
Arajuela Province, Costa Rica

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone: 877 277 8291

Admission Fee: No charge to visit the hot springs at the resort.
Hours: Check with the resort for hours of operation
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bathing suit for enjoying the hot springs.

Where to Stay:

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone: 877 277 8291

Where to Eat:

Jaco:
Los Mahi Tacos de Cholo
Centro Commercial Urena, Local 3
Avenida Pastor Diaz Diagonal a Calle El Bohio
Jaco Central, Jaco, Garabito Municipality
61101 Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8741 0562

La Fortuna:
Spectacolar Cantina
Meters west from La Fortuna Church 125
Arenal Volcano National Park
La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8569 7676

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.
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 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