Lompoc, CA – A fall getaway to Lompoc means wine harvest season, tempting local cuisine, rich California history, and a place to unwind, relax and take in the beauty of this picturesque Central Coast town. Harvest season is underway, and Lompoc is known for its small production wineries specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and other cool climate varietals from the surrounding Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The unique coastal … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2017
Spring Skiing at Valle Nevado in Chile
The Mountain As the ski lift reached the mountain top, I released my white knuckled grip on the J-bar and slid forward toward the majestic snow capped Andean peaks looming large in the distance. It was spring in South America and the backside of the mountain, was nearly empty, inhabited only by myself and the occasional lift operator. The resort was visible as a spec in the distance beyond the lift I had just exited, and a mountain vista of … [Read more...]
5 Pared-Down Packing Tips
Packing for a vacation, whether lengthy or short, can be tricky when it comes to space-saving and planning for any eventuality. Here are a few tips for keeping it simple, efficient and effective! Carry It On When flying to your vacation destination, this is the best way to minimize not only your luggage haul, but your time and costs in the airport as well. If you don’t want to roll your luggage around, a medium to large backpack is a great … [Read more...]
The Magic of the Morvan
We, northern Europeans envy the French. Their country has it all: it ranges from endless vineyards, rolling hills, impressive mountains to charming villages, nostalgic Mediterranean resorts, Provençal colours and of course elegant Paris. But we discovered there was even more, Magic Morvan. We escaped our own flat and rainy country for a brief break and jumped in the car without much of a clue where we were headed. South in any case but not too … [Read more...]
Three Memorable Experiences on St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Young Island Young Island is home to a private resort that is located a very short boat ride from the 'mainland'. Once you arrive you are treated to beautiful views from the private beach. A bar floats slightly off shore. Several tables set back from the beach among the gardens are ideal spots to enjoy a buffet lunch with paired with some sort of tropical drink. Passion fruit rum perhaps. Best activity after lunch - do nothing and enjoy … [Read more...]
Ten Awesome Belizean Fruits and Vegetables
Last year I lived and worked in Belize for six months. It's a beautiful country with an incredible culture, but to be honest one of my favorite things about living in Belize was the incredible exotic produce. These are my ten favorite Belizean fruits and vegetables: 1. Jippi Jappa Jippi Jappa is a woody palm-like plant that is most famously used to make baskets and hats. I have tried my damnedest and cannot find any real information about … [Read more...]
A Journey on the Trail of Martin Luther
In the footsteps of 500 Years of Reformation October 31st, 2017 will mark the 500th Anniversary of the world changing event when religious reformer Martin Luther nailed his arguments against the practices of the Catholic Church, his “95 Theses” to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany beginning the Protestant Reformation. I recently took a trip to follow in the footsteps of the monk turned protestant icon, and wondered how to frame it. It’s a … [Read more...]
Top 5 Summer Vacation Packing Essentials
Summer vacation is just around the corner! Whether you have a balmy beach getaway planned, or a cross-country road trip in the works, be sure to tuck these five summer essentials into your luggage so you will be packed perfectly for your summer adventure. 1. Sun Protection Nothing feels better than a day in the sun, until you wake up with a bright red burn the next day. Take a multi-pronged approach to sun protection to … [Read more...]
Seattle In Less Than 48 Hours!
Seattle had been on my list of places to visit since I moved to Vancouver. Turning 30 (excuse me while I just cry inside a little bit) seemed a good reason to make it happen. The plan was to use the Quick Shuttle bus, leaving from Vancouver at 5.30am and get to Seattle by 8:50am. Leaving so early though meant that we didn't come across any traffic, and no waiting at the border. We arrived in Seattle 20 minutes earlier than scheduled, … [Read more...]
7 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer In South Africa
In this 21st century, millennials have set their signature style of traveling, that's widely termed as backpacking. And often, there's a meaningful social involvement that's intrinsically attached to the entire travel plan, which has gained popularity as volunteering abroad. Needless to mention, volunteering is a philanthropic act where one devotes his/her time, energy, knowledge and money in order to make some difference to the lives of … [Read more...]