The black jaguar strides agitatedly back and forth in a small corner of her otherwise large enclosure, occasionally stopping to sniff the air, then quickly resuming her search. Something has piqued her interest. She stoops down to take a view from a different angle, brushing her snout through the tall green grass. Her deep emerald eyes flare like Saint Elmo's fire as she continues to hunt for the elusive source of her interest. This is Mystique, … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2019
Getting Lost in Gaucho Country
Argentina is undoubtedly beautiful. From raw, rugged plains to icy mountains, this stretch of South America is heaven for nature lovers. For those who prefer some creature comforts, there are still some less-rural options; you can find yourself tucked up by the fire in a log cabin or wandering around the stunning town of Mendoza. Let us walk you through some of the must-see places in this breathtaking country. Visit Cholila Cholila is a … [Read more...]
A Guide to Exploring The Best Markets in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is among the favorite backpacker destinations in Thailand. The city is unarguably an exotic spot for tourists all over the world due to its favorable weather and delicious foods. Another thing that makes Chiang Mai distinctive is the markets. You are bound to discover appealing items regardless of your taste once you plan your tours with locals in Chiang Mai. The city offers immersive shopping experience. This guide will come in handy … [Read more...]
How to Get Licked by a Giraffe
I'm about to be licked by a giraffe. It sounds silly but it's happening. She leans forward to get closer to me, her massive head moving to within a few centimeters of my face. I can feel her heavy breath on my cheek as she extends her enormous 45-cm (18 in) long tongue straight at me. I cringe and smile in delight at the same time. The anticipation is too much and, against every impulse, I shut my eyes. Wow, is this really happening?! Where am … [Read more...]
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex with July Special Events
10, 9, ignition sequence start,6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, zero. All engines running. Liftoff! We have a liftoff! Thirty-two minutes past the hour. Liftoff on Apollo 11!'" --Jack King, NASA Chief of Public Information, July 16, 1969 'Liftoff! We have liftoff!' CAPE CANAVERAL – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – The countdown is on! This July will mark 50 years since the historic Apollo 11 mission launched for its journey to the Moon from LC-39 at Kennedy … [Read more...]
Best Cruise Destinations in the Caribbean
I have cruised on the open oceans and on rivers - I've been on several themed cruises including to Antarctica. The choices for destinations and types of cruises are seemingly endless. Where to start? For me, I start with warm weather! My favorite cruise destination in the world is the Caribbean. And I love visiting this part of the world after the hurricane season and when the weather starts cooling considerably in the Northern Hemisphere but … [Read more...]
Iceland: Island of Fire and Ice
Raquel was a nature and outdoor adventure enthusiast, always looking for the next mountain to climb or river to raft. For her 25th birthday, a close group of friends decided to surprise her with the trip of a lifetime and buy her tickets to Iceland. The island of fire and ice had always fascinated Raquel, and it was a dream to have the chance to travel there. In addition to the travel itinerary, her friends made sure to rent a photographer … [Read more...]
Game of Tourism: Four Destinations Fans Love
Game of Thrones has come to an end, but the very real destinations that have benefitted from its spotlight will not lose their hype any time soon. With producers and George Martin himself promising a number of spinoffs, the show’s fans have every reason to continue fueling the franchise and filling their lives with all the memories and memorabilia they want. A world of merchandise Judging by the range of merch still being produced, from … [Read more...]
Banjul to Varela: Where?
As I stepped into the Range Rover under the dusty skies of Banjul in the early AM I was greeted by the familiar sounds of Don Williams. Fortunately he is my favorite singer so I was able to easily absorb about 6 hours of one of his cd's cycling through the same songs over what ultimately would turn into a 10.5 hour adventure before we reached our final destination in northern Guinea Bissau. Our journey involved several border crossing - going … [Read more...]
Giant Serpent and Scorpion Sculptures in Borrego Springs, CA
The Search is On The road trip from Palm Desert to Galleta Meadows is speckled with rolling hills, dramatic crevices, and a few ocotillos. We saw a couple four wheelers and an off road motocross trail, but the drive is rural, i.e. make sure to fill up on gas beforehand. This was my first trip into the desert and my interest was piqued -- I needed to see these massive desert sculptures for myself. We put 'Galleta Meadows' in the GPS and drove … [Read more...]