Exploring coffee cultures around the world. Follow two caffeine junkie-backpackers searching for the world's best coffee! The quality of a cup of coffee is determined by a complex combination of factors, both environmental and method of preparation. Since altitude, soil quality and climate are influential factors, the bean origin influences coffee quality. These were our favorite coffees around the world. South East Asia Coffee culture … [Read more...]
Top 9 Lakes Visited Around the World
In my travels around the world I have been fortunate to have visited all of these lakes listed below other then the Blue Cave Lake in Brazil. That is now on my list for my next trip to Brazil! Any of these make your list? Others to add? These are some truly special spots; they are listed alphabetically. Blue Cave Lake, Brazil or locally known as the Gruta do Lago Azul is located in Southern Brazil. I wish I had known about this lake a few … [Read more...]
A Tale of Blue Gold
You might not wonder how clothes or other fabrics get their color, but textile dyes have been around for centuries affecting much more than just the world of fabric. With the introduction of exotic and stunning hues that came from dyes, the world was made a canvas upon which our ancestors painted their history. Dyes were often considered a luxury and a symbol of wealth. Of the many dyes, indigo is the oldest, and its origins are based in … [Read more...]
El Salvador Wedding and Lago De Coatepeque
I am sitting on the edge of Lago De Coatepeque in El Salvador on an early morning - wakened early by the suns first rays hitting my face from my cozy spot on the floor, wedged between two sofas. Last night I vaguely remembered stumbling in around 2am. Lacking in the sleep department and heavy in the alcohol recovery, I feel surprisingly well for just a few hours of sleep. Last night was a blur, it was my cousin's wedding and it was epic. The … [Read more...]
Hidden Treasures of El Salvador
Hidden yet in plain sight is the poor but plentiful country of El Salvador in Central America. Bound on one side by the brilliant blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean, cornered by Honduras and Guatemala it is a country of many different facets each one shining light upon its varied attractions. Mountains, tropical rain forests, sugar plantations and the ever present pounding of surf on sandy beaches, add up to a traveller’s dream but … [Read more...]
Jessica Matthews & Julia Silverman: sOccket Co-founders
sOccket is a unique soccer ball which generates and stores energy every time it is kicked. This invention has significant practical applications in energy starved regions around the world. Recently we had a chance to ask co-founders Jessica and Julia a few questions about their ingenious invention. Q. Jessica/Julia - tell us a little about your background and how you became involved with sOccket. The concept for sOccket came out … [Read more...]
Planeterra’s Voluntourism
Endangered Species, Ancient Culture and Voluntourism Combine in Planeterra's New-for-2010 Project China IRichard G. Edwards, Director Planeterra Phone: 416-260-0999 Email: richard@planeterra.org www.planeterra.org TORONTO, March 23, 2010 - With fewer than 1,000 giant pandas left in the world, travelers on Planeterra's new Project China voluntour will have an opportunity to directly participate in efforts to protect this endangered … [Read more...]
Fe y Alegra
"God, Brisa," I sighed, tightening my ponytail as we climbed the steep concrete stairs to the classroom in El Salvador. "I don't want to be here." "I know, me neither," Brisa whispered. "Mondays suck." We shared a withering smile, knowing that the next four hours would leave us emotionally exhausted. I took a deep breath, then stepped into the second grade classroom where we would spend our next hour. The classroom was green, like … [Read more...]
Pollo Campero
We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest. ~ Oscar Romero Pollo Campero Jackie, Trout, Molly, and I were on our way back from spending the week in Honduras and were physically and emotionally exhausted from our trip. We had … [Read more...]
The Guns of Central America
My journey started in Havana - probably the safest capital in Latin America. The Castro regime has put so many cops on the streets that I was instantly told from the very beginning that any assault on a traveller is unthinkable. Scams, theft, yes. But in terms of violence, it is pretty obvious on the streets of Havana who is the boss. Then I flew in to Yucatan, Eastern Mexico. As I wait in the queue for passport control, a guy in front of me … [Read more...]