Many travellers will arrive in Bogota with the intention of staying for a couple of days before moving onto somewhere else... Cartagena, Santa Marta, the Coffee Region. So in case you happen to be spending just 48 hours in Bogota (let's say a weekend) here’s a suggested itinerary (with alternatives suggested in the event of rain!): Saturday 8.00am: It’s Saturday morning and chances are you’re staying near the historical part of Bogota (the … [Read more...]
The Paua and the Glory
New Zealand’s Prized Sea Snails John M. Edwards voyages to remote Stewart Island to capture one of New Zealand’s most expensive endangered delicacies: paua. Finding no “paua” on the menus of New Zealand’s North or South Islands, a dirtbag backpacker and “stringer” correspondent was forced to go to way remote Stewart Island in order to find and forage some for his own in the wild. At this island outpost on Half Moon Bay, he thus discovered … [Read more...]
Rudkobing, Denmark… Wedding Destination?
Red doors welcome guests into warmly decorated homes, basket bicycles sit in front of flower gardens, cozy houses are perched along rocky streets, a colorful market full of fresh goods and happy people and a harbor full of boats waiting to leave for new adventures - all await visitors in the charming town of Rudkobing, Denmark. Rudkobing, located on Langeland Island also hosts many sports and nature related activities similar to other Nordic … [Read more...]
Cooking Lessons from a Street Vendor in Thailand
On a humid afternoon in November, I found myself slowly wandering through the outdoor food markets of downtown Chiang Mai, Thailand. A cornucopia of vibrant and enticing food stalls and souvenir stands littered the pathways as vendors competed for my business. My stomach and brain have never had such a conflict... Stomach: "Wow that sushi looks amazing" Brain: "It's 10 THB ($0.33 USD) a piece. How long has it been sitting there? It's a … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef Capsizing & Rescue Story
I have been to Queensland several times over the years but each time I've never had the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef. It has been on my "bucket list" for a very long time. During my latest trip earlier this year I was fortunate to finally be able to visit this reef, certainly one of the planet's most inspiring underwater and above water destinations. During my time exploring the reef I met an engaging individual, Nick Lynch. I've … [Read more...]
“Two Tickets to Paradise”, Palau
“I’ve got two tickets to paradise. Pack your bags and leave tonight” – Eddie Money In the evening we arrived to the Airai Hotel located conveniently near Palau’s international airport. The Airai hotel staff was welcoming and our hotel room that overlooked the coastline from a distance and the hotel waterpark below us was a spacious and comfortable midrange option. At the restaurant we sampled tasty white snapper pesto served over a bed of … [Read more...]
Touring Koror, Palau
Whenever we arrive to a new place, we attempt to learn about the country. Therefore, our first stop in Palau was the Belau National Museum where the exhibit: “A Cherechar A Lokelii: Palau Through the Years” gave us a detailed introductory education. Strolling through the halls we learned about the past presence and influences of the Spanish, Germans, Japanese and the United States from a historical context. The Spanish first visited Palau in … [Read more...]
Savory Eats at MGM Grand, Las Vegas
While there are no shortages of activities to enjoy at MGM Grand there are also a number of restaurants here. As a Foodie I was thankful to dine in two different establishments; PUB 1842 and Shibuya. PUB 1842 is a casual pub and gastropub; at the entrance you will discover an endless variety of beers lined up. The sign here boasts, “Free Water, Cheap Beer”. The food menu consists of burgers, nachos, lobster rolls, and so much more. Chef … [Read more...]
A Slice of Cabo Wry
I think it’s natural that when you enter another country, particularly for the first time, you immediately look for both the familiar and the strange. Driving into Cabo San Lucas from the airport, I was struck by the scattered groups and solitary sentinels of Cardón cactus, the spindly beasts that are the world’s largest cactus, and that can live over 300 years. These pricklies have been witness to the remarkable changes that have taken place at … [Read more...]
On The Cheap – How Expensive Is Japan?
Every traveller and backpacker I’ve ever met who wants to go to Japan only asks me two questions. 1. Is Japan expensive to travel around? 2. Can you travel around Japan cheaply? Although the first answer is ‘Yes’... luckily the second answer is also ‘Yes’! However, I’m not going to begin by lying to you… transportation costs in Japan will make you cry tears the size of October’s cabbages (i.e. make you cry a lot). Although food is … [Read more...]