John M. Edwards succumbs to the lures and snares of Costa Rica’s Caribbean “ecotourism,” instead of “narcissism,” in a relatively wealthy country translating literally as “Rich Coast.” I stood in a state of stupefaction, eavesdropping on a few randomundocumented locals who looked like they were engaging in a slapping fight—except with warm smiles of nonrecognition on their faces, maybe ganja buzzes. “Hey, mon, wha’appen!” “Wa’appen, … [Read more...]
Honduras: When Conservation Goes Too Far
Honduras is like the monkey who locked up the zookeeper. This little tropical realm has put away the constrained thinking that keeps others stuck in unproductive routines, and allowed its wildness to escape the margins. ~Richard Bangs Because it’s faithful to our childlike imaginations of wilderness, our youthful notions of life authentic and unadulterated, Honduras remains a true, original adventure. Far from the strictures of … [Read more...]
Disneyland for Romance
Having recently married, (an unlikely side effect of Obamacare) I seem to find my brain stuck in amorous overdrive - the unlikely beneficiary being my husband, with an impromptu trip for two to the Magic Kingdom. It’s true that many react incredulously to the idea of adults wanting to frolic in a place so firmly aimed at the juvenile but, as a child from Southern California, I have always loved Disneyland and my affection hasn’t waned one bit. … [Read more...]
Trinidad and Tobago Gears up for the “Greatest Show on Earth”
Thousands of revelers take to the islands’ streets to celebrate Carnival 2014 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – February 13, 2014 – With just a few weeks to go, partiers are finalizing preparations for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, the radical explosion of color, music, dance and creativity that sweeps the dual-island nation every year. With its massive masquerade bands, colorful costumes, pulsating music and exuberant celebrations, Trinidad’s … [Read more...]
How I Got My Glow On in St. Thomas
Three if by land, two if by sea. Sorry, Paul Revere, but you got lit up your way, I’ll do it mine. I was at Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas recently, a glorious iconic resort perched high on a bluff and overlooking the capital city of Charlotte Amalie, which a few years ago did a $48-million renovation, jazzing up the spacious rooms (which start around $220 a night), and adding a fitness center, two pools, … [Read more...]
Gladys’ Café a St. Thomas hot spot
If you’ve ever tripped along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, the bustling capital city of St. Thomas in the Caribbean, you know how crowded it can be in season, especially when cruise ships berth, spilling thousands of tourists into the narrow streets seeking deals. At times like that it’s best to cut down some side streets and find places like the Royal Dane Mall, off jewelry store-centric Main, a sun-starved warren of ancient brick … [Read more...]
Biscuits, Booze, and Bodies – 36 Hours in the Florida Keys
Normally, I'm not big on cocktails before 10am. But when we blearily wandered in at 8am to the Blue Heaven, one of Key West’s signature restaurants, that’s what our server suggested. Sitting in the crazy-quilt courtyard, with its rustic artwork and scurrying chickens, looking up at the former bordello on the second-floor, and knocking back some booze seemed in keeping with all things Keys. I opted for the pancakes, which I found just as … [Read more...]
Should I stay or should I go? Bonaire
I mean you can’t beat hanging around a great Caribbean resort like Harbour Village Beach Club on the island of Bonaire. It’s got a great restaurant, stunning sunsets, a long puffy sliver of silky white sand for a beach, and tons of stuff to do, from diving to snorkeling to kayaking and more. There are also the super comfy ocean-facing rooms set amid tropical gardens, and an ever-gracious staff, never leaving you wanting for … [Read more...]
Vote Curacao for Favorite Caribbean Destination
Curaçao is home to more than 30 idyllic beaches including Playa Kalki, perfect for a sandy stroll or snorkeling. WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao - December 10, 2013 - The Caribbean island of Curaçao has made the short list of finalists in the Best Caribbean Island category in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Curaçao is best known for its abundant natural beauty, pristine dive sites and spectacular snorkeling. The unique island paradise is … [Read more...]
My Role as one of Tourism Australia’s Digital corOZpondents
I am honored to have been selected as one of Tourism Australia's digital corOZpondents for 2013/2014. As part of being a corOZpondent I will be making a trip to this great continent for nearly a month (I was in Sydney and vicinity earlier this year for the New Year's fireworks). I'm on the road quite a bit each year - and every trip has its own merit - but there are few trips I have been looking forward to as much as this one. I already know it … [Read more...]
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