Random Thoughts from the Dominican Republic

The Caves The DR has fabulous caves and cenotes to explore, especially in Cotubanamá National Park. The first, Cueva de Chicho, is a short one kilometer walk in from the parking lot through a picturesque forest. Bring your snorkel gear, or if you dive, hire someone to take you down. I've been slowly getting into … Continue reading Random Thoughts from the Dominican Republic →

Beyond Bocas

On the Panama expat forums I belong to, people lament that visitors don't realize there's more to Panama than the canal and the Bocas del Toro islands in the Caribbean in the far west of the country. Sure, some people stick around Panama City long enough to fly to San Blas islands or to go … Continue reading Beyond Bocas →

Big Birthday in Belize

For my 40th birthday, I was toying around with the idea of a long weekend with friends somewhere like Nashville, Asheville, or New Orleans. But when tickets came up to Belize for $350 round trip, well, plans changed. Melissa (who turns 40 just six weeks after me) and I snapped up that deal and started planning … Continue reading Big Birthday in Belize →

Eight Days in the Mid-Atlantic (Part 1)

This summer, I’m keeping my travel domestic and fulfilling some long overdue visits to friends and family. I forgot how cheap it is to vacation when you don’t have to pay for hotels and you don’t have to go out for every meal. Also, I’ve been to places I’m going this summer many times before, … Continue reading Eight Days in the Mid-Atlantic (Part 1) →

Pools of Mud in San Jacinto, Nicaragua (May, 2008)

While You Are There: Hang out in León for a few days, see the ruins, go to the beach, go sandboarding, and drink some rum. There's no shortage of activities in this part of the country. León is easily my favorite place in Nicaragua (although Ometepe is pretty great too!) and this quote from Lonely Planet … Continue reading Pools of Mud in San Jacinto, Nicaragua (May, 2008) →

Jeju and Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater, South Korea (August, 2002)

While You Are There: Hike in the crater and get drenched in sweat. That's what I remember about it - the humidity inside. It's its own microclimate. It's a steamy tropical jungle. Clearly the volcano inside is not active, but it's so hot that you get the sensation it might erupt at any moment. Or maybe … Continue reading Jeju and Seongsan Ilchulbong Crater, South Korea (August, 2002) →

Great Huts, Port Antonio, Jamaica (March, 2015)

Doh! I did not take a single picture while I was there. But the Great Huts official site has plenty. While You Are There: It's another go-away-and-then-have-a-staycation post! The Great Huts offers everything you need in the hotel itself, but there are some nice attractions nearby such as the Blue Lagoon (yes, that Blue Lagoon, not … Continue reading Great Huts, Port Antonio, Jamaica (March, 2015) →