Toto Santos strikes me as a unique little spot of culture and creativity nestled into the hills of Baja. It’s a beautiful little community that expounds on the creativity brought here by the people looking for an escape, so maybe it would be categorized as escapist creativity.The Pueblo itself is unique and enchanting, with most locals waving at everybody as they drive by. I’ve found that welcoming nature and lack of suspicion of “outsiders“To be more unique here than in other places. There was a level of suspicion of Americans and Canadians in Lo De Marco that I found to […]
Why the heck do we worship vacations?
Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from. ~ Seth Godin I mean, seriously, we all seem to have this bizarre obsession with them. We eagerly anticipate their arrival, mourn their impending departure, and then proceed to mope around like we’ve lost a dear friend once they’re over. What’s the deal? Let’s break down this absurd love affair with vacations, shall we? First off, it’s during these supposed blissful breaks that we convince ourselves we’re in control. Oh yes, control freaks unite! We revel in the […]
Slowing Down in 2024
Buckle up, fellow time-crunched comrades! Forget FOMO-fueled vacations that leave you feeling like a hamster on a caffeine bender. This year, we’re throwing the rulebook (and probably your itinerary) out the window and embracing the glorious rebellion that is slow travel. Think less “ticking off monuments with a selfie stick in hand” and more “sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched piazza, feeling like Sophia Loren in your prime.” We’re talking about experiences that linger like the smell of freshly baked croissants, not flashbulb-induced amnesia. Staycations that rediscover the hidden gems of your own backyard, meditation retreats that silence the inner […]
Pedernal in the clouds
Ventured to Abiquiu Lake last night to see the sunset, and while it was cloudy, the sky was still wonderfully textured as the sun dipped down. Being back in the village of my youth has been interesting, with lots of old memories flooding through my brain as I adapt to a new life here for the next few months. Life in Abiquiu has its own rhythm and understanding, one profoundly different from the big city and, yet, something precious and unique.
Journey Away
Day 1 – Portland to Boise We set out early in the morning, eager to hit the road and begin our journey. The drive from Portland to Boise was long but scenic, taking us through the Columbia River Gorge and over the Blue Mountains. We stopped for lunch in Pendleton, a historic town known for its woolen mills and cowboy culture. As we drove through Idaho, we were struck by the vastness of the landscape, with rolling hills and fields stretching as far as the eye could see. We arrived in Boise in the late afternoon, tired but excited for […]
Sunset with Samantha
Lo de Marcos is one of my favorite places in the world. There’s something about the tranquil coastal town that makes me feel instantly relaxed and at ease. And one of the best things about Lo de Marcos is the incredible sunsets. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing one of these sunsets with my furry companion by my side. My dog is always up for an adventure, and I knew that watching the sunset with him would be a special moment that we would both cherish. We made our way down to the beach, and the warm sand felt […]
Sayulita Bound
As a seasoned traveler in my 50s, I’ve had the privilege of exploring many destinations around the world, including several in Mexico. But Sayulita, a small town on the Pacific coast, stands out as a unique and vibrant destination. In this travel blog post, I’ll share my experiences and insights on Sayulita, compare it to other destinations in Mexico, and provide tips for those planning a trip. Sayulita, located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The town center is […]
Turning The Corner
We boarded an early morning flight to a place unexplored, the intersection of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. After what seemed like hours tucked into a metal tube, we disembark into the hot afternoon sun, welcomed by a small outdoor terminal frequently found in warmer climates where the windows and doors are more decorative than anything else. It’s a moment of excitement and remarkable change, having escaped the rain of the Pacific Northwest and joined my daughter, having been invited to travel with her overseas. She’s been a partner-in-adventure for many years. I reflect back upon a time long past, […]
Mehayo – 12 years later
It’s incredible to think that 12 years have already passed since my visit to the Mehayo Center in Morogoro, Tanzania. At the time, I had embarked on a project for CreativeCares to share the stories of disabled children in Africa, but from a unique perspective. I had grown tired of seeing media coverage that only showed the suffering and despair of these young people. Instead, I wanted to highlight their successes, despite the challenges they faced. My goal was to offer a lens of hope, rather than one of despair, in the hopes that people would be inspired to donate. […]
Abiquiu: A Peaceful Escape to the Heart of New Mexico
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of northern New Mexico, Abiquiu is a hidden gem that deserves to be on every traveler’s bucket list. This small, charming town is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape and a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions in Abiquiu is the stunning Ghost Ranch, known for its red rock formations and sprawling views of the desert terrain. The ranch was once home to the renowned artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, and visitors can explore her former studio and learn about her life and work. The ranch also offers […]