Cheerful Nomad

How I really feel about Skiing

I have a love-hate relationship with skiing. I absolutely love the feeling of the snow under me, the wind in my face, the pull of gravity as I glide and twist. I successfully keep my skis parallel, which makes me feel confident and in control of speed. I’m getting older, but I’m so grateful thatContinue reading “How I really feel about Skiing”

Turtle Teamwork

The group of volunteers to help Verdiazul this week (shown below) came from 5 different countries with a united purpose: to help more sea turtles get to the ocean. I’m incredibly impressed by hatchling turtles. They have the unique ability to know when to emerge from the nest, how to emerge, where to go, andContinue reading “Turtle Teamwork”

Volunteering with Sea Turtles

It’s been an awesome night. I was hoping we may see all the phases of see turtle life they can be seen from the land. Last night, I got the bonus of helping a turtle that truly needed it. At Verdiazul, they nightly collect sea turtle eggs to bring them to a protective hatchery. AbbieContinue reading “Volunteering with Sea Turtles”

A little moment in Belgium (July 28-30)

We didn’t know that we were going to Belgium when we started off on this trip, but, following the wise advice of other travelers, we are following the good weather. And I’m so glad we did! Belgium, a country about the size of Maryland (one of my home states ❤️), is known for waffles, beer,Continue reading “A little moment in Belgium (July 28-30)”

Ah Italia 🇮🇹 (June 13-30)

It’s true, pasta and pizza are served in almost every restaurant. We swung through a few of the most well-known cities in Italy, and found our favorites. Starting chronologically: We landed in Naples, and headed straight for Sorrento, a coastal town with easy access to Pompeii. Sorrento has a great variety of “last minute activities”Continue reading “Ah Italia 🇮🇹 (June 13-30)”

We’re Off Again!

After delays and an unexpected layover, we made it to Greece! We chilled for a day of swimming in a Mediterranean inlet and a pool as we acclimated to a new time zone. Then we explored some of the most significant sites of Athens, including the Acropolis and the Athens Ancient Agora. The Parthenon topsContinue reading “We’re Off Again!”

Waning of Familiar Phoenix

Scottsdale and Thomas. Hayden and Indian school. The familiar road names pricked my memories from living there in 2005-2007. Climbing Camelback Mountain. Getting my first ER job. Buying my first house. Taking care of grandma. The growing anxiety as the shadows fell on the mountain I was hiking at Papago Park. The last time IContinue reading “Waning of Familiar Phoenix”

Costa Rica week 7 summary: Carribe!

Our experience with the Caribbean Side started an Tortuguero, described in my last post. The second half of week six was spent there, before we moved on to Puerto Viejo de Limón! The south Caribbean coast has its own vibe, its own flavors, and it’s an rich history. The common Costa Rican meal called “Casado”Continue reading “Costa Rica week 7 summary: Carribe!”

Tortuguero is open for 2021!

For a laid-back Caribbean vibe and a dedication to sea turtle conservation, you can’t beat Tortuguero! Tortuguero is a town on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast only accessible by boat. We got here with a 45 minute boat ride from the dock at La Pavona. We had arranged a hotel, and expected to take theContinue reading “Tortuguero is open for 2021!”

Costa Rica week 5 summary: crossing CR west to east

When planning this trip, I put many dots on the map, then had to connect them. Our plan is now to spend a couple nights in many places. Week 5 (of 9) hit many points across CR. Nosara The primary attraction of Nosara is the beach and yoga. Sunsets here rival those of Tamarindo. TheContinue reading “Costa Rica week 5 summary: crossing CR west to east”