Opening in 1973, the Baros Maldives was only the third island destination resort in the Maldives. It's gorgeous beauty and proximity to Male were among the primary reasons for it's opening. Even though such history is fairly recent - things were significantly different back then. There were no banks on Male, fishing was still the primary income source for the country, the population was less then a 1/3 of what it is today and on Baros the … [Read more...]
Anguilla Watersports, Anguilla – March 2016
Anguilla WaterSports was founded by Judson Burdon in 2013. However he originally moved to Anguilla in 2000, fell in love with the slow pace of the island, water sports and never left. When talking to him, one will quickly feel the passion and energy he has for the ocean and water sports. Conversation soon turns to top surfing spots around the world - some of which he has personally surfed. He is also an avid kite surfer having setup a … [Read more...]
A Treasured Stay, Ritz Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay Thailand
One enters this refined state of opulence through a grand entrance - reserved for quiet of which there is plenty of on this property - and a place to decompress once you arrive. Stone tiles line a reflecting pond culminating in a pavilion and some welcome shade. Everyone can use a refreshing chilled towel infused with some pleasing exotic aroma on hot humid days; this along with an invigorating drink are served upon your arrival. If you are … [Read more...]
I Snorkelled Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland
Iceland is hardly the first destination which comes to mind when you think of snorkelling, but in Thingvellir National Park tectonic Activity has formed a rift, which is filled with pure glacial water. And what better place to snorkel than between tectonic plates? It was a cold. So very cold. Frost clung to the ground and the wind was biting into every inch of my frozen body. During the short journey from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National … [Read more...]
Scuba Dive In The Gili Islands
Just a ferry ride away from Bali are the beautiful islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. I stayed on Gili “T”, where I put my new scuba certification skills to the test. And this was the absolute perfect location to do it! The water visibility was amazing and the ocean was teaming with an incredible variety of coral and fish. When I arrived and checked into Gili Yoga, I was half-drugged from the dramamine I had taken, just … [Read more...]
Winding the Watch of Island Time
I was in such a hurry to get to the Micronesian island of Kosrae, such a hurry to see its isolated beauty, such a hurry to begin my first year of teaching—in such a hurry to be out of my old life and in this new. After arriving, I wanted to jump right in, get my new house settled, fill it with food, set up the computer, arrange my classes and office, drive the length and breadth of the landscape and snorkel my fool head off in the island’s … [Read more...]
Trolling Humans for Whales, and Other Divine Madness from the North Country
The Mad Hatter: “Have I gone mad?” Alice Kingsley: “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” The Mad Hatter: “There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it you need to be as mad as a hatter. Which luckily I am.” This seems crazy. In the stern of a Mark V Zodiac on the Arctic Sea I’m slipping into a dry suit, fitting into … [Read more...]
Tasmania Travel Guide
Though Tasmania is a small island, it is packed with things to do, see, and experience. It is a must-see for any traveler or backpacker making their way through Australia. Named after an European explorer, “Tassie”, as it’s fondly known to locals, is the most mountainous state in Australia, and 40% of the island is National Forest. There are plenty of opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and hiking around the island. Tasmania is unique for its … [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...]
A Week at the Beach on Isla Mujeres
Can we all just agree that Cancun isn’t really all that great? After all, it’s a man-made vacation destination bogged down by mammoth, cheap all-inclusive resorts with lots of drunk tourists. Having said that, the weather there is great, the beaches are stunning and it’s super easy to get to. With a little extra planning and venturing beyond the main Hotel Zone, a perfect week at the beach in Mexico is absolutely possible! It’s not far by … [Read more...]