Tag: travel
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Immersed in the Daily Life of Costa Rica
I wanted to immerse myself in the local culture of Costa Rica – la pura vida, and I succeeded, although two experiences in two days have not been quite as expected. But definitely memorable. The first episode: No one wants to get sick while traveling. Illness can ruin a perfectly wonderful vacation. I woke one…
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Two Days, Two Hotels, One Town
Photo by Meryl Baer I never considered myself high maintenance, and my husband Steve would generally agree with me. However at times my flexibility and willingness to ‘go with the flow’ is tested. That is what happened upon our arrival in the Costa Rican town of Domenical, a quaint Spanish/California/hippie hodge-podge of an enclave famous…
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My Senior-Style Winter Break Begins
The sensation of sunlit warmth on my Northern pale skin did not initially materialize as my husband Steve and I settled into temporary digs, our home away from home for three weeks. It took an entire day to recover from our trip south, an endless 15-hour journey door to door. We are no longer young,…
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A Very Long Air Travel Day
Who decreed air travel should be so challenging, time-consuming, and aggravating? It is the 21st century! Why can’t gurus with business brains make a journey a seamless experience? Where is Scotty (of Star Trek fame) – ‘beam me up, Scotty’ – when you need him? Long-distance trips for the wealthy can be pleasant, even enjoyable (or so I’ve…
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The Benefits of a Staycation with (or without) Friends
Staycation – a vacation spent at home or nearby. I could take a staycation anytime. All I need to do is clear my calendar for a day, a couple of days, or longer. But I don’t. Day by day passes, and my daily routine overshadows ideas to investigate a temporary museum exhibit, explore a park,…
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To Market, To Market, a Mexican One
My husband Steve and I enjoyed Ajijic, Mexico, hospitality for two weeks. We wandered city streets, savored local cuisine, window shopped, purchased a couple of keepsakes, and relaxed in the near-perfect climate of warm, sunny days. My knowledge of Spanish is almost non-existent, yet I wanted to absorb some local atmosphere and way of life.…
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Musings on a Mexican Interlude
Most folks I told I was going to Mexico never heard of Lake Chapala, a region in the middle of the country bordered by mountains. Ajijic, where my husband and I are staying, is not only unknown to many travelers, most of whom gravitate to coastal resorts such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, but difficult…
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Clueless on the Mexican Boardwalk
I felt hot, sweaty, and exhausted after spending hours in the Mexican sun. I tried to stay in the shade and undercover, but the searing heat and the sun‘s southern rays pierced my pallid North American winter skin. Seeking relief, I strolled into a store on the Malecon – the Boardwalk – presenting a particularly…
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Celebrating the Season In the City
The City – New York City, the Big Apple, the island of Manhattan. The Sunday before Thanksgiving hub and I drove into Manhattan, a challenging, demanding, wearying experience, one we would not normally, usually, when in our right minds, undertake. But our Florida family was staying in the Big Apple for a few days, and…
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Long Day’s Journey through the Night
The holiday season stirs memories of seasons past. This is a story of one holiday trip my family experienced years ago. Disclaimer: No apologies if family and friends who accompanied me on this journey challenge my version of events. Hour 1 Christmas vacation offered a perfect time to visit aging relatives and younger cousins in…