We had just arrived on the island when I was suddenly approached by a man seemingly from out of nowhere. It had been a full days travel. I had left the Panama mountain village of Boquete and was now on the final connecting bus. Five hours away was the popular Bocas del Toro island on the Caribbean coast. The bus was chocker block full with the roof stacked high with a mound of backpacks. The ...…[read more]
Author: Chris
A seemingly endless array of skyscrapers stretch along the city coastline creating an imposing view. An outlook that would rival the best of the world cities. Connecting the waters edge to these most modern towers of real estate, is an inviting natural wide open expanse of lawns, gardens, trees, walkways and cycle paths. Almost unnoticeable between these prominent landscape features is a bustling multi lane expressway. This is Panama City. Capital of Panama, Central America. ...…[read more]
To qualify as a gap year, there’s a certain minimum requirement to fulfill. By comparison, you can’t say you’ve really experienced the great Aussie outback unless you’ve slept in a swag. The awe of laying there wondering what strange creatures in the darkened night you may be sharing the night with. Same with a gap year. You can’t say you’ve gap yeared unless you’ve done, what I like to refer to as, urban swagging. That ...…[read more]
We looked at each other but didn’t say a word. We didn’t have to. We knew what each other was thinking. With our young family of three children we were on a one way ticket to the other side of the world. As the plane bumped and jolted while it descended through the clouds, our window now presented an entirely different view. No longer was there a brilliant blue sky. Nor the sunshine nor the ...…[read more]
I don’t know about you, but I like to think of this time of the year as a time of reflection. And as I reflect, I think we’re pretty lucky really. I’m talking about Oz. They don’t call Oz the lucky country for no reason. With out question, the most advanced country in the whole world. I speak with some authority on this. Spend some time this side of the world and it doesn’t take ...…[read more]
It was enlightening to be back. Unquestionably one of the world’s most iconic cities. Featured in films that have become part of our lives. Inspired songs that have created defining moments of our time. And as many would claim at this point in history, the world’s capital. It was my first winter experience in the Big Apple. It was several degrees below. Ice skating was now the central feature of Central Park. Bryant Park off ...…[read more]
It’s that time. Time to say adiós to Spain. And what an experience it’s been. Except for one thing. I still can’t pronounce that darn street I lived in. Well I can. But it’s just that no one’s ever heard of it! I have met some really great people. Brits, Italians, Canadians, Americans, Irish, Russian, Dutch, French, etc, etc, and of course many Spanish people. I had a day stop over in Madrid on the ...…[read more]
As the wheels touched down on the tarmac, I felt a sense of ease. The city streets that emerged from the subway metro were clean. No garbage to step around. There was a welcoming feeling of familiarity being back in Valencia. It doesn’t take long to unpack a backpack. There were people to see. More mountains to explore. A bike ride to the south to explore the Castle of Xàtiva. As with all of Europe ...…[read more]
I had to stoop to get through the black metal door. My biggest concern was finding this door again. It was at the end of a network of dimly lit narrow streets. I had closely studied the markings on each street that led to that door. It would only take one wrong turn. I noted the over flowing bins. The undernourished cats scavenging what fell to the ground. The odd stranger seemingly lurking in the darkness. ...…[read more]
Have I told you Valencia is such a vibrant culture! With all its cafes and bars on just about every corner. But what’s behind all the food and wine culture here in Valencia. I’d like you to meet a very special local chef. Born and raised in Spain. Has traveled the world. Worked in some of the top restaurants in Paris. And has even been a private chef to a royal family. He knows something about ...…[read more]