The Puna Pao (the Pukao quarry) is where the Pukao (“hair bun” in Rapa Nui) were created. These are the red tops of the Moai often referred to as hats, but are hair buns. Ahu Huri Hanga Poukura is the largest unrestored Ahu on the island Hanga Te’e Interpretive Center […]
Rapa Nui Sanctuaries
Ahu Akivi has 7 Moais facing the sea. The Roiho lava field, lava tunnel and the Ana Te Pahu cave. A lot of wild horses on the walk and I found some guava to eat … delicious! The Ahu Tahai is an archeological complex with a coral-eyed Moai. Happy Travels! […]
The Highest Point
For this exploration, we hiked from the foothills of the Terevaka Volcano, going up a narrow creek and passing between archaeological vestiges until we reached the volcano’s summit, the highest point on Easter Island with 360° views. Happy Travels! Travel, Wine & ShoesJackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, […]
Ara Moai
Rano Raraku, the moai quarry, shows huge statues in different carving stages. The old moai transportation routes have abandoned moai along the way. Happy Travels! Travel, Wine & ShoesJackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at […]
Ahu Tahira, Rano Kau Crater, Orongo & the Birdman
What a hike!! Our hike started in Ahu Tahira, a construction platform with perfectly overlapping stone structures. The hike to the rim of the Rano Kau crater (the largest in the Island) was long, but with amazing views! We continued on to Orongo, an ancient ceremonial village where the Birdman […]
Tongariki
A trip to Tongariki was magnificent! We learned the history of Rapa Nui’s largest Ahu and explored its surroundings. What a thrilling experience!! Moi, gigantic and mysterious statues of stone located in Easter Island, Chilean territory, are a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The fifteen Moai of Ahu Tongariki were toppled […]
Mahatua
This hike was along the coast, passing fishing coves, archaeological sites and Ovahe beach. It ended at Anakena where the archaeological remains of the Rapa Nui kings who lived there are. This is a sea urchin and it was moving in my hand. They are good to eat and the […]
Akahanga
My first introductory excursion to the island ~ we walked from the lodge to the coastline, descending among prairies, farmlands and archaeological sites. We finished in the area of Akahanga, where the second largest moai platform is found. After the hike, we were treated to fresh fruit and drinks. Moai […]
Hola Easter Island & Explora Rapa Nui
I did not sleep a wink last night! Waiting for this flight to start was better than Christmas morning. Check in was smooth and then I was on my way across the South Pacific! After a nap, breakfast and reading my kindle, all of a sudden I could see the […]
A Stopover in Santiago
I got very nervous about a month ago and moved my flight to Santiago back a whole day. What if one of my many connecting flights was delayed and I missed my LATAM flight to Easter Island? The risk was too high so I moved it allowing for potential delays. […]
Arizona Adventures
Exploring Scottsdale and Sedona ~ highlights are hiking, RunSedona Half Marathon and an autonomous car!
Lost Dog Trail
A 6.8 km long trail near Scottsdale, Arizona with an elevation gain of 413 feet.
Gateway Loop Trail
A 7.1 km long trail near Scottsdale, Arizona with an elevation gain of 721 feet.
Soldiers Pass Trail
Soldiers Pass Trail is 7.2 km out and back with an elevation gain of 856 feet.
Easter Island ~ Where & How To Get There
Easter Island is located smack dab in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is shaped like a triangle and 24.6 km long by 12.3 km at the widest point. Easter Island is a volcanic island with three extinct coalesced volcanoes ~ Terevaka, Poike and Rano Kau. It is an UNESCO […]
Riding the Train from Kandy to Ella
Riding the train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka ~ the adventure of a lifetime!
Panama City ~ Perfection!
Panama City is the capital of Panama consisting of 3 districts ~ historic, rebuilt, and modern. The Panama Canal is a man made wonder of the world and a must do: Panama Canal ~ Partial Transit. I didn’t know what to expect in Panama other than the Panama Canal and it […]
The Beaches of Puerto Viejo
Wildlife, rain forest and beaches! Puerto Viejo is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and a great spot to relax and enjoy everything this small town has to offer. I caught a glimpse of a sloth! This beached boat was almost turned into a B&B ~ now that […]
Costa Rica’s Coco Beach
In the Guanacaste Province at the heart of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Papagayo is Coco Beach. What a beautiful spot to visit and spend time in. Stunning beaches, diving, welcoming people, amazing food and so many birds and reptiles. Birds & Reptiles Blue Dream Diving with Blue Dream was fantastic! […]
Bocas del Toro ~ Paradise in Panama
Bocas del Toro is located at the southern tip of Isla Colón, in the Caribbean Sea consisting of the mainland and 9 main islands. Christoper Columbus was here in 1502 while looking for a passage to the Pacific Ocean. I love Panama and this little slice of paradise! A water […]
Stunning Sedona!
Highlights include RunSedona Half Marathon, hiking Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock, Pink Jeep Tour, Helicopter Tour, Wineries and Jerome, a Ghost Town.
Sedona will be a yearly adventure!
Verde Valley ~ Wine & Ghosts
Travels through the Verde Valley visiting wineries and Jerome.
Taking It Easy on Route 66
Travels through Arizona: Winslow, Route 66, Meteor Crater, Two Guns, and the Apache Death Cave
Sedona Hiking
In Sedona, Arizona, hiking Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Parque de Aventura Las Nubes
The Parque de Aventura Las Nubes is in a nature reserve and offers a wide variety of activities including Zipline, Canopy Tour, Tarzan Swing and Rappel.
San Juan del Sur
On the coast of Nicaragua is a little town called San Juan del Sur with beautiful beaches, sunsets, and a huge Jesus statue overlooking the harbour.
Hiking The Lost Waterfalls & The Pipeline Trail in Boquete
Travels through Boquete, Panama and hiking The Lost Waterfalls and The Pipeline Trail.
Budapest, the Star of the Danube
Welcome to Budapest ~ old world charm, stunning archicture, gorgeous views, delicious food, and wonderful people. Budapest is known as the Star of the Danube.
Transylvania & Dracula
Exploring Transylvania, Peles Castle, Brașov, and Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle).
Romanian Doughnuts, Boards & Wine
Food adventures in Bucharest including Romanian doughnuts, meat boards and a lot of wine!
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and is called Little Paris. Stunning architecture, welcoming people, and an old town centre to wander through made my visit unforgettable.
A Newfoundland Christmas
A Newfoundland Christmas featuring favourites and traditions like Toutons, Turrs, Mummering, Tibb’s Eve, Jigg’s Dinner, and Goobies.
Ooh La La Luxembourg
Luxembourg and it’s capital, Luxembourg City was fabulous! Luxembourg is in Western Europe surrounded by Belgium, Germany and France. Medieval castles, hiking, viewpoints and a Louboutin shoe store! I rolled into Luxembourg City doing the milk run on a train from Poland. I met a fellow Canadian from Toronto on […]
Pretty Vaduz
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and the prettiest place I’ve been. Liechtenstein is the world’s wealthiest country and is landlocked between Switzerland and Austria. There are ~ 5,500 residents in Vaduz. Liechtenstein has mountains, vineyards, hiking and castles!
The Country That Doesn’t Exist
There is a little strip of land between Ukraine and Moldova called Transnistria that is often referred to as “the country that doesn’t exist”. Welcome to the country of Transnistria and it’s capital city, Tiraspol. I took a bus from Chisinau, Moldova to Tiraspol, Transnistria and had a 10-hour visa […]
The Chisinau Vibe
Moldova is a small country in Eastern Europe located between Ukraine and Romania. I arrived in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, on my birthday after splurging and buying myself a birthday scarf in the airport. I found a lovely apartment in Chisinau. One of my travel tips is to step […]
The Incredible Sofia in the Balkans
Located in Southeastern Europe is a small country called Bulgaria. Sofia is the capital of this Balkan nation. It has over 2,000 years of history, mountains, rivers, a rich heritage and ketchup chips! Before I write about the gorgeous sites in Sofia, I have to gush over the fact that […]
San Marino and The Three Towers
Nestled within Italy, there is another country! What? The Republic of San Marino is only 61 sq kms and has a population just over 30K. The capital, the City of San Marino, is located on top of Monte Titano, which is a mountain in the Apennines. The city itself has a population of 4,000 folks.
The Girls In Nanoose Bay (Again!)
It was that time of year again! The girls headed to Nanoose Bay for our yearly fun filled weekend. We (aka The Girls) are Dawn, Debbie, Nancy, Nadine, Kim, Sheri & Jackie and have been friends for too many years to count now (think back to when you were single […]
Los Angeles & The Stadium Tour
Los Angeles. LA. Hollywood. Hollyweird. Been here many times and each time is an experience. We arrived after a very long flight from London with a connection in Amsterdam. I got some air tags and had them in my luggage. It was interesting to track my bags. SLS Beverly Hills […]
Westminster Abbey
Well colour me happy! I walked in Westminster Abbey and pictures are now allowed. I did not have my camera (because as far as I knew pictures weren’t allowed) and I had to make do with my iPhone. Pictures have never been allowed before in the Abbey and I will […]
London
One of my favourite places. I see the same things over and over and it never gets old. Park Plaza Westminster Our central London hotel is found on the lively South Bank Our central London hotel, conveniently situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, features contemporary design throughout […]
Highlander & The Night Train
And just like that we were making our way to London! Eilean Donan Castle Dating all the way back to the 13th century, this castle is alongside the road from Inverness to the Isle of Skye. Three lochs meet here ~ Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. The castle was […]
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye. Sigh. A bigger sigh. It is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago and spectacular. Breathtakingly beautiful at every turn, there are so many things to do and see here. The Skye Boat Song is about the journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie from Benbecula to […]
Isle of Harris & Isle of Lewis
Off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris form the main island in the Outer Hebrides and are two parts of one island. The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands and I have to return and see more of them. Kirklea Island Suites […]
Culloden House & Battlefield
Culloden House is THE place to stay in the Highlands. I’m already planning to go back to the Highlands with my Mom and stay here at Culloden House again along with a stop at Windsor Castle to see the Queen’s ledger stone. Culloden House Discover The Luxurious Culloden House At […]
Inverness
This is my favourite place in the world! Scotland, Inverness, Culloden, the history, the world of Jamie Fraser and Outlander, I love it here. Inverness is known as the happiest place in Scotland. Inverness is in the Scottish Highlands and two historic battles took place here ~ the Battle of […]