Colombia: Mud Bath Inside El Tutomo Volcano
What’s a crazy romantic way to spend a morning of a wedding anniversary? How about a mud bath inside a volcano? Sounds a bit radical but that was how we started our celebration during our anniversary trip in Colombia, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. An easy 45-minute drive from Cartagena,... Read more
Getsemani: Old Cartagena’s Real Neighborhood
We ventured outside the fabled Walled City and explored the other district of Old Cartagena – Getsemani. While it does not possess the grandeur of the Walled City, Getsamani offers a more authentic Old Cartagena experience as it is a neighborhood where local families still live and where Colombian hospitality is still very much alive. It is also where artistry thrives.... Read more
Colombia: The Walled City of Old Cartagena
One of the unforgettable highlights of any travel to Colombia is a visit to the historic and magnificent Walled City in the heart of Old Cartagena. Strategically located in the country’s Caribbean Coast, Old Cartagena was one of Colonial Spain’s important ports. Stone fortresses and massive walls up to 20 meters thick and 11 kilometers long surround the... Read more
Berlin: A Sunday with Locals at Mauerpark
If you have been to Berlin before and have seen all the must-see attractions or simply tired of the tourist track, why not check out many of its local scenes? If you happen to be in Berlin on a weekend, I suggest that you head to Mauerpark, where a lot of Berliners flock on Sundays. Located in... Read more
The Murals on Berlin Wall’s East Side Gallery
It has been 25 years since the fall of Berlin Wall but the expression of global euphoria of that historic time remains vivid on the longest surviving section of the Wall. Along the Spree River, the real border between East and West Germany, a section of the Berlin Wall on the eastern bank was left intact and... Read more
Antarctica: Sunrise, a Museum & Final Sea Ice Walk
Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Days 8 to 10 I felt someone woke me up from my sleep. I looked at the clock and it was only 2:30 am. I laid my head back on the pillow and then bolted right up. It’s 2:30! It’s sunrise time in Antarctica! I ran to the window to see... Read more
Antarctica: Kayaking, Neko Harbor & Cuverville’s Icebergs
Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Day 7 So far, we have seen so much beauty in Antarctica and each day presented new wonders. Still in awe from the staggering grandeur of the Lemaire Channel from the day before, we were anxious to see what this day would bring. Kayaking and Hiking in Neko... Read more
Remembering Kathmandu City
Gentle and charming people, exquisite temples, deep spirituality, vibrant culture, rich artistic heritage, bursting with colors, delightful chaos – those are what come to mind when we think of Kathmandu. Our hearts wrenched thinking that many of the splendid cultural heritage sites and sacred places that captivated us no longer stand as a result of the recent... Read more