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25 Days in Quito: A Visual Diary of Culture, Color & Cuisine

I spent 25 days in Quito, Ecuador, known as the first UNESCO world culture heritage site. It is 9,350 feet above sea level (at times, feeling a bit breathless). Quito is nestled deep into a valley surrounded by Andean mountains and volcanoes. One of the most biodiversity regions in the world. Its historic center was built on what was once part of the Inca civilization with some of the most well-preserved colonial architecture in all South America, steeped in old traditions. It is also a very large and densely populated modern city. Three weeks in Quito and five days in the Galapagos islands made for an unforgettable experience is this part of the world. Here is what I manage to do in Quito, also known as “La Mitad del Mundo” (middle of the world) where the equator meets Ecuador…

Faces of “Carnaval”: A Visual Story from the Heart of Ecuador

During my time in Quito, Ecuador, I attended “Carnaval “(quite different from what I expected). First, carnavals in all Ecuador are rooted among the Huarangas natives which over time got mixed in with Christian beliefs brought on by the Spanish colonizers. Each city celebrates “carnaval” a bit differently where traditionally people throw at each other flowers, water, flour or foam during the festivities in honor of the second moon. The city closes down for several days, gradually opening up after Ash Wednesday, embracing a long tradition that symbolizes renewal and happiness. Quite the experience…

Bogotá Uncovered: One Week in the City of Contrasts

Leaving Cartagena for a week’s stay in the capital of Bogota, a city 8500 feet above sea level with a population of over 8 million.  Bogota is the Colombia’s cultural center as it dominated all forms of cultural expressions. A modern city with a beautiful historic center with much of its ancestral architecture still in place. No longer one of the most violent city in the world, Bogota today is a melting pot of all cultures from different regions known for its cuisine, murals, street markets, festivals and art.  I stayed several blocks from the historic, colorful Candelaria neighborhood, visiting many of its museums and historic buildings as well as making a trip to the popular Andean mountains to visit a friend. If you have plans to come to Bogota, check out my week in this amazing city ….

Navigating Nature’s Masterpiece: A Galápagos Cruise Experience

A cruise through the Galápagos Islands will allow you to not only understand the connection between Charles Darwin and his theory on evolution but to see the force of the islands’ volcanic origin (still active) and its biodiversity both on land and sea. Each island (got to visit 7) is a lasting memory of the unique wildlife and geology of this remote region. Home to many species, such as the Galapagos land and marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galápagos tortoise. But sadly, there are many challenges that threaten this “Living Museum” starting with rising sea levels, higher ocean temperature, invasive species, illegal fishing, over tourism and population growth. Although the islands are part of a national park, it may not have the resources to manage it conservation when there are so many uncontrollable factors and special interests. Here is my take on what was a lifetime adventure…

Immersed in Cartagena: History, Culture, and the Caribbean Spirit no

As I embark on my second year of travel, this time going south, my first stop is Cartagena, Colombia.  Here I remained for six weeks as I mapped out the first several months of my travels. Cartagena is both a port, and a historic walled city situated on the Caribbean coast on the northern tip of South America. The city reminds me so much of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico from its fortress to its people, cuisine, Spanish colonial architecture, music and customs. Quite picturesque with its tropical year-around weather and festive Latin culture. Here is what I learned about its history, culture and Caribbean spirit….

Echoes from La Guajira and the Wayuu Tribe of Colombia

During my stay in Colombia, I traveled for several days to the northern coast of Colombia known as La Guajira Peninsula, part desert where the indigenous community, the Wayuu Tribe has lived for centuries. Wayuu are semi-nomadic herders and traders also known as the people of sun, sand and wind. They mostly inhabited lands in the coastal areas of northern Colombia and Venezuela.  Today, the Wayuu ancient way of life is being threatened by climate change and the consequences of the outside world.….

 Cairo Unveiled: A 10-Day Exploration of History, Culture, and Urban Life

In Cairo, Egypt for 10 days to experience ancient Egyptian civilization, from its mysterious pyramids, towering monuments, mummies, and tombs to its cuisine, artistry and way of life. Where else can you witness the Great Sphinx or visit a country once run by a powerful woman, Queen Cleopatra, 30 BCE? Cairo is the second largest city in Africa, the bustling capital of Egypt, a city rich in history and culture on the banks of the Nile River (the longest river in the world). Cairo, known as “Al-Qahira” in Arabic, is the largest city in the Arab world. It is also a city undergoing drastic changes. Here is my take on Egypt and what to explore when visiting…….

 Dubai Desert Dreams: A City of the Future and What It Means

From London, headed to Dubai for a week’s stay to explore what has been the miraculous building of a futuristic city. Once a fishing town with less than 1200 people surrounded by a vast desert, today Dubai’s population has grown to 3 million+ representing over 200 nationalities. This is a duo language city – English and Arabic are equally used as tourism and commerce remains its new economy (no longer oil). A city much like Las Vega built in a desert with a vision of being an economic force formed during very different times with distinct agendas. One more futuristic than the other. The contrast between thousands of glass tower buildings and what is traditionally an Arab lifestyle is both dazzling as it is contrary. Here is my take on Dubai and what to explore when visiting…….

Reflections on the 60th Venice Biennale: Art at the Edge of Imagination

During my stay in Italy, I became aware that the Venice Biennale was being held this year (2024) beginning April. I quickly made plans to visit the city since the next one isn’t until 2026. Every even year, Venice becomes a renowned player within the global art scene hosting the Venice Biennale. For a small city surrounded by water, this is a huge feat to undertake every two years …. becoming the “world’s pre-eminent stage for new contemporary art.” This year, its 60th International Art Exhibition’s theme and title is “Stranieri Ovunque—Foreigners Everywhere.” What better theme or topic to request of artists throughout the world for their interpretations? For art lovers who haven’t planned any travel yet, there is still time to catch this universal exhibition ending by November 1st. Here is what I learned…

Timeless Venice: 25 Days of Art, Culture, and History

Venice, known as “the floating city” is built on more than 100 small islands based on an intricate system of canals and waterways created by humans, unlike any in the world. A historic city known for its picturesque architecture, its Carnevale masks and traditions, its marbled palaces, Murano glass masters, and let me not forget, its romantic gondolas.  An immensely beautiful and timeless city confronted with its own ecological problems as the sea level continue to rise and over-tourism affects its authenticity and preservation. I spent 25 days exploring Venice, learning about its past, present and future. Here is what I experienced….