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Three Weeks in Santiago, Chile: Between the Andes and the Sky

I am now staying in the city of Santiago, Chile, a large modern metropolis with a walkable historic center. A blend of modern living surrounded by colonial architecture and the panoramic views of the Andes Mountains.  A country that endured 17 years of a brutal dictatorship led by General Pinochet in the 70s. Today, Chile is known for its stunning vineyards, empanadas, ceviche and pisco sour. Its long stretch of Andes mountains attracts both hikers and skiers worldwide. Its most famous resident, Poet Pablo Neruda has one of three homes in Santiago.  His Love Sonnet XI is best read in Spanish (Tengo hambre de tu boca, de tu voz, de tu pelo) along with a glass of Carmenere, Chile’s most popular wine.  I spent three weeks getting to know the city enjoying its wine and museums. Here is what I can share with you about this cosmopolitan city…

The City of Eternal Spring: A Week in Medellin, Colombia

On my way to Peru, I thought I would make a couple of stops through Colombia to visit a friend in Bogota and to spend a week in Medellin. Many folks have suggested visiting this vibrant, transformed city.  After Bogota, Medellin is the second largest city in Colombia. A city nestled in the Andes Mountains that has gradually transformed its troubled, violent past into a city of innovation and culture. Known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its year-round Spring weather. I stayed in the Poblado district, an upscale community easy to get to the center of the city yet away from all the congestion and noise.  Here is a week of sightseeing and learning about this city’s past and future….

Between Volcanoes and Valleys: Living San José

I stayed in the City of San Jose in Costa Rica for two weeks for a short stop on my way to Mexico. Costa Rica is renowned as a pioneer and leader in ecotourism.  The City of San Jose itself is not a big tourist attraction as most of its beaches, waterfalls, national parks and volcanos are hours away.  Get ready to move around and plan to stay in other part of the country to fully enjoy all that it offers.   A modern city, much like downtown Miami (not Miami Beach) with 90-degree weather during the day and a cooling down in the evenings. The city is known for its museums, nightlife and world known coffee.  The locals here called themselves Ticos and Ticas.  Everywhere you will come across local popular cafeterias known as “Sodas” where you can indulge in Costa Rican cuisine and enjoy some ceviche….

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

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….

Voices from the Classroom: A Kenyan Story on Making a Difference

As part of my yearlong travels, it was important for me to end the year by becoming more purposeful. By connecting my world with that of another place so different from my reality, hoping to serve as a global citizen in changing a person’s life. During my 18 days in Kenya, I visited a primary school in the town of Kisii from within a school region of 154, 175 people….

The Last Stop: A Year of Travel Ends in Kenya

The final 18 days of my yearlong travel were spent in Kenya before heading home. If you were to ask me was this part of my original travel plans, I would have to say “not exactly” with no regrets. Kenya is known for its scenic landscapes, a diversity of indigenous tribes, and its vast wildlife preserves. In fact, Nairobi is the safari capital of the world with its own national wildlife park within its borders. Staying in Nairobi allowed me to partake in a safari adventure, volunteer at a private school in a rural community and explore the city.  Here are reflections of the final days of my yearlong travel and of Kenya…