Bula Bula!

Amazing week in Baja! Snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding.. and most of all Glamping! Baja California Sur is a gorgeous and less touristed part of Mexico. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. To get there fly into Cabo San Lucas.. but then leave Cabo immediately! It is full of all inclusive resorts and well a different type of experience. Drive 90 minutes to the town of Todos Santos. It is an artist-y town with a lot of expats, as well as local. There are cactus and mountains like a desert up high but then the blue water of the Pacific Ocean is right there. There is a great hike in the cliffs with amazing views. The hike itself is not difficult, a slow incline until the end with a little scrambling. And there are so many amazing restaurants in town. From here I went to the east coast and did some snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo. This is a marine national park and one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Note that the roads getting here ...

Under a Tuscan Sunset at Borgo Casabianca Asciano As I was heading to Italy to scout out a new Southern Italy itinerary I was asked to go a few days early for a site inspection of a potential villa for our affinity department. So I arrived in Rome and met the most quintessential Italian man and rode in a little 2 person fiat through the winding roads of Tuscany. The countryside is absolutely gorgeous. There will be nothing for miles (kilometers I should say) and then we'd pass through an adorable little village. We stopped at one for an espresso. Florence’s red-tiled Duomo features an enormous dome that rises above the rest of the city. Climb the 414 steps to the top of the bell tower,and take in a stunning 360 degree view over the city. Rome has so much to see: The Colosseum, the Forums, the Catacombs, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and more. I took the train from Rome to Naples, which was so easy! The ride is quick - about one hour and I paid 10 Euro. Upon arrival I fou...

I could not believe how gorgeous this part of the world is. It is a hiker's dream. Once again I was off for a quick trip and jam packed schedule, trying to see as much as possible in a few days. And again traveling off season when weather isn't alwyas best. It rained for the vast majority of my time which unfortunately limited the number of photos. But to be honest if not I probably would have had way too many pictures because I wouldn't be able to stop myself! Flight into Calgary and Banff National Park is just about an hour north. My first activity was caving in Rat's Nest Cave. I have never done anything quite like this. We put on complete coveralls and had to remove everything from pockets. Meaning no cell phones or cameras and therefore no pictures! It is because some of the spaces we had to navigate through were so tight anything you had would be broken. This is not for anyone claustrophobic. I am not but still found it quite difficult - both physically at tim...

The trip to Thailand was off to a whirlwind start. Flight delayed so whisked through security to a flight departing in 10 minutes. Boarded and OFF (and luckily no checked bags to worry about this time)! It is a long flight followed by a layover and another long flight. But so worth it. {side note: I spent a couple of hours at the Seoul airport and it was without a doubt one of the nicest!} First morning in Bangkok I was up early and enjoying the strong coffee while watching the barges move down the river. We boarded klong boats soon to visit temples. These are long passenger boats that essentially serve as public transportation. We also biked through the local neighborhoods. Seeing real life was fascinating. Though it was quite difficult riding though on narrow streets with motor bikes sharing the paths. The Flight of the Gibbon zipline was intense, but incredible. After 4 days in Bangkok we traveled north to Chiang Mai where we immediately joined Thai cooking class. And w...

Beijing China feels like the most different and extreme place I will be going to yet. I am joining a group traveling with my company but arriving one day in advance to meet with the operator and see some hotels. When I got to the airport to check in I was told my flight was delayed and I might miss my connection in Chicago. But then the gate agent says she can get me on an earlier flight leaving soon but I needed to run. OH and the only seat left was first class. Great I say! I check my bag, get my boarding pass and RUN. I literally arrived at the gate as they were closing but all good. Except I feel extremely underdressed in first class with my adventure travel attire. Plus it is not even 7AM yet and I am offered champagne. So, a long layover in Chicago but I make my connection and arrive in Beijing as scheduled. Just without my luggage! At least I have my toothbrush and a long sleeve shirt. In preparation for this trip I created a Google+ profile knowing that Facebook was banned....