“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” -Jon Kabat-Zinn- Situated along the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, lies a beach town with a vibe of surf and soul, a place of fire dancers and flip flops, body boards and open air patios with a view. It is a place to […]
Pasión Costa Rica: An Exceptional Education in Monteverde
“Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world, we can’t expect them to help protect and care for it.” -David Suzuki- Pasión Costa Rica At our simplest level of global appreciation, we walk thru nature. We admire a looming canopy, listening to the symphonies of wildlife conversation […]
Casa Mia: A House in the Clouds of Monteverde, Costa Rica
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” -John Muir- Mother Nature is a force of beauty and power, a swirling palette of color and texture, her breath both a safe haven and a trail of destruction. On earth there are places that whisper to the heart, places that cause one to […]
Kids Saving The Rainforest: Family Friendly Volunteering in Costa Rica
“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, shall they be saved.” -Dr. Jane Goodall- ‘When faced with the question, “What is your dream?”, ‘Littlest B’ replied, “I want to volunteer with the sloths.” After landing in San Jose, Costa Rica, we wound our way […]
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald: Staying in the Jewel of Edmonton’s Skyline
A HOTEL WITH HISTORY: In July, 1915, the doors to a seven storey limestone and copper, chateau-inspired castle were opened. Luxury and charm spilled into the streets, enticing newcomers of Canada to settle in this Northern Alberta community. Guests dined beneath twinkling chandeliers hung from an ornate 24 foot ceiling, as notes of an invisible […]
Downtown Delights Food Tour: Indulging in Edmonton’s Diverse Cuisine Scene
“ Edmonton has a growing number of urban and nearby market gardeners, protein producers and food artisans making cheeses, sausages and specialty foods. Our chefs are bravely risking it all to start independent restaurants to showcase this bounty of local. We’ve reached a critical mass in awareness in local consumers ready to appreciate this and support […]
My Top 25 Travel Tips: Packing, Planning and Enhancing Your Experience
“Explore the world with an open mind, a sturdy carry on, and clothes that don’t wrinkle.” -Madeleine Albright- TIPS FOR PLANNING: 1. Don’t Overplan: When planning exploration of an exiting new destination, it is a knee-jerk reaction to jam in as may cities, attractions and excursions as humanly possible, but this type of travel […]
Mount Engadine Lodge: All-Inclusive Connection in Alberta’s Backcountry
Discovering authentic connection at Mount Engadine Lodge, located in the back country of Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
Back to Basics: A Calgary Farmer’s Market Food Tour
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” -Julia Child- If you ask me to list my favorite things in life, food ranks somewhere between my family, travel and a decently priced bottle of Moscato. For me, food is so much more than the smell of fresh basil, the taste of a rich rose sauce or the appeal of a […]
Visiting The Edmonton Ice Castle
Only a true Canadian would don four layers, 5 lb boots, a parka and a smile in order to fully embrace temperatures of minus 20 in which to explore frozen water. For fun. And pay to do so. So what exactly is that monstrous, cascading wall of winter that looms behind us? That would be the incredible work of the creative minds behind Utah-based Ice Castles. This is the second year for […]