Author Archives: Jean

The Big Year – go see it!

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Jean

ShareThe Big Year opened this weekend. Just about anyone who has ever birded (not gone birdwatching, but birded) has been waiting since we heard that the book by Mark Obmascik was being made into a film. We wondered how birders … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding | Comments Off

Top 10 reasons to dine out in Casco Viejo, Panama’s old town: Manolo’s Caracol

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Jean

ShareThis can all be summed up in two words: Manolo’s Caracol. Well known Spanish chef Manolo serves a 10 course tapas dinner at a fixed price in his Casco Viejo restaurant, an unassuming place at Avenida Central and Calle 3. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culinary, Panama, Panama Culinary | Comments Off

Tranquilo Bay – family vacation in Bocas del Toro

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Jean

ShareI want to re-introduce you to Tranquilo Bay Eco-Adventure Lodge in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Although Bocas is in Panama, it’s like a whole other country. More Caribbean than Central American, in Bocas, you’ll hear as much English as … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Snorkeling with Jelly Fish

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Jean

ShareWhen they asked if we wanted to go snorkeling with jelly fish, my quick answer was no. Why would anyone want to be near jelly fish? Don’t they sting? Can’t they kill you? Besides, I am not all that good … Continue reading →

Posted in Panama, Snorkel | Comments Off

Copper Canyon, one of the best train rides in the world

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Jean

ShareDo you like train rides?  I always have, from the time my girl scout troop took the train from our town in northern NJ to the Poconos for a weekend. Then the year I studied in Germany.  And now as … Continue reading →

Posted in Mexico, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Music from Honduras – Guillermo Anderson plays Austin

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Jean

ShareIn Austin we get the chance to hear great music all the time.  Saturday was really special. We went to the first (I hope) Centro Americanto in the US, a festival showcasing singer/songwriters from El Salvador, Costa Rica and Honduras. … Continue reading →

Posted in Honduras | Comments Off

Travel tales from Nowhere

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Jean

ShareI recently read excerpts from Lonely Planets’ Tales from Nowhere. These are stories submitted by travelers who are reporting in from ‘nowhere’. Yesterday I was there. Nowhere. My mother and I were returning from Providence to Houston after a family … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | Comments Off

Sustainable Travel – what does it really mean?

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Jean

ShareWe are often asked what we mean by sustainable travel or responsible travel.  A brief definition from Sustainable Tourism International would be that “travelers, businesses and destinations protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and promote economic development.” In short, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Carbon Neutral, Responsible travel, Sustainable Travel | Comments Off

Mi Hacienda es su Hacienda

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Jean

ShareThe evening we arrived at Hacienda San Lucas there was a terrific rainstorm. It only added to the dramatic atmosphere of San Lucas, a 100+ year old family home turned boutique hotel. The main house is a classic adobe and … Continue reading →

Posted in Boutique Hotel, Culinary, Honduras, Maya Ruins, Yoga, Yoga | Comments Off

Bathrobes and slippers in a jungle lodge? I think I’ll like this place.

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Jean

ShareWe arrived at the Lodge at Pico Bonito to be greeted with a cold towel and bottle of water. How civilized. Aware that there is only one first impression, the lodge has staffed the receptions department with friendly, bi-lingual young … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Boutique Hotel, Honduras | Tagged , , | Comments Off