The fragile, moon-like landscape of the Galápagos Islands lures more than 100,000 visitors each year despite the archipelago’s remote location 600 miles off the west coast of mainland Ecuador. Ever since Darwin‘s famed visit aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835, travelers have been enchanted by its history, exotic vegetation and wildlife. In order to protect […]
Ecuador
F is for Farmers Market Destinations
Hong Kong Farmer’s Market – Photo courtesy of Crossroads Foundation – flickr One of my favorite pursuits when traveling is visiting the local Farmers Markets to get an authentic, sensory feel of my destination. Here I can discover fresh local produce, sampling and tasting as I saunter along from vendor to vendor, smiling while the […]
R.I.P. Lonesome George
I’m feeling a little blue, a little out of sorts today. All because of a 200-pound tortoise, estimated to be between 80 – 100 years old, who passed away in the Galapágos Islands on Sunday. At first glance, you might wonder at the world’s affection for such a slow-moving, plant-chomping, independent-minded creature. But Lonesome George […]
Favorite Travel Photo 0f 2011
For the final travel post in my “Best of 2011” series, I’m sharing my favorite personal travel photo of the past year. A few moments before the shot was taken on the island of Santa Cruz, this giant tortoise had been munching away on a few apples nearby. As it raised its head, the tortoise […]
2011: Most Memorable Meal
Think back to the special meals you’ve had in your travels. What made the meals so memorable? Was it simply the quality of the food cooked to perfection? The unexpected delight of tasting new flavors? Or perhaps it was the company who shared your table and the conversation that flowed between you. Though I had […]