I have not posted in awhile. I have been wrapped up with schooling, job hunting and preparing for my next adventure into Germany and Prague. If you have been following me, you are well aware that I spent some time in Berlin and consider it a place very near and dear to my heart. I am approximately a week away from departing for Europe. This trip is part solo and part group. I will be flying into Munich, then taking the train to Prague for a few days and then finally into Berlin for our reunion. Mind you, this is not your typical high school reunion. This one is pretty special. I will meet classmates from several different classes and generations while we attend the 25th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
This is not a typical vacation. I do plan on sight seeing and enjoying the experience of visiting another country, however I am preparing myself for not what is just a vacation for me, but a chance to reconnect with friends and make new friends. Being a military brat is a unique experience where you moved from place to place, made new friends, changed schools, experienced different cultures. I truly believe that living in Berlin during the Cold War was probably the best assignment as a brat that you could have. One thing about myself and my classmates is that no matter what generation you were, how close you were in high school , we all share this unique connection that only those that lived in Berlin could understand. The Cold War was something many of us remember. It was the biggest threat of our generation at that time. But to live in Berlin, a city in the middle of a Communist country surrounded by a wall, the Cold War had a whole new meaning. I feel fortunate that I had such an opportunity to experience the life I did and it has made me who I am. More importantly I feel blessed that I have friends all over the world that regardless how close we were in high school or even if we lived in Berlin at the same time, that we share that unique bond and experience that makes us family.
Recently, two of my classmates gathered stories from Berlin Brats from various generations and put together a book that captures the essence of what life was like living in Berlin during the Cold War. I just received my book today and look forward to reading and reminiscing about what life was like in Berlin at that time. This is not just another book. This is a glimpse of what mine and other lives were like living in a divided city during the Cold War in the sixties, seventies and eighties. The book is by Yoshika Loftin Lowe and Trisha A. Lindsey.
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this book
Bromeliad , typical of what you would see in Costa Rica.Waterfall near Arenal, Costa Rica.
I had always wanted to go to Costa Rica. Several years ago, a co-worker of mine had told me about a trip to Costa Rica and how much he fell in love with the place. Now his girlfriend’s family has a business there and he travels there almost every other month to visit. The stories he told and photos he shared of Costa Rica really peaked my interest and placed it high on my bucket list.
Costa Rica’s unofficial slogan is “Pura Vida” which means Pure Life. Costa Rica is mostly a rural country, decorated with tropical rainforests. Biologically, Costa Rica might be one of the richest places on earth where you can find some of the greenest vegetation, as well as hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. The beauty of this country is the peacefulness of the people. My experience is that the “Ticos” (locals) were very warm and welcoming with a laid back type of lifestyle.
Photo of a bird we saw on one of our hikes.
It was the summer of 2011 and I had just returned from Greece. I took a trip to Barnes and Noble and bought Frommer’s guide to Costa Rica and started thinking about my next trip. I looked online, searched through pictures on the Internet and found travel blogs about Costa Rica. It looked so lush, green and beautiful and the idea of wandering through a rainforest really excited me. I love animals and wildlife and I dreamt about the day that I would come face to face with a sloth or a monkey.
In 2011, a friend of mine Joe who was a commercial airline pilot and I were sharing travel stories. One of the things we had in common was a desire to travel. He traveled many times for work, but typically on the east coast of the US. One of the great benefits of a commercial pilot is the ability to fly to different places around the world for next to nothing. I remember sharing stories of places we had been and places we wanted to travel. One of the places we talked about was Costa Rica. We then decided to plan a trip together.
Arenal Park, Arenal , Costa Rica.
Joe had travel connections so I allowed him to make the hotel reservations as long as we were able to visit the places I wanted and included some of the activities I like. I enjoy staying in nice hotels, but honestly when I travel; I spend very little time in the hotel and prefer being out seeing the country or city. As long as the hotel is clean, safe and provides good service, I may skip on some of the amenities. Joe on the other hand, liked things first class so we came to a compromise. We found that October is the rainy season in Costa Rica and hotels are very reasonably priced and have off-peak rates. We had decided on visiting three different areas in the week we were in Costa Rica: La Fortuna/Arenal, Montverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Tropical landscape at Tabacon Resort -Arenal, Costa Rica
We left Fort Lauderdale on Friday morning, October 7th to fly in to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Upon Landing, we retrieved our luggage and headed to rent a car for the trip. Little did we know what the excitement and danger of renting and driving a car in Costa Rica would be like. We rented a JEEP 4×4 as we were warned that many of the roads were not completely paved and a four-wheel drive was recommended. The Jeep was a manual transmission as were most of the car options we had. There were no bells and whistles in the car, no navigation systems. Just a shell, air conditioning and tires. Now, I personally am not a huge fan of driving to begin with. I always said that when I hit millions, the first thing I would do is hire a driver. I am not a bad driver but when given the opportunity, I prefer to be a passenger. With that being said, Joe would be the sole driver on our trip and I would do my best to navigate as we headed north through potholes and roads temporarily closed due to landslides and of course dealing with maniac drivers.
River on the way to Arenal.
La Fortuna is approximately 90 miles from San Jose. In the United States, you would guess that is about an hour and a half drive. In Costa Rica, depending on traffic and road conditions, 90 miles means about three and a half hours. The attendant at the car rental kiosk gave us directions on how to get to La Fortuna. I had a map from my handy Frommer’s guide, but unfortunately, with no street signs, it is somewhat difficult to figure out where you would turn or what road you are on. I remember asking a local (they call them Ticos) directions where our hotel was and the response was “It is fifty meters north of the bank”. I should have remembered to pack a compass.
After about a four-hour drive, Joe and I stopped in La Fortuna for a quick bite to eat and to pick up some drinks before we headed to Arenal. We stopped at a small restaurant next to a market. We had ordered traditional Spanish dishes – Pollo (Chicken) and casado (which is rice and beans mixed together). Casado is a staple item with most meals in Costa Rica, not much different than the traditional Spanish meal you might get in South Florida.
After lunch, we headed to Arenal, which is just northwest of La Fortuna and home to the Arenal Volcano. Arenal is an active volcano and on a clear night, you might see the tip of Arenal if the lava is flowing. At the base of Arenal is a series of natural hot springs. We were staying at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal resort. The resort was definitely one of the first class accommodations available in La Fortuna. The grounds were green, lush and scattered with a variety of tropical vegetation. I was impressed that the hotel encouraged their guests to be “carbon neutral” and was actively involved in various local conservation programs. The weather was wet and cloudy, and although our room faced the volcano, we were unable to see the peak the first day we were there. The pool area was large and had a swim up bar. Next to the pool was the spa where you could get a massage after visiting the hot springs or hiking through the rainforest. The hotel had a restaurant in which the food was extremely good. It was however pretty expensive and in the future I would recommend finding a place in La Fortuna for dinner and drinks.
Tabacon Resort – Arenal, Costa Rica.
The next day, Joe and I took a hike through Arenal National Park. We had packed water, nuts, dried fruit and various snacks to keep our energy level high in a backpack and had our cameras ready for a sloth sighting. On this particular day, the weather was warm so we wore shorts and light clothing. The sun was shining and it was a gorgeous day. You cannot actually hike up Arenal Mountain, as it is too dangerous when the volcano is active. Arenal National Park does however, have trails through the forest and over old lava flows. The forrest was amazing. Ton’s of birds, plants. There were hanging bridges and tunnels. I am afraid of heights but you cannot resist a walk out on to the hanging bridge to see what is below and around you. That was the easy part of the day. Now Florida is typically flat, with not a lot of hills. I have hiked many times before during trips to the mountains so when we discussed hiking through Arenal Park, I did not hesitate or worry this would be above my skill level. Climbing through and over volcanic boulders for several hours however , I realized I was not in the shape I used to be. The view of the Volcano was awesome nonetheless.
Arenal Volcano. You can see the rocky terrain making it difficult to hike at times.Me on a hanging bridge, Arenal National Park.Me in Arenal National Park.Tunnel in Arenal National Park.Bridge selfie!
In the evening, we chose to visit the hot springs. The hot springs charged a small entrance fee, however because we were staying at the resort, we were able to go for free. There were areas of the hot springs that were warmer than others. The closer to the volcano, the hotter the springs were. The floor of the hot spring is soft and feels muddy if you are not used to it. In the center was a large pool. Off to the side was a stronger stream that flowed over a waterfall, which gave an amazing shoulder massage when you sat under it. You also have a great view of the volcano. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a hot spring, drink in hand, while receiving a heated natural massage from the waterfall while viewing the volcano.
View of Arenal VolcanoWaterfall at the hot springs. Arenal.Me at the hot springs.
We did not get to see the lava flow, as the volcano was not active while we were there. We did however get a good view of the tip. The hike through Arenal National Park is a must do, but the hot springs was the definitely the highlight of those few days in Arenal.
Enjoying the water in the hot springs.
The next day we were headed off for our drive to Montverde.
Having lived in South Florida for many years, I have yet to take advantage of all the wonders and highlights of this multi-cultural mecca. The opportunities of what to see and do on a given day are endless. Thousands of tourists flock to Miami annually to soak up the sun, the culture and the history of this wonderful city, yet for me, I have local access to the heart of the Caribbean melting pot.
My first visit to Miami was the summer of 1985. We moved to Key West, Florida from Germany. Before making the move to the Keys, we spent a few days in Miami. My father took us on an afternoon airboat ride through the Everglades promising us we would see alligators. We spent a couple of days in Miami Beach savoring the first bit of beach we had seen since a summer trip to Italy the year before, our pale white skin burned for days after that trip. Living in Key West, my friends and I would occasionally make the three-hour drive to Miami for a night out, shopping or maybe a concert. Once I moved up to Deerfield Beach, my trips to Miami became fewer and far between, reserved mostly for a special occasion, a concert, or a night out at a club. In college, one of my good friends started working for American Airlines and had moved to a little apartment off of 8th street in Miami. I remember spending the night with her in her small apartment. We did our first South Beach experience together, dancing all night long in a trendy club during the height of the “Art Deco movement” that took place in 1980’s to restore Miami Beach to some of it’s original glory from the 1930’s. One spring, I remember attending “Calle Ocho” with her. “Calle Ocho” is an annual street party that takes place in March of every year. People come from all over to enjoy this one-day street festival with food, music, dancing, conga lines and Latin performers.
Living about an hour outside of Miami, my trips here have been typically for business reasons, to the airport or Port of Miami or reserved for a fun weekend in South Beach with friends. I recently met someone who lives in Miami. My new friend Joe is of Cuban and Spanish background and spent some time living in Northern Spain, but was raised in Miami. Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the day with him while he was able to show me “his city”. Joe is an architect, so naturally has an appreciation for art and design, but I say “his city” because of the passion he has for Miami, his history and truly taking advantage of all that it has to offer.
Our day started with me meeting him in Tropical Park where I left my car so we could ride together. Knowing my curiosity for trying something new and different, Joe proudly took me to Little Havana for lunch. Little Havana is a little piece of Cuba in Miami. Not far from downtown Miami and it’s art deco high rises, Little Havana is a gem on it’s own. Lining the street, there were cigar shops; café’s, meat markets and theatres resembling the charm of old time Cuba. As Joe shared with me his opinions on the where to get the best Ceviche and a brief tour of the different landmarks we passed, we decided to park and get lunch at one of the many choices of authentic Cuban restaurants in the area. We chose to eat at El Cristo, a small café with menu of traditional Cuban dishes. I have eaten Cuban food many times, but being the picky eater I am, I tend to stick with what I know and like. Today was an adventure and I happily wanted to take my friend’s suggestion for something different on the menu. We ordered a Tostones appetizer, (Fried plantains with garlic sauce.) I ordered the Boliche Asado, a marinated pot roast with vegetables with a tomato-based sauce with a side of beans and rice. Joe ordered Rabo Encendido or Oxtail. I had never had Oxtail before, and although it was a favored traditional dish among some of my former colleagues, this was my first adventure into trying it. I am not sure I would ever order it myself, but it had an interesting flavor with a hint of cloves and garlic. We finished our lunch off with an espresso or Cuban Café, typical after a meal.
After lunch, we opted to stroll down Calle Ocho to look at the different shops and cafes. An occasional tourist bus would ride by, a reminder that this little town is a must see on a visit to Miami. We walked into a small shop with various Cuban postcards and souvenirs. On the wall was a collection of vintage prints depicting Cuba as the one time most sought after vacation destination in the Caribbean. In front of the register was a selection of hand rolled cigars. Next, we walked into an art gallery, with a collection of works from local artists, one being a friend of Joe’s. On many of the buildings in Little Havana you can also find murals painted on the walls where local business owners allow artists to transform their structures with colorful images. Joe informed me of an event called “Viernes Culturales” or “Cultural Fridays”, that is a festival where locals and tourists can experience the collection of arts and culture that happens the last Friday of each month in Little Havana. I have made a mental note to put that on my list of things to do.
Part of a mural painted on the side of a building. Little Havana, Miami
As we continued down the street, we walked to the Tower Theatre. The Tower theatre is a historic theatre. During the 50’s Cuban refugees who came to Miami, used the theatre not only as entertainment but also as an introduction to American culture. The theatre has been restored in an Art Deco style and now a landmark in Little Havana. Inside the theatre, classic film posters of the works of Federico Fellini lined the walls. We contemplated catching the 6pm showing of “Yves Saint Laurent” or another indie classic. Across the street from the theatre was an ice cream shop with homemade flavors such as Cuban Vanilla or Thai Coconut with Siracha sauce. The floor of the shop was designed in classic Cuban tiles, each one hand painted with a different colorful print, reminiscent of the Havana style décor.
Not far from the theatre is Domino Park. Older generations of Cubans gather there in the afternoons to play dominoes, a favorite game in Latin or Caribbean America. You can find “Paseo de las Estrellas” or the “Walk of the Stars”, stars dedicated to Latin American artists, actors or musicians. On the corner of 13th Avenue is the Bay of Pig’s memorial as well as the memorial to Jose Marti, the famous poet from Havana. Just a block away was a street bar claiming to have the “best mojitos” where locals sat on barstools catching up about the comings and goings of their day.
“Best Mojitos”Photobomb with the “Gallo” on Calle Ocho
It was getting later so we decided to head to South Beach to finish off our evening with a drink and conversation. We parked on Ocean Drive and opted to stop at News Café, a cute sidewalk restaurant in the Art Deco district of Miami Beach. I had a Martini, Joe a Mojito. Gianni Versace, the famous designer came to this restaurant daily for breakfast before he was killed in his home not far from the quaint Café. We watched the locals dine and the tourists armed with their Armani shopping bags. We walked and admired the architecture of the hotels that lined Ocean Boulevard, each with a unique flair and design that brings you back to 1930’s.
Drinks at “News Cafe” in South Beach.
As I thought about my day in Miami, I realized that traveling does not have to be a trip. For me, traveling is an opportunity to engage the adventurous side of my personality and connect with someone or something different. Traveling is an education, a cultural awakening. For me, it is stepping outside of my comfort zone to try something new, or see things from an alternative perspective. And for me, my afternoon in Little Havana showed me that adventure is not always far away, it can also exist in my own backyard.
I love to eat. One of the joys of traveling is trying the different types of food from the local cultures or even checking out a new place around the corner. Several years ago I was a Pescatarian, a person whose diet includes fish but no other meat. I am an animal lover and became educated on some of the treatment of animals prior to them being “prepared” for consumption in the US, thus adopting that lifestyle. Like many people, I try to watch what I eat and make good choices. If I find something I enjoy at a restaurant, I tend to order the same thing on the menu every time I visit. If I like a certain meal that I prepare, I will make it more often. My diet at times tended to be unexotic and boring. I have since opened my eyes and my appetite to different food experiences. Although I do tend to watch what I eat and be selective in the ingredients I buy, when traveling, I like to open my palate to enjoying new food.
My friend ordered Chicken Marsala and I am eating stuffed Anchovies – something I would have never eaten at home. – Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy.
On a trip to Greece a few years ago, I met a guy named Doug on the trip. Doug was from Connecticut. A former Wall Street trader turned Nurse; Doug was also a real foodie. He not only liked to cook, but when he was at home in Connecticut he enjoyed trying out new restaurants in the New England area. Doug could taste one bite of a dish and could tell if it had too much fennel or comment that it might taste even better with Rosemary. I am pretty sure that Doug has earned his share of badges with the extensive number of Yelp reviews from his many dining experiences. Although I only spent a couple of weeks with Doug on this trip, I suspect if I wanted to know a good place to eat anywhere in New England or the different spots he visited in his travels, he would have a recommendation and a story.
Doug (in the blue shirt), Marnie, Alexis, myself and Sophia. Our first night in Athens and we ate at “God’s restaurant”
With the group of friends that we met on the trip, we spent many meals together. As we would sit down to order, there were many choices and at times difficult to choose. I might want to try the “Souvlaki” but also thinking about the “Moussaka” or “Spanakopita.” To help curb everyone’s curiosity, we would order multiple plates and share so that everyone could experience the different dishes, more tapas style. As the waiter brought the wine, the hummus and pita, we would discuss what we would want to try. Once the main courses arrived, we would first pause for a moment, not necessarily to give thanks and appreciate the wonderful meal we were about to enjoy, but so that Doug could take a photo of each dish. Many people would follow suit and after a two-minute culinary photo shoot, we would dig in.
Seafood platter which was shared with the group. Mykonos, Greece.Mary, Marnie, Ryan, myself, Peggy, Doug, Alexis, Sophia and Lynne having lunch in Mykonos, Greece.
At first, I thought about why we take photos of food when we travel. Sometimes it is to share with friends back home through social media so we can say “Hey, look at me, I have a rooftop view of the Acropolis and I am enjoying my bottle of “κρασί” and “arni me papas”. Maybe it is to say, “Wow, can you believe I ate this” when you try something exotic or unusual. There is nothing like documented, visual proof that you have taken a leap into unknown food territory or just savored the most delightful item on the menu. For Doug, he considered good food an art. If you ask any chef, they might agree. If you were visiting the Louvre, you would not hesitate to take a picture of the Mona Lisa. If you are visiting Barcelona, it is must that you would photograph the works of Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi such as “Casa Batlló” or “La Sagrada Familia”. For Doug food was an art, but also a pleasant reminder of a great dining experience.
Here In Santorini, I had never “deboned” or filleted a fish. Documented proof of my eating experience.
A few months ago, my good friend Craig from Chicago was visiting Florida. He and I were in Wilton Manors, Florida and after a fun night out, stopped to get a grilled cheese from the New York Grilled Cheese Company on Wilton Blvd. I had ordered the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with a side of Tomato Bisque. I took a photo and shared it on Facebook and Instagram. I took the photo for two reasons, one it was the best grilled cheese sandwich I can recall having, but also it was a reminder of an amazing night I had with Craig. We still talk about that night.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Bisque – The New York Grilled Cheese Company , Wilton Manors, Florida
Doug sadly passed away about a year ago. Since the trip to Greece, I have adopted the tradition of taking photos of various dishes on my trips and sometimes locally. It is part of the adventure. As the food is being served, I pause and whip out my iPhone. I will still think about that trip and as I am snapping a quick photo, I think, “Doug, this one is for you.”
Crêpe au fromage et champignons- Paris, France.
A collection of photos, stories , travel tips and ideas from my experiences and adventures.
My Virtual Passport 