Travels to Costa Rica

We recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica.  Many of our family members and friends had visited there so we felt it was our turn to see just what the others were raving about.  Of course, we loved Costa Rica, but not for the things we normally love.  Generally we are fairly dominant in beach swimming and snorkelling activities.  Although these were offered, we were somewhat disappointed in these areas.  Don't get upset yet, though.  Let me tell you what we did love!

We travelled to the pacific coast of Costa Rica and stayed at the all-inclusive resort of Allegro Papagayo, which is about 30 km. from the Liberia airport.  The hotel was beautiful, but you had to be in fairly good health to traverse the steep hills going up and down to the restaurant and beach.  Alternatively, there was a shuttle bus that rode around the resort at about 5-8 minute intervals where you could ride instead of walk up the steep hills.  The scenery was gorgeous. 

Here is the view we had from our balcony window:

The best thing about Costa Rica is the nature and wildlife.  We saw an abundant amount of monkeys (which was a highlight for me).  There were two kinds of monkeys that resided in the area, the white faced monkey and the howler monkeys.  We saw both on the hotel grounds, as well as other wild ones in the trees on the roadside when we travelled off the resort.

We also saw other wildlife, such as many different types of birds, iguanas, etc.

There were many excursions available where we could explore the nature.  My husband went zip-lining, which was a highlight of the trip for him.  We also took a boat tour and went fishing (I caught a fish!).  There were river boat tours where you could see a lot more of the wildlife and nature in the area, as well as bird-watching tours and excursions to visit the volcanos, several of which are in the area.

One of the best things we loved about Costa Rica was the people.  They had to be the friendliest people of anywhere we had travelled before...and this was at the hotel as well as off the resort.  

O.K. Now about the beaches.  The sand was black sand because of the volcanic activity in the area.  We knew this beforehand so that was not a surprise and we didn't expect it to be like the pristine while beaches of the Caribbean.  But we were a little disappointed because you could not swim on the beach before about 3 in afternoon when the tides came in.  Also, the water was murky and did not lend itself well for snorkelling.  We did take a road day trip to visit other resorts and locations along the coast.  Although we saw a few areas of nicer beaches, they still did not measure up to what we would be looking for in a great swimming/snorkelling setting.

We would love to go back to Costa Rica and discover the Caribbean side and see what the beaches and swimming are like in that area (but we have been told to be careful because there is a lot of crime there.)

All in all, we did enjoy our trip, and you will too if you venture there, as long as you are concerned more with the natural aspect of the country instead of the beaches.  Here are just a couple more scenes to entice you to visit Costa Rica:

You may be insterested in reading my travel ebook "Tastes and Travels" which combines travel reviews and recipes of the different places outlined in the book.

You can get it at:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DUMXJY



Vacation in the Dominican Republic

The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic is part of the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago. Hispaniola lies west of Puerto Rico and east of Cuba. The Dominican Republic makes up the eastern third of Hispaniola, and the nation of Haiti makes up the other part of the island.

For most of its history, the Dominican Republic has experienced political turmoil and unrest and has suffered through many non-representative and tyrannical governments. The present-day nation has moved toward representative democracy.

The island is a classed as tropical maritime with a wet season from May to November. It can also be prone to hurricanes in season, from June to November.

Like its Caribbean neighbors, Dominican Republic is made up of a blend of European colonists, Tainos Indians and Africans. The official language spoken there is Spanish, with Haitian Creole, English, French, German and Italian also heard in varying degrees.

The cuisine of Dominican Republic is made up of a combination of Spanish, Taino and African influences and is similar to that of other Latin American cultures. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day, with chicken, pork or fish being commonly served. Meat or seafood, rice, potatoes or plantains, served with some type of vegetable or salad makes up a typical meal. Sofrito, which is a mix of local herbs and spices, is a common ingredient in many dishes.

One of the main features that draws tourists to Dominican Republic is its fantastic beaches. There are more than 1,000 miles of fine sandy beaches found in this nation with clear warm seas washing up against them. Dominican Republic’s beaches are thought to be among the world’s best. The east coast is lined with super fine white sand beaches, while the beaches of the north are made up of golden sand. In the west in Barahona, the sand is more a grayish color.

Dominican Republic is widely populated with resorts that host a full array of water sports on its many beaches. The east coast beaches consist of Isla Catalina, Isla Saona, Playa Bayaro, Punta Cana, Playa Cominicus and Playa Minitas. Isla Catalina offers one of the best coral reefs in the area for scuba diving and snorkeling. Punta Cana is known for its 30 mile strip of super fine white sand beach and is often referred to as the ‘coconut coast’ due to the many swaying coconut palm trees scattered along its length. Punta Cana is this regions most popular vacation resort area.

The north coast beaches of Cabarete, Playa Cofresi, Playa Dorada, Playa Grande, Playa Punta Rucia and Playa Sosua are great for sunbathing, kite-boarding and wind surfing. In fact, Cabaret is listed as one of the top five kite-boarding and wind surfing areas in the world. Visitors to this area can also enjoy golfing, boogie-boarding, body-surfing and all manner of other sun and water activities.

There are a number of beaches located in the north east of Dominican Republic, with Playa Rincon topping the list. This beach as been ranked as one of the world’s ten best beaches and many consider it to be the most beautiful on the entire island. It is over three miles long, surrounded by coconut and almond trees, with a 2,000 foot mountain located at one end. It is an isolated beach that is accessible by boat.

Where-ever you go in Dominican Republic, the beaches will be the highlight of your stay. With the turquoise waves washing up on the super-fine sandy shores, a fantastic beach vacations surely awaits you here.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).

Los Angeles, California - Excitment Galore!

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity of visiting my sister in L.A. My daughter and I spent a fun and exciting week there. You can't believe all the things we saw and did in one glorious week.

Of course, one of the main attractions for my daughter was Universal Studios. Now that is a fun park! The attractions, the rides, the people, the food--you name it. Everything you could ever ask for in an exciting amusement park. We both recommend it heartily.

We also did the movie studio bit where we watched a T.V. show live from the set. That was a great experience too. Not only do you have the pleasure of seeing your favorite show in action, but you learn what goes on behind the scenes. After you attend one of these events, you look at the shows differently. When watching your show on T.V. you know there is someone in the background making the audience laugh. You get to mingle a bit with the stars and see what they are really like.

Another thing we did was take in the Getty Centre -- you know, the famous art gallery. For me that was a high-light of the trip...and even my daughter, young though she was at the time (14), she still remembers that well. It really is another thing worth seeing if you ever get to travel to L.A.

We did a lot of other sight-seeing... Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood sign, the movie star houses, the clothing manufacturing district (worth going to to get bargains!) and much more. We also visited the Crystal Cathedral (and if you are religious at all, the Mass is worth attending--it is spectacular!)

L.A. is a big, bustling city with lots of attractions and things to do. It is one of those places where you can find something different to do everyday...and has the excitment of the flashy lights and big city to back it up.

Traveling is one part of my life that I thoroughly enjoy. I love seeing how different people live in different places. Even a place like L.A. that is really not that different from my own culture here in Canada provides a unique experience that I will remember forever.

If you want to read about different travel destinations--find articles and travel reviews, as well as articles on ethnic cuisines and recipes--why not get my new Tastes and Travels Ebook

Why Not Take a Cruise?

When you are tired of going simply to one place and lying on the beach in the sun (Heaven forbid!) you can take a different sort of vacation by cruising. Taking a cruise offers many advantages that going to a single spot doesn't. It can be a bit more of a hectic vacation, instead of be a relaxing one, but it can also be a lot of fun.

One of the main advantages of cruising is that you get to see different places. For instance, if you take an Eastern Carribean cruise you can see a few different islands, like the Cayman Islands or Turks & Caicos, or Jamaica, or even see some of Mexico all on the same trip. Then if you find you really like a certain place, that can be the goal for your next week-long vacation.

Cruising offers fine dining and a host of activities aboard ship. There are casinos, pools, nightly floor shows, theatres, night clubs, and so much more. Some cruise ships have rock climbing walls, skating rinks, skeet shooting, golf--you name it.

Many cruises are also theme-oriented. You can take a cruise where the theme is on French cuisine & cooking, and you can take chef training or cooking classes. There are cruise themes on almost anything you can think of--from improving your writing skills, to doll collecting or meeting celebrities, or even fine art based cruises.

There are cruises that are up-scale where you can 'dress' for dinner everynight in black tie and gowns, or casual cruises where anything goes. There are fun ships that include children's programs and cruises that are strictly for adults.

You can probably find a cruise to take you to any part of the world--Caribbean cruises, Mediterran cruises, Alaska cruises, cruises to the Hawaiian Islands, cruises around the coast of Africa, or even trans-Atlantic cruises. You only have to find a destination and the ports-of-call that interest you.

I would highly recommend cruising to anyone. And you don't have to be very concerned with sea-sickness either, as most ships have excellent stabalizers or there is sea-sickness pills which are readily available. Pick your favorite ports of call today and take a cruise for an exciting vacation adventure.

If you would like to read more about cruising and what you can really expect from a cruise, read about it in my new ebook Tastes and Travels Ebook (and get great ethnic recipes as well!)

From Venice to Ottawa

I like to globe-trot so today let's leave Venice and go to Ottawa, Canada. Of course you know that Ottawa (not Toronto) is the capital of Cananda, so there are lots of things to do and see there. You can see the Parliament Buildings (and take a tour) which are set beautifully against the Ottawa River. The old stone castle-like buildings are truly impressive, especially in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. In fact, The East Block of the Parliament Buildings looks much the same now as it did in the time of Confederation. You can also witness the changing of the guard which is another 'neat' sight to behold.

Ottawa has many museums and art galleries to visit like The Canadian War Museum, The National Gallery of Canada, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Canada Science and Technology Museum, The Canada Aviation Museum and The Royal Canadian Mint. These are are definitely worth taking a 'gander' through.

It has shopping malls galore (huge ones) and a wonderful downtown shopping centre. There are parks beside the Ottawa river to picnic at, and you can't miss seeing the Rideau canal (especially in winter where it is a skater's dream!). Try it out during Ottawa's 'Winterlude Festival'! The picture at right is taken from a picnic/tourist spot on the Ottawa River.

I could go on and on about the fun stuff to see and do in Ottawa, but alas this is only a short blog. If you would like to read a bit more about Ottawa, you can find out more in my new ebook Tastes and Travels Ebook (and get great ethnic recipes as well!)

Come back and visit this blog soon and see where we will go next!

A Trip to Venice

Yesterday I talked to you a little about Havana, Cuba. Today we are travelling across the ocean to another remarkable city -- Venice, Italy. I have visited Venice three times and have left each time in awe. There is no place on earth like it, and it has to be on your top ten list of places to visit before you die.

Travelling the waterways of Venice is a truly unique experience. The ancient architecture is with you even step of the way (or every paddle of the gondola). The stonework that surrounds you and the bridges that cross the canals are awe-inspiring.

On my first trip to Venice I can still recall travelling under the "Bridge of Sighs". That was an enclosed stone bridge over a canal that lead from the courtrooms to the prison in Venice. Although it was a totally enclosed stone structure, there was a small window in the centre. Here it was that convicted prisoners got there last look at freedom, and they 'sighed' (hence the name).

I know Venice is reputed to be dirty and commercial and all that stuff, but you can look past all of that with all the other things the city has to offer. There are fantastic little restaurants and coffee houses, glass blowing factories, museums and art galleries--tons of places to see and things to do--and all of this in totally unique surroundings. And don't forget to take a tour with a guide to learn about the history of the place.

Nowhere on earth will you see the way a water-centred city lives. As you ride by on your gondola you see how the people have water-garages for their household boats (instead of cars). You see how the water waves lap up against the ancient buildings that serve as homes for the people. You see the children running across the bridges in their play or on their way to school.

I can't say enough about Venice. I loved it and you will too. It really is a must-see destination. Put it on your agenda for one of your top places to visit.

You can read more about Venice in my new ebook Tastes and Travels Ebook. And you can read about the Italian cuisine as well...and get some great Italian recipes!

Notes on Travel to Cuba - Havana City

I love Cuba! Although travelling anywhere is experiencing something different, there is no doubt that visiting Cuba is unique. When you step into the City of Havana, you take a step back in time. From the vintage cars on the street to the beautiful architecture, there is no place like it. Of course, the city is run-down for the most part, but you can see the effort everywhere where they are trying to preserve and restore some of the unique buildings. The streets are clean, with not litter anywhere. It is a totally fantastic experience to view a bustling city that is like a page out of the past.

You can sit in a bar where Ernest Hemingway slept and drank (and even wrote his novel "For Who the Bell Tolls") and cherish your frosty Cuba Libra (a rum and coke drink with lime in it) and watch other tourists ride the ancient grill-work elevator. You can ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages to view the city in comfort. You can walk the cobblestone alleys and see the little shops and visit museums, book stores, perfume factories, cigar factories, art galleries...and much more.

There are a thousand things to see and do--great restaurants and bistros (Cuban food is not as bad as it is reputed to be), eat in their own little Chinatown, or get a taste of coconut water from a freshly cut coconut at the art market.

This is just a short blog, but visiting Havana City in Cuba is certainly worth seeing. I'll discuss the magnificient beaches and resorts another time, but they are worth knowing about too.

If you want to know a bit more about Cuba and Cuban cooking, you might want to read my new ebook "Tastes and Travels". It has a great reveiw about Cuba, as well as an article on Cuban cooking...and recipes! You can get it here: Tastes and Travels Ebook

Welcome to the NEW Tastes and Travels Blog!!

Well, this is the first post in my Tastes and Travels blog. Welcome!!!

What is this blog about? Well, I love to travel and I love to cook...and eat, so I am combining my loves and sharing them with you.

Travelling has to be one of the most rewarding things to do on this earth. Seeing different places, finding out how others live, taking in the beauty of the world--I can't think of a better thing to do!

Unless of course its eating. And another great part about travelling is that you get to sample different cuisines, different ways of cooking, ways of combining ingredients that you never thought of before, experience the tastes of new ingredients, new fruits, vegetables, spices -- oh, its so EXCITING!!!

I guess you get the idea that I am excited about my new blog. Future posts will get into the nitty-gritty of my travel experiences and even of places I WANT to travel to. I'll also provide recipes I have tried and created from the various places I have visited.

By the way, the picture shown was taken on a visit to Jamaica. It is of Blue Hole on the north coast -- not your typical shot of Jamaica, is it?

Come back and visit and we'll share this taste and travel experience together!!

If you want to get ahead of me, try reading my new ebook Tastes and Travels Ebook