How to pack lightly for a long trip

Today, we are going to get lost and dream in a heroic city. I am pleased to present you the small city of Valladolid. It is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, you know in Mexico.  It is also knows and the Heroic City or The Sultan of the East.  Her motto is “Cuatro Veces Heroica” or Four Times Heroic. Valladolid is not that well known among visitors to the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo.  Some people visit for a few minutes as part of an all day Chichen Itza tour.  And it is precisely the famous Mayan city that brought me here. See, I really wanted to take my time to explore Chichen Itza. I wasn’t that enthusiastic about taking a day tour from Cancun.  First, the drive is about 2 to 3 hours each way.  Additionally, some of these tours reach the ruins in the afternoon when they are packed with hundreds of tourists.  Looking for options on where to stay close to Chichen Itza, I stumbled upon Valladolid.  After reading some info about the city (and looking at some pictures), I was s...

Earlier this year, I visited Santa Catalina Island.  For those of you who are not familiar with this place, Catalina Island (as it is usually called) is located off the coast of Southern California at 22 miles south-southwest of Los Angeles.  Actually, really close but a world away from the big city. For years, I have heard magnificent tales about this little island.  A lot of people swear this is the closest you can get to the Mediterranean ambience in the United States.  Honestly, I thought all these were exaggerations.  But, you know what?  I had to ate my thoughts and words.  The island does feel like it is located in the Mediterranean Sea. I have been to Capri and some Greek Islands.  In Catalina, you feel a similar vibe, weather, view and coolness factor.  I just couldn’t get enough of it. Today, I want to take you on a photographic journey to the only incorporated city in the island, Avalon.  The “city” is small (about 4,000 residents) but full of charm (the rest of the island...

I am pretty sure you have never heard about the Castillo de San Lorenzo el Real de Chagres (aka Fuerte San Lorenzo) located in the striking country of Panama.  I found about this place while researching my trip to the isthmus two years ago.  For some reason, I felt the itch to visit.  In reality, the Fort is located in a remote and desolated place.  It is not easy to get there.  You even have to cross the Caribbean-side locks of the Panama Canal.  I mean your car have to pass over the locks, the area where the ships wait to step up or down.  If a ship is crossing, you have to wait until the process is done. Fuerte San Lorenzo seen from the distance But a few difficulties are not going to stop this history lover.  The Fuerte San Lorenzo was built by the Spaniards to protect the mouth of the Chagres River.  The river was extremely important to the conquistadores.  The gold from Peru and the silver from Bolivia used to be transported to Panama City.  From the city, the treasures were tr...

 Last week post showcasing the beauty of La Antigua Guatemala was a hit.  This week I decided to post more photos of this charming city.  Additionally, I am going to include ideas on things to do once you arrive. You can find my last week’s post in here. La Antigua Guatemala is not that big.  In one day, you can see most of the important sights.  You can spend more days exploring in depth or visiting the surrounding attractions.  Don’t forget that La Antigua is the perfect spot to base your Guatemala exploration. What to see and do Start by walking around the Parque Central (Central Park).  In the center of the park, you are going to find the Fuente de Las Sirenas (Mermaids Fountain).  Surrounding the park, are the Catedral de Santiago (main church in the city), Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Palacio del Ayuntamiento (municipal hall) and the Portal de Comercio (a commercial arcade).  You can find pictures of most of these places in last week’s post. Of course,...