Category: Travel

My Irish Adventure: the Ring of Kerry, Killarney, and a Jaunting Car Ride!

Post author By Maria
Post date May 16, 2017
No Comments on My Irish Adventure: the Ring of Kerry, Killarney, and a Jaunting Car Ride!

At Dunloe Gap on the Ring of Kerry. Photo by Maria A. M.

I arrived in Killarney that evening and was exited to spend a couple days there since there are so many beautiful things to see. Killarney is in the southwest of Ireland in county Kerry. Queen Victoria visited in 1861, putting it on an international spotlight. The area is one of the most popular spots for the Irish to go for a holiday. Killarney National Park is there, and was right across the street from the hotel I stayed at. The park has deer roaming around it; it is interesting that Ireland has no predators. So you can feel safe going on hikes there since St. Patrick drove all the snakes out a long time ago…

Enjoying the View at Caragh Lake on the Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry (179 km circular route) tour started at Dunloe Gap, where we stopped at a woolen mills where I had to fight every fiber of my being to not buy a cobalt blue cape. I kind of wish I did, but I found an amazing green leather jacket in Scotland that made up for it. Ireland is the place to buy a cape or sweater. Dunloe Gap is beautiful, and you’ve probably seen it in movies that take place in Ireland like many of the stops on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is beautiful and breathtaking. Lake Caragh was our next stop then Dingle Bay (Ryan’s Daughter was filmed there). Thankfully, it was a beautiful sunny day so it looked even more spectacular!

On Valentia Island...can you see the Skelling Islands? — On Valentia Island…can you see the Skelling Islands in the distance?

We had a longer stop on Valentia Island where we had lunch. On the island, you can take a ferry to the Skellig Islands, made famous in the Star Wars Episode VII Luke Skywalker scene at the end. St. Michael built an amazing monastery in the 6^th century on the harsh landscape that you can still hike up to. The ferry starts up in May so I couldn’t go to the island unfortunately. The trip also requires hiking attire since it has pretty steep (650 to be exact) steps. The island had to be abandoned in the late 12th century due to Viking raids. It a UNESCO world heritage site.

Muckross House at Killarney National Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

After lunch, we stopped at Koomakista, O’Carroll’s Cove. The tour then entered Killarney National Park at Ladies View, which gets its name from the time Queen Victoria visited since she and her ladies in waiting picnicked there. Torc Waterfall is another must see at the park. I’m so glad I got to go since it wasn’t on the itinerary. You can hike the trail that takes you up to Torc Mountain if you are so inclined, but the tour went on to another stop that isn’t on the itinerary.

Torc Waterfall at Killarney National Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

Muckross House, on Muckross Lake, was built in 1843, and was owned by the Herbert Family. The house was built in the Tudor style, and was renovated to host Queen Victoria. The queen canceled a couple times before actually coming, and did not bestow nobility on the family after the visit, as they had hoped for. Prince Albert died that year, which plunged Victoria into deep mourning. These circumstances led to the family going bankrupt. After exchanging some owners, it was bequeathed to the park in the 1930s. I enjoyed the visit to Muckross House. The gardens of the mansion are beautiful; the colors of the flowers really pop against the stone facade. You can take a horse and carriage around the grounds, which I learned is called a “jaunting car ride.”

Taking a "jaunting car ride" through Killarney National Park — Taking a “jaunting car ride” through Killarney National Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

I did take a jaunting car ride through the park and up to Ross Castle. The castle was built in the 15^th century on Lough Leane and was the ancestral home of the O’Donoghue Clan. The ride to the castle was great, I loved riding through the park and enjoyed the scenery. The castle looked amazing against the lake, and the sun was setting when I took the ride, which added to the experience. I did get to see red deer, the predators of the park.

I ended the evening having dinner at Khao, a Thai restaurant, since I missed Asian food. After a day filled with so many things, a tea by the fireplace was just what I needed that night. The Ring of Kerry is a must see, and pictures do not do it justice. If a tour is not for you, you can rent a car and hike the trails. When you visit, make sure you spend time at Killarney National Park. I can see why it’s a favorite place for the Irish themselves. I did all this in a day, which is probably a bit much for most people. However, you must see it for yourself…trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

A different view of Ross Castle. Photo by Maria A. M.

Follow my adventures on Facebook and Instagram in order to receive updates on future posts. Please feel free to comment or message me feedback, or your recommendations. Thanks for reading!

Tags Ring of Kerry

Europe Ireland Travel

My Irish Adventure: Ruins, Sinking Ships, and Gaining the Gift of Gab!

Post author By Maria
Post date May 3, 2017
2 Comments on My Irish Adventure: Ruins, Sinking Ships, and Gaining the Gift of Gab!

At the Ruins of St. Kevin's Monastery in Glendalough — At the Ruins of St. Kevin’s Monastery in Glendalough. Photo by Maria A. M.

The next morning the tour left Dublin to go to the countryside of Wicklow, specifically to Glendalough, in order to see the ruins of St. Kevin’s monastery. Kevin left his wealth to seek a life devoted to God, and lived as a hermit before founding the monastery. Many disciples were drawn to him since he was able to live in the wild, away from the material world. This was a period in history before Rome absorbed the monasteries…they were independent Irish churches. The ruins give us a glimpse of this world.

The Round Tower at St. Kevin's Monastery in Glendalough — The Round Tower at St. Kevin’s Monastery in Glendalough. Photo by Maria A. M.

The area is beautiful, and it’s amazing to see such old structures still standing. The Round Tower can be seen from the distance and is surrounded by a cemetery. There are still ruins from the Cathedral, the Priest’s House, and St. Kevin’s Church that you can go through. You can take a hike to the lake and look at the enjoy the landscape. Ireland has some amazing monastic sites so I enjoyed being able to spend some time at one.

At the Priest's House in Glendalough — At the Priest’s House in Glendalough…can you spot me?

A sad part of Irish history are the famine ships, since so many Irish died on the journey to the “New World.” During 1845 to 1852, a million Irish died from disease and famine, while a million emigrated to escape horrible conditions. Our guide’s perspective was that there was enough food in Ireland, but it was not distributed to those that needed it, so the poor farmers were starved out by landowners. The famine completely changed Ireland, and became a rally for independence from the British.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. Photo by Maria A. M.

The town of New Ross has a replica of the 19^th century Dunbrody famine ship. Conditions on the ships were so atrocious that many died on the journey. The ships were nicknamed “coffin ships.” The museum takes you through this period in Irish history, and has actors reenacting characters on the ship. The actors explained the different conditions a first class and third class passenger experienced…Lets just say you’d never want to have to endure a month long journey as a third class passenger. Another interesting tidbit about the town is that there is also a statue of John F. Kennedy in front of the museum, since the ancestral home of the Kennedy family is near New Ross.

Strolling through Waterford, oldest city in Ireland — Strolling through Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland. Photo by Maria A. M.

After New Ross, we visited Waterford, which is the oldest city in Ireland. I’m not a fan of Waterford Crystal so I didn’t need to see the glass blowing demonstration…I have seen it demonstrated in Venice. Some people on the tour were fans and enjoyed seeing it, and the showroom. We did take a nice walking tour through the town with a local guide. The street art in the town was really good!

A taste of the street art in Waterford. Photo by Payal S.

Viking raiders first established a settlement in Waterford in 853, and periodically fought with the native Irish for control. One of the most notable features of the city is from the when the Vikings were there, Reginald’s Tower. There is also a replica of a Viking ship to commemorate the town’s history. On the walking tour, we also saw the oldest church in Ireland.

Replica of a Viking Ship by Reginald’s Tower in Waterford. Photo by Maria A. M.

The Charming Town of Cobh. Photo by Maria A. M.

The next day we stopped in Cobh, which is a beautiful small town on the coast of Cork. The town used to be called Queenstown, but was changed when the republic was formed. I love the colored buildings with St. Colman’s Cathedral rising in the background. This town was the final port for the Titanic, and we had a walking tour that talked about the town’s links to the famous ship. I’m not a fan of the movie, and I don’t know why this tour focused so much on the Titanic’s history. In Belfast, we even went to the Titanic Museum.

Saying Goodbye to Annie Moore, the first Irish emigrant on Ellis Island

Many Irish left for the US from the port in Cobh so there is a statue of Annie Moore, the first emigrant to be admitted at Ellis Island. The emigration history of the town was much more interesting than the Titanic stopping there. I would have preferred a walking tour focused more on the history of the town, but our next destination more than made up for the disappointing tour in Cobh…

The next place, Blarney Castle was the best part of the tour so far! The castle is beautiful! It is a ruin that you can go through, and explore the different nooks and crannies. I even got to kiss the stone, which is scary since you have to lean back over a ledge while a man is holding you…Since I went during off season it wasn’t a crazy wait; I heard it takes a couple hours during the summer. Whoever kisses the stone receives receives the gift of eloquence, which I believe we can all use. The word “Blarney” means flattering or being able to sweet talk someone. Hopefully, I can put this new gift to great use…

Kissing the Blarney Stone…behold the gift of eloquence!

The sun came out that day and it was lovely outside. A heat wave the Irish called it, since it reached 60 degrees. The castle’s origins go back to the 13^th century, specifically to 1446. There is a mansion built by the castle, Blarney House, where the current owners live, and I believe is open to the public. I was too busy exploring the castle grounds and taking advantage of the great weather to go to the mansion.

The Castle Grounds at Blarney…I’m the Lookout…

The gardens of the castle are beautiful, extensive, and worth walking through. There is a poison garden, with poisonous plants along with a couple waterfalls, and rock formations. The map they give you comes in handy since you have to decide what you really want to see. If you go on your own you have more time, and can spend the day there. You need time to explore the beautiful grounds since there are different paths you can hike or take a stroll through.

The View from Blarney Castle. Photo by Maria A. M.

Blarney has a store called the woolen Mills where you can pick up souvenirs, and a good cafe you can eat lunch. The sandwiches were really good! Afterwards, we headed to the amazing town of Killarney, which I’ll leave for my next post. It gives you something to look forward to. You can like my page Facebook page for post updates, and follow me on Instagram as well (I’m Wayfaringgal). Thanks for reading!

Europe Ireland Travel

My Irish Adventure Begins!

Colored doors in Dublin, Ireland by Maria A.M.

I decided to take a tour of Ireland and Scotland with CIE Tours after a lot of research. I found that with many tours you pay all this money upfront, and most of your food and excursions aren’t included, which is very annoying. CIE is known for having all excursions, and two meals a day (for the most part) as a package deal. I also had to coordinate all this with another friend’s schedule, so we ended up taking two separate tours during off season (April), which had its good points and bad points…I still had an amazing time and don’t regret going. But to warm you, it can get pretty cold, so bring your winter gear. It also rains frequently so be prepared for that (waterproof jacket and shoes, along with a hat are musts). On the plus side, we saved around a thousand dollars, and avoided crowds. If you are into photography like me, you will appreciate not having other people in your pictures, which would not have been possible during the summer. There are were times when I visited certain castles, and I was the only person in a room…loved having old places like that to myself…

Where Oscar Wilde lived: #2 Merrion Square by Maria A. M.

The two tours we took were Irish Adventure and Scottish Dream. They are both eight day tours, and we knew we would not be able to see everything since both countries have so many amazing places to see and experience. So keep that in mind when you are booking your trip: you can easily spend two weeks in each country. The Irish tour had allot of flaws, but we knew that going in since the dates worked with connecting with Sottish Dream. The Scottish tour was amazing as you will see if you keep reading my posts…

We started the tour in Dublin, and came a few hours before it began. I didn’t like the hotel since it wasn’t at the center of the city…it was a pretty long walk from most places we wanted to go. We were tired, and just cabbed it after a while since we only had one day in Dublin. I recommend you come or stay an extra day if possible. We decided to go to Phoenix Park since it wasn’t on the itinerary of the city tour we’d be taking later. We walked around the park, and saw the Wellington Monument (the large obelisk you can’t miss), which commemorated the hero of the Napoleonic wars. The park has gardens and even deer roaming it, and you can rent a bike if you want to take a ride through it. Since I went during the spring, there were beautiful flowers and plants to take in…I love giant parks in big cities; they provide a great escape.

Painting of Queen Victoria in Dublin Castle. Photo by Maria A. M.

After the park, we decided to visit Dublin Castle, which fortunately for us, is free on Wednesdays. This was our first castle on this trip, so we were excited. The castle can trace its origins to the 13^th century when it was just a fort. All that changed after 1922…Since Ireland is a republic, the castle is used for the inauguration of Irish presidents and state dinners. It used to be utilized by the representative of the monarch of Britain, or the Lord Lieutenant.

State Apartments at Dublin Castle. Photo by Maria A. M.

We roamed around looking at the beautiful rooms, like the Drawing Room, St. Patrick’s Hall and the Throne Room. There are volumes of government journals on display that are massive…moving those around would be a great workout. I also loved seeing the portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, especially after watching the show based on her reign. After walking the grounds of the castle, we spotted Christ Church Cathedral, which is also known for having the oldest crypts in the city. It’s a beautiful medieval church and older than St. Patrick’s. You do have to pay to go in so we passed since we didn’t have much time to make it worth the price admission.

After walking through the Temple Bar district to avoid the evening craziness, we met up with our tour group. Our group was pretty small; only fourteen people, which was really nice. Therefore, we had a smaller bus, which was also nice since it was new and you could charge your phone. Our tour guide was also our driver. He was pretty strange. He didn’t seem to enjoy his job and didn’t talk much. The local guide was great though…every single local guide was great. They were all really engaged and energetic about what they were talking about. Our guide did redeem himself to me by taking us to some extra places, which I’ll explain later…

Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square. He looks like he is smirking at us. Photo by Maria A. M.

Mary, our local guide, took us to Oscar Wilde’s statue and showed us where he lived in Merrion Square. Wilde left Ireland after serving his sentence (he was imprisoned for “gross indecency” and never returned home. He died in Paris. We also got to do a quick stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. Handel practiced the Messiah there. That’s I love about visiting Europe and Asia; you have these ancient temples, cathedrals, castles…it’s incredible!

The Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin. Photo by Maria A. M.

The best part of the tour was visiting Trinity College to see the Long Room and the Book of Kells, which has been there since 1660. The college was founded by Queen Elizabeth I for Protestant men; now women and Catholics can attend…progress… The Long Room looks the library from Beauty and the Beast…it is one of the most beautiful spaces I have been in! If you love books and history, this is the place for you. Every book published in Ireland is housed there, consequently, the roof had to be raised to add more space. There are marble busts on display of notable figures like Sir Isaac Newton. You can take a look at some first edition books by Jonathan Swift, a notable Irish author.

The Long Room at Trinity College: books galore aka heaven! Photo by Maria A. M.

The book of Kells, which comes from the Abbey of Kells, is on display at the college and is a site to behold. You are looking at something created in the 9^th century by monks…it is amazing! The book contains the four gospels and uses illustrations of people, animals, mythical beasts, and Celtic symbols to translate the Word. Many people could not read or write so illustrations helped translate the teachings in the Bible. Only two gospels were on display when I visited. I am also happy to say it was not terribly crowded so I could stare at the pages for a while…

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin — St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Photo by Maria A. M.

After the tour, we went back to the hotel for a welcome drink then we were on our own again. It was strange to not have dinner included, and we honestly could have stayed by the college since we would have been closer to the place we got dinner. Dinner at Umi, a Middle Eastern restaurant, was good and reasonably priced. You’re probably wondering why I did not go to a pub, but my friend is a vegetarian, and would have to suffer through pasta as her dinner option, so it offered some good options. Plus I love any kind of ethnic food I can try. Lastly, I know we did a lot on our first day, but I’m glad we had time to explore before the tour since we were off the next day…Our tour also ended in Dublin since we did a circle around the country, so most people stayed an extra day in the city. I would recommend at least a couple days there to explore.

Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. Photo by Maria A. M.

You can like my Facebook page in order to get notifications on future posts since there is more to come! And you can follow me on Instagram as well: I’m wayfaringgal. Thanks for reading!

Chicago Travel

Fun Things to do in Chicago During the Spring!

Post author By Maria
Post date April 1, 2017
No Comments on Fun Things to do in Chicago During the Spring!

I was very excited when Old Irving Brewing opened up, and even more thrilled when they started offering a yoga event every second Sunday of the month. I was able to go this month, even though it was tough to get up since Daylight Savings had us lose an hour of sleep. The event started at 9:30 am and lasted for an hour. It’s hosted by Yoga on Tap. I thought it was sweet of the hosts to bring coffee for us due to the early hour. I also appreciated that three ladies from the organization came so they could circulate around the room and give adjustments where needed. The practice was challenging, and a great workout, though a beginner could still participate.

Here’s an action shot from Yoga at Old Irving Brewing

After yoga, you can stay for brunch, and if you do, you receive a free drink for your efforts. I tried the brewery’s new mango IPA that’s on draft, and it was delicious. Breakfast is my favorite meal so I had the eggs Benedict, which I recommend. I brought a friend to the event, and we both had a great time. And both of us want to go again…so give it a try!

Sometimes you have to stop and smell the flowers…at the Orchid Show

I’m a fan of Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, which isn’t a long drive once once you hop on the expressway (94 will take you there). A friend of mine wanted to see the Orchid Show so of course I agreed to go. Since it’s early spring here in Chicago, there is nothing to see outside. The orchids are in a greenhouse so be prepared to shed some layers since it is quite warm in there. The orchids are beautiful and from all over the world. I guarantee you will take many photos since there are so many different specimens to see. You can even purchase orchids to take home with you. There are guides there to answer questions and give you information about the flowers.

The Orchid Show at Chicago Botanic Gardens. Photo by Maria A. M.

There are also exhibits that feature the history of orchids in the fashion industry, as well as in perfume (this was my favorite part)…you can even smell some samples of your favorite fragrances. I loved the dresses on display that were created from flowers…one year I will attend Fleurotica here in Chicago.

Flowers can be fashion at the Orchid Show. Photo by Maria A. M.

There is also photography showcasing the beauty of orchids with close ups so you can see the details. This event was an afternoon well spent, an I’m really glad my friend invited me…it was a great way to escape the cold!

Hollywood and Orchids Timeline. Photo by Maria A. M.

The Focus Group LLC at Obverse Gallery. Photo by Maria A. M.

Since I am a fan of art, I recommend a visit to some of the great art galleries in the city. Obverse Art Gallery invited me to an event with the Focus Group LLC , which is an ensemble formed by composer Ethan T. Parcell. The event also featured Andrew Clinkman, a Chicago based guitarist who improvises his performances. Focus Group LLC was entertaining. Ethan tells a story as the ensemble accompanies him. And the stories range from a little league game to a wild west showdown…some pretty funny stuff there.

Some of Carrie’s cocktail creations at Obverse Gallery. Photo by Lauren W.

Carrie makes amazing cocktails, and you will try some interesting combinations of ingredients. A great way to spend a Sunday night while most are watching the Walking Dead. I am definitely glad Carrie extended the invite!

“Trusting You” by Lidia Wylangowska at Groshek Art Gallery. Photo by Maria A. M.

“If” by Lidia Wylangowska, displayed at Groshek Art Gallery.Photo by Maria A. M.

I was fortunate to attend “Dear Ladies” at Groshek Art Gallery’s opening reception. The exhibit is devoted to art created by women, as well as exploring women as the subject matter. The artists featured in the installation are Roberta Malkin, Nancy Pirri, Robin Power, Ania Spiewak, Malgorzata Stepniak, and Lidia Wylangowska.

The “Dear Ladies” at Groshek Gallery’s opening reception. Photo by Maria A. M.

I was particularly drawn to Ms. Wylangowska’s paintings. I got to meet the artist herself, who explained that she uses her art to express what’s going on internally. Her work has a fairy tale or even fantasy like quality. “If” could have come right out of Game of Thrones. She was friendly and charming to this excited fangirl. It was great to see the ladies come up to the “stage,” and have Roberta Malkin speak about the importance of women creating artwork as a form of protest, and this is their version of a women’s march. The evening was a success as it was continuously full of guests. It was great to see so many artists from the Polish community here in Chicago, and see their family and friends come out to show their support. It was a great evening, and I’m happy to have ha my own dear ladies attend it with me!

With some beautiful ladies at the Dear Ladies opening reception at Groshek Gallery

If you have Instagram, you can follow my adventures there as well since I update photos much more frequently; my username is wayfaringgal. I will be in Ireland and Scotland next week so I have more fun posts coming soon! Thank you for reading an feedback is always appreciated.

Chicago Travel

Fun Things to do in Chicago to Beat the Winter Blues: Part 2!

Post author By Maria
Post date February 26, 2017
No Comments on Fun Things to do in Chicago to Beat the Winter Blues: Part 2!

Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, in Chicago. Photo by Maria A. M.

If you read my other post, you know I am a Game of Thrones fan, so I had to get a ticket for the live concert experience. Ramin Djawadi is the composer of the show’s musical score, as well as other television shows, like Westworld. He is on tour performing music from the show with an orchestra. When I arrived, they had some of the costumes from the show on display. I was excited to see Daenerys’ blue dress, which I debated wearing for Halloween.

Costumes from Game of Thrones at the Live experience tour.Photo by Maria A. M.

I particularly enjoyed the singer who did the vocals for the “Rains of Castamere,” and the head violinist…they both gave me chills when they performed! I loved how exotic instruments were incorporated to create distinctive sounds. Clips from the show were shown to highlight the different characters theme songs, and epic scenes like the “Battle of Bastards.” The stage moved, and thankfully, different musicians were rotated since my seats made it hard to see the other side. I still enjoyed the concert. The music was beautiful, along with the set…if you are a fan of the show, and enjoy the music, it is the perfect event for you to go see.

Some of the performers from the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience. Photo by Maria A. M.

One thing I enjoy all year, is finding a new wine bar. I was invited to Vera, since a friend of mine went to high school with the owner. Vera is a Spanish wine bar that also specializes in sherry. I had the tempranillo, while another friend enjoyed sampling a few sherries. It is also the perfect place for sharing small plates with your friends. The food was delicious; we had a cheese plate, grilled octopus, chorizo, mushrooms, and the potatoes. We also shared the chocolate mousse, which was amazing! The exposed brick wall and the low lighting make for a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Wine, good food, and conversation are all reasons to get out of the house.

If you like 80s music, as I do, you’ll love a night out at Innjoy. You can relive all the great music of your childhood, or maybe you were lucky enough to have a great older sister like me who introduced you to New Wave (so for the record, my sister is one of the fortunate ones). I was invited to a birthday party on a cold night that would have kept most inside, but not me. I stopped by at the Argentinian restaurant Folklore, for a glass of malbec then headed across the street to dance. Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, and Cyndi Lauper are some of the artists they played when I went. I danced the night away with a fun group of ladies…we lost it when “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” came on… The DJ does love the ladies, and will play what you request if you ask nicely.

If you enjoy burlesque, or are curious, Untitled Supper Club has a show every Thursday night. Untitled also has a great lounge/bar area, and a speakeasy vibe since it is in a basement. It has a hidden away vibe. There are different rooms and areas you can sit in. Tamara de Lempicka’s art deco paintings are part of the décor…she is one of my favorite artists, so it was great to her work spotlighted. Look her up if you like art deco, …and artists with colorful lives..

One of Tamara de Lempicka’s paintings at Untitled Supper Club

I also enjoy the wine selection there as well (it’s common theme). The bar area is beautiful…love all the bottles… In the lounge they also show old movies, which I also enjoy since I am an old soul, and why it is my favorite part of Untitled…the comfy couches help too. The Hustler was playing when I was there. The burlesque show is in another room and is pretty risqué…I was glad to see a male dancer that rocked a pair of heels, along with the pole. I enjoyed the woman who performed with hula hoops…I was never good at it. Another dancer made interesting use of whip cream; I’ll let you utilize your imagination for that visual. After the show, it turns into a dance party. The performers do get into it by wearing great costumes.

With one of the performers at Untitled Supper Club’s burlesque night

For my last recommendation, I propose going out and volunteering. There are so many great organizations and places to take some initiative. Just pick a cause, and see what you can do to support it. I was inspired to do something since there is so much negativity and complaining on social media. One of my friends and I made a resolution to regularly volunteer this year. I enjoy packing food for Feed My Starving Children since they show you right after the session what your work has accomplished…and you are helping feed children around the world. They present you with how many boxes of food were packed, and how many children that will feed for a year. The organization believes that we must first help people with the basics: food and nutrition, before they can rebuild their lives. Lastly, volunteering helps put our own lives in perspective on basic things that we take for granted, and gets us off the couch.

Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children’s food packing session

The winter season does not mean having to stay in – there are plenty of things to do to feed your thirst for culture and great causes! And spring is almost here so there are more fun events coming up! Thank you for reading, an let me know if you have any suggestions and feedback. Let me know what you do to beat the winter blues.

Chicago Travel

Fun Things to do in Chicago to Beat the Winter Blues!

Post author By Maria
Post date January 29, 2017
2 Comments on Fun Things to do in Chicago to Beat the Winter Blues!

Winter is usually a dark time for residents of Chicago, but I don’t let the weather stop me from having a great time! Maybe I have an immunity from the many years of suffering. And there are a lot of fun activities going on all year round, which is one of the best things about living in Chicago…there is always something to do! You cannot be bored here. Late November and December are really great months since there are allot of Christmas festivities, but I’ll save those for later in the year since they are all over and done now. Here are some of the things I’ve been up to these past couple of months.

Game of Thrones: Behind the Scenes Event in Chicago

I was fortunate to be able to go to the Game of Thrones: Behind the Scenes tour since it only stopped in LA, Chicago, and New York City. Thanks to a good friend, I signed up the day before and got to go in. Best part is that it was free! They set up sets inside these “houses” where there was costumes, props, scripts, and various other items…each of them had a common theme like “The Wall,” or “Winterfell.”

Melisandre’s cloak from the Game of Thrones Behind the Scenes event

I thought it was really nice of the organizers to take photographs of fans in some of the scenery from the show, and then email us a digital copy. I have one from the “Battle of the Bastards” and trying to “Hodor.” My prized one is my picture on the Iron Throne.

Due to a storm coming in, they shut the event down early so we had to rush through it. I had to skip playing the virtual reality game, which was sad for me; but I was one of the last people to get into the line for the Iron throne picture so I think I made the right call. The virtual game was the only set I missed, but it was still an amazing event. I hope the show does it again since it was fantastic. If you are a fan, sign up for updates so you won’t miss an event like this.

At the Fulton Street Collective’s Jazz concert

I have loved a Charlie Brown Christmas Special since I was a child. I watch it every year. So I was thrilled to find an event where a jazz group (Fulton Street Collective) was performing Vince Guaraldi’s famous soundtrack. I enjoyed that the band talked about the behind the scenes making of the special, telling a story as they went through all the songs. The Fulton Street Collective was founded in 2002 and brings together various art disciplines. The group wants to promote artists and their growth, and the communities they reside in. At least once a month they host a jazz concert with a suggested donation of $10, making it affordable. For the Charlie Brown concert, they had Lewis Achenbach painting, and you could purchase his art afterwards. His artwork was also on display. If you love the arts as I do, try one of these events since they host one every month.

Watching Lewis Achenbach paint at the Fulton Street Collective’s Jazz event.Photo by Maria A. M.

Garfield Park has a beautiful conservatory that is free to the public. If you want to look at thousands of flowers and plants, and be somewhere warm, this is the place for you. It is one of the largest greenhouse conservatories, and includes a lagoon, pool, tennis courts and fields. It was constructed around 1905, and the design was conceived to be “landscapes under glass” since you can enjoy it all year.

Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago. Photo by Maria A. M.

The conservatory also hosts many interesting events throughout the year like concerts, fashion shows, and even watercolor painting classes. You can go any day during normal hours, and spend at least a couple hours there gazing at all the beautiful plants and scenery. Great place to go on a date as well.

Beautiful gardens at the Garfield Park Conservatory

The Field Museum is one of my favorite places, and one of the largest natural museums in the world. It has an amazing collection of specimens and artifacts, as well as wonderful permanent collections that attract millions of people every year. The special exhibits are something I look forward to, and attend at least two to three times a year. It can be pricey to attend, but a membership is reasonable. Also, I think you can sign up at a Chicago Public Library, or go during one of the free days the museums offers. Currently, the Tattoo exhibit has been going on, which traces tattoos through various times and cultures. I was pretty surprised to see pictures of women with tattoos from the 1920s in the US. I know other cultures have been tattooing women for much longer.

Picture of Lady Viola, who was described as one of the “most beautiful tattooed women in the world.”

The really neat part of the exhibit is that they recreated a tattoo studio, and you can watch people getting a tattoo. I admire the people that volunteered since I could not have strangers watching me get one. As someone who has tattoos, it was interesting to see the different meanings they have to various cultures. You also can look at the tools used and how they evolved. There were traveling “tattoo men” that passed through towns in Europe. I highly recommend seeing it. I brought a friend that has no tattoos and she loved it.

Watching other people watching someone get a tattoo at the Field Museum. Photo by Maria A. M.

If you like yoga, there are plenty of interesting places to improve your practice. I joined the Art Institute last year, and they started offering member’s yoga. The Art Institute is in Grant Park, and one of the country’s oldest art museums. It has an amazing collection of art work (i.e. Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks), and also hosts fantastic special exhibits. I went last year to see Van Gogh’s bedroom paintings.

At the Art institute’s members yoga event

It was so refreshing to go on a Sunday morning, and not have to deal with the crowds. They had Bloom Yoga from Lincoln Square host. It was great because it was aimed at beginners so you could try it if you have never practiced yoga. The space was beautiful…you can see some of the ceiling in the picture below. I really enjoyed the yoga, and got my free cup of coffee at the Members’ Lounge afterwards (another perk). Many places like the Planetarium and Navy Pier also host yoga events. It is great to do yoga in such beautiful places, and meet new people there that are interested in it as well. It’s a great excuse to get your friends to do it with you.

Enjoying yoga in a beautiful space at the Art Institute

I found so many events that I will have to write another post since this is getting too long, and you will have more to look forward to. And please message me or comment if you have any suggestions on great events to beat the winter blues!

Cancun Mexico Travel

Cancun Part 2: More Caves, Chichen Itza, and Chocolate Churros!

Post author By Maria
Post date January 8, 2017
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Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. Photo by Maria A. M.

After a rest day at the pool, we took another Viator tour to Chichen Itza and a cenote…I didn’t realize a stop to a Mexican town was included until later. This day tour was better since they didn’t pick us up at the crack of dawn like the last one. The strange part was that we went to a Mayan store to get Mayan birth certificates, which was neat. I learned that I am a “lizard” in the Mayan lunar horoscope, and it came with an astrological chart. The guide wanted us to do our shopping there instead of Chichen Itza so the profits would go to local people, which I understand after visiting there. After the shopping trip, we went to Chichen Itza…finally!

Glad I picked up a Mayan sacrificial blade…

Our guide was really passionate about the Maya, and gave us a great guided tour. Chichen Itza was built during the terminal classic period, and was one of the largest Mayan cities. As Coba declined, Chichen Itza rose to prominence. We started with the observatory, El Caracol, since the Maya are known for their interest in astronomy. The Maya were known for their stargazing, and precise calendars, so I loved seeing a structure where they were doing this.

El Caracol observatory at Chichen Itza. Photo by Maria A. M.

Then we looked at a stepped pyramid, El Osario, which leads into a cave. The Mayan ball court is another interesting part of Chichen Itza. The murals there show different scenes from the game, and you can take a look at the captain of the team.

Mayan Ball Court at Chichen Itza. Photo by Maria A. M.

Close up of a “hoop” at the Mayan Ball Court at Chichen Itza. Photo by Maria A. M.

The main feature and best part of Chichen Itza, is the temple of Kukulkan, named for the Mayan feathered-serpent deity. This is also the site where the triangular shadows create the image of a serpent wriggling down the stairs during the spring and fall equinoxes. Our guide showed us how to see the image at any time of year…you just have to take the tour to see it…The pyramid is amazing and majestic; just walk around it so you can take it all in.

Don’t forget your hat or umbrella when visiting Chichen Itza

The temple of a thousand warriors was our last stop before leaving. I don’t know why, but there are merchants all over Chichen Itza selling stuff which is incredibly annoying since they are aggressive. Our guide warned us against purchasing any goods there since the quality is bad. I just want to warn you about the markets since I couldn’t believe a UNESCO world heritage site allows this. Also, it is normally hot there so I recommend bringing a hat or umbrella since there isn’t much shade; you might want to cover up to prevent sunburn. Also have repellent and water on hand…

After Chichen Itza we had lunch, and then went to Ik Kil Cenote which was located at a much fancier site than the previous cenote we went to. We could even rent a locker, had showers with decent water pressure, and private changing rooms this time.

This cenote also had an opening so you could see the sky. It was beautiful, but very crowded…and this was off season. However, the nice thing about the stop there was that we had more time since we scarfed our food down, so we were able to go grab a beer at the café after our swim.

We stopped at the little town of Valladolid where we found a great chocolate shop to sample some goodies. This awakened my appetite, so I found a small stand selling chocolate churros which were delicious. The town square was quaint, and it was nice to people watch…there was also a beautiful Catholic church across the street. The town was also starting to decorate for Christmas. I did enjoy this stop; the churros alone made it worth it.

Having chocolate churros in Valladolid, Mexico

During our ride back to Cancun, we watched a documentary on the ancient Maya so it was a day packed full of knowledge. We returned back late so we ordered food from the hotel, and picked up drinks to celebrate my sister’s birthday. Even though the tour was rigorous, it was a blast!

Helping newly hatched turtles into the sea

As we were enjoying the beautiful moon, a man that worked the grounds asked us to help him put baby turtles that had hatched into the ocean. My sister was thrilled since she wanted to do something like this in Costa Rica. I’m glad to say that all the turtles went into the sea, so it was a great way to end our trip in Cancun. It was a beautiful night!

Found a baby turtle that needed help at Ocean Dreams, Cancun

My two weeks were amazing and went by way too fast. I saw and learned allot from Costa Rican history, to leatherback turtles, to ancient Mayan ball games. I’m also happy that my sister and friends were able to join me, adding to the experience and memories. They made the trip so much more fun. I especially loved Mexico, and can’t wait to go back and see more parts of the country. I found my future retirement home…so to be continued…

Cancun Mexico Travel

Cancun: Caves, Islands, Pyramids, and a Real Infinity Pool!

Post author By Maria
Post date January 1, 2017
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Infinity Pool at Ocean Dreams in Cancun, Mexico. Photo by Maria A. M.

After my Costa Rican tour, it was nice to go to Mexico and take it relatively easy, for me…The journey to Mexico was a nightmare since we took Spirit Airlines, which is a horrible airline. I do not recommend flying with them. I was never so happy to arrive at my destination. We stayed at an Airbnb in Cancun in the hotel zone…the condominium was at Ocean Dream, which is also a hotel. The location is right in the heart of the tourist sector, but it was very easy to get around since there was allot of places to eat nearby, a grocery store, and a place to exchange money next door…all within walking distance.

Ocean Dream has an infinity pool that reaches out to the beach. The location was beautiful; I still dream about the walks along the sea. The water was the most amazing blue. The pictures do not do it justice.

When I was settled in the room, I decided to spend time relaxing by the pool, and was even able to order food and drinks…It’s great when you don’t have to leave the pool area to get fed. We got there in the afternoon, and had to wait until dinner time for a friend from the Costa Rica trip to join us since she took a separate flight. Once she arrived we got dinner, and went grocery shopping for some basics. I had to get a picture with Spiderman at Coco Bongo, which I did not set a foot in, but was on the way to the store. There are all sorts of characters in front of the place you can take a picture with; just make sure you tip them. We brought dinner to the balcony and drank wine while enjoying the ocean view in the background.

Our touristy pic in our golfcart on Isla Mujeres

The next day, we decided to take the ferry to Isla Mujeres which was a pretty quick trip; maybe a half hour. Once we were there, we rented a golf cart for about $30.00. We drove along the island, stopping at different points of interest. I enjoyed Punta Sur which has some Mayan ruins, and is decorated with Mayan artwork. The view is inspiring.

Mayan artwork at Punta Sur in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Photo by Maria A. M.

Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres. Photo by Maria A. M.

Hacienda Mundaca is an old pirate refuge that hosts concerts. We stopped at a beach, Playa Tiburon, and had a beer at one of those bars that has swings. Sitting by the beach, enjoying a beer, was fantastic.

Playa Tiburon on Isla Mujeres. Photo by Maria A. M.

Later, I found a beaded necklace that Nefertiti would have approved of…if you enjoy shopping, there are artisan markets. W also stopped at a cemetery that was along the coast. Maybe I am morbid, but I enjoy visiting them to see how other cultures deal with death. The monuments were colorful and a great tribute.

Cemetery on Isla Mujeres. Photo by Maria A. M.

Later, we found a restaurant by the sea that served delicious seafood, and for me, fish tacos. We watched the sunset as we ate our dinner.

Sunset dinner at Muelle 7 on Isla Mujeres

It was a great way to end a perfect day. The ferry runs every half hour so we were able to catch one going back easily.

Great Pyramid at Coba. Photo by Natie P.

We took a Viator day trip to the ruins at Coba, a cenote, and then Tulum, which looking back, was too many activities to fit in one day. I don’t recommend the tour. I think Tulum and the cave would have been perfect. It was also terrible since we were picked up at 615am at our place, but then didn’t get to Coba until 11am. So there was allot of waiting. The tour was pretty rushed since we did not have much time at any of the places. Renting a car and doing it on our own would have been better, or taking a tour with less activities. I still enjoyed the sites, and learning more about the ancient Maya. Swimming in the cenote was also a great experience.

Got to the top of the Great Pyramid at Coba

Coba is on the Yucatan peninsula, and is a great example of a late classical Mayan city with stelae that document Mayan ceremonial life. By the time the Spanish had arrived, the city had been abandoned. We took a tour of the ruins, and then climbed the ancient pyramid there, which is one of the only sites that lets you do this. It has a 130 steps that are narrow and steep. You feel amazing when you get to the top. Coming down is pretty scary…I had to walk down holding on to the rope, but I made it! I was pretty proud.

Can you see me on the Great Pyramid at Coba?

After that we took a tricycle ride back to the front entrance. I had mine race Ben-Hur style with my sister’s…I beat her pretty badly…you can see she was way behind me… We had time to grab a coconut, and watch some of the performers wearing Mayan costumes before heading to the cenote to go swimming. Climbing the pyramid makes Coba worth the trip there since that isn’t something you can do at Chichen Itza.

We swam at Tankach-Ha cenote. In case you were wondering, a cenote is a sinkhole where the bedrock collapsed and exposed that groundwater underneath. They had special significance to the Maya, and were used for sacrificial offerings. It was so refreshing to swim after hiking at Coba.

Tankach-Ha Cenote, Coba. Photo by Maria A. M.

We only had about 50 minutes so I climbed down the stairs and made sure I got some swim time in. You can dive into the water as well if that is something you enjoy. We were on such a tight timeline that wetting my hair was not possible, so I could not partake in any diving. After swimming, we headed to lunch (which was nothing special and included) then Tulum!

The ruins of Tulum. Photo by Maria A. M.

Tulum is the only ancient Mayan city that is on the coast. It was also one of the last cities built by the Maya, and was an important port. The walls protected the city from invaders, and it was a significant religious site. Tulum is so beautiful, and was the best part of the day. The beach there is amazing. The sun was shining and it was a hot day, but great for picture taking since the sky was an intense blue. The temple of the God of the Wind is right along the coast, and definitely a must see, along with the palace. Our guide took us around then left us to wander on our own. It was hard to leave, and we waited until the last second…I had to run to catch the bus before it left me. I am ashamed to admit that there is a Starbucks there that I visited. After a couple weeks of only hot coffee, it was nice to have an iced coffee.

Later, we got tacos and beer, and enjoyed dinner by the pool… I am not ashamed to admit that we lived off tacos. After an intense day of activities, we decided that we needed a pool/beach day to recover…

The Temple of the Wind God at Tulum. Photo by Maria A. M.

Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rican Adventure: Suspension Bridges, Dinosaurs, Crocodiles and More!

Post author By Maria
Post date December 18, 2016
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Along the morning drive, we saw Lake Arenal, which is beautiful, along with being the largest lake in Costa Rica. I got another item off my bucket list when I visited Mistico Hanging Bridges Park near Lake Arenal. I have always wanted to walk across a scary, suspension bridge. The nice thing about the park is that you start with the highest bridge (350 ft.) first. The view was the best at that one…afterwards you are mainly looking at the rain forest. Can you see the rainbow? You can’t beat a view with a rainbow.

View from the suspension bridge at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

Only twelve people at a time are allowed on a bridge. You have to synchronize your walk and slowly at that, or the bridge starts swaying from side to side…which can be frightening or fun depending on the person. I enjoyed the adrenaline rush…

Suspension Bridge at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

The park is a family owned business. It used to be a dairy farm that a family turned into a park since tourism is more profitable in Costa Rica. Also, this was my first time hiking in a rainforest, so I got to see more wildlife. I was excited to see bats again since I have a thing for them. The park is great to hike, since you can see different species of flora and a high biodiversity of fauna. After the hike, you can take some great pictures by the entrance since the views are amazing!

We had a great time hiking the trail, and all six bridges. It’s a beautiful park definitely worth visiting!

Spotted some bats at Mistico Hanging Bridges Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

Sunset at Playa Grande in Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

We headed to Guanacaste, and stopped at Playa Grande to watch the sun setting on the way to our hotel. My friends and I walked along the beach, and took some photographs. We arrived at the JW Marriott aftrwards, which is beautiful. I spent a little time exploring the grounds, and just taking it in. We made the mistake of going to dinner when it started, and had to wait forever since all the older people from the tour were there. After that, we always went half hour later to avoid the rush, and it was perfectly fine. I did enjoy the jacuzzi that evening, along with the pool when I got warm. I got to see more bats flying around too…

JW Marriott at Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

The nice thing about the next day was that it was a free day, so I spent it relaxing by the pool. I also went to the beach, but the waves were rough, as were the rocks.

Beach at the JW Marriott in Guanacaste. Photo by Maria A. M.

I was perfectly content journaling, reading a book, and drinking margaritas, which was broken up by meals and swimming. At the resort, you can get a massage or any kind of spa treatments or services. Some people got manicures/pedicures or even booked a massage. My day was spent relaxing; doing the things I enjoy…

Enjoying some of my favorite things at the JW Marriott in Guancaste. Photo by Maria A. M.

I was so sad to leave the next day since the resort was a welcome rest stop. We stopped at Monteverde, a collective that sells homemade cheese and ice cream. The lemon ice cream flavor was amazing! Parts of Jurassic Park were filmed in Costa Rica so there was a park there with models of dinosaurs. I got to take a pic with a T-rex. My sister climbed a sabretooth tiger, and a 90 year old man on our tour did the same, which was pretty hilarious. I have to give him points for being young at heart.

We did a cruise on the Tarcoles River and this time we got to see crocodiles galore! There was horses roaming on the shore…so beautiful! The big crocodile I took a pic with is named Osama. It was cloudy and started raining at the end so we hung out at the gift shop. My friends and I decided to buy flower barrettes and wear them the next day to Manuel Antonio Park for our beach photo shoot.

My sister with Osame on the Tarcoles River Cruise — My sister with Osama on the Tarcoles River Cruise

When we got to the San Bada Hotel, we had happy hour! I usually do not drink tropical types of libations, but when in Rome…The pina coladas were really good since they used real pineapples. We had a great view of Manuel Antonio Park and the beach from the top of the hotel. It was great to kick off our shoes and just enjoy the view, while sipping on our drinks.

The view from Happy hour at the San Bada Hotel, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

Woke up early on my last day in Costa Rica to watch the sunrise at the top floor of the hotel. After breakfast, we then went for a hike at Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica started setting aside land for the parks in the 1970s, and now about 30% of the land is protected by the government. Manuel Antonio is in a tropical humid rain forest so be prepared for the humidity. Thankfully, there are beaches at the park. We swam at the main one, called Manuel Antonio beach…easy enough to remember. The water felt so refreshing after the hike. My sister was so happy and wouldn’t leave the water. She was like a fish. The tide rose and at a point it soaked the towel of a friend that was sleeping, which was hilarious. I still laugh about that to this day. I was also pretty excited to see a sloth that was awake, rather than curled up in a ball sleeping. It was awake and moving around. This was one animal I really wanted to see up close, so it was great to see one on my last day there. We did not spend much time at the park. Another option a couple did on the tour, was that they stayed a couple extra days at Manuel Antonio instead of returning with us to San Jose.

Manuel Antonio Beach. Photo by Maria A. M.

We also had a going away party to celebrate the end of our journey. We had a nice dinner and wine, and were able to say our good byes to all the people we met. Even though we were the youngest people on the tour, we got along with everyone, and made some new buddies. My friends and I had a great time on the tour. Costa Rica is really beautiful, and green; conservation is very important there. I was able to see wildlife, exotic birds, and pretty flowers. The beaches were amazing, and the landscape serene. I’m also glad I picked a time of year that was not crowded or touristy so I was able to have a relaxing time even though it was filled with allot of activities. I am a “go, go” type of person so that’s the kind of vacation I enjoy. I was fine with the amount of time we spent in Costa Rica, and the vacation was not over since I went to Mexico next! Stay tuned for the next adventure!

Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica: Animal Rescues, Oxcarts, Labyrinths, and More!

Post author By Maria
Post date December 4, 2016
No Comments on Costa Rica: Animal Rescues, Oxcarts, Labyrinths, and More!

At the Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, La Garita Costa Rica — At the Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, La Garita

I went to Rescate Zooave Wildlife Rescue in La Garita in Alejuela, which received allot of press for reconstructing the beak of a toucan named Grecia that teenagers had thrown rocks at. Abused animals are rehabilitated there, and many, like the parrots, are not in cages. Iguanas also roam around. I was able to get close to one without spooking it.

Up close with an iguana at Rescate Animal Zoo Ave

Taking pictures at Rescate Anmal Zoo Ave

There are many animals there like monkeys, sloths, turtles, etc. as there are over 250 species of animals. There are large spiders in their webs everywhere so be careful… There are also beautiful flowers. This isn’t a zoo; the main purpose is educating people against mistreating animals since they are vital to our ecosystems. The funds from admission are used to continue the work there. I think it’s a great cause, and important to educate people when they are children. Hopefully, incidents of animal abuse can one day cease to happen.

Grecia from Rescate Anmal Zoo Ave. Photo by Maria A. M.

After the rescue center, we went on another excursion. An oxcart is an important symbol of Costa Rica, hearkening back to when it was used as the main transport. We visited a family business that has been making oxcarts since 1923. We took a tour of the place, and I especially enjoyed watching the artists paint…I really liked the stylized floral designs. They took us through the process of making the carts at the manufacturing side of the business.

Some of the beautiful ox carts at Fabrica de Carretas. Photo by Maria A. M.

They sell handmade items at the gift shop so I couldn’t resist a beautiful green tray with that design. The souvenirs are all reasonably priced so I was able to get most of my gifts here. One of the artists carves figures from cypress teak wood, so allot of his work is sold at the shop. Above the shop there is a restaurant that serves delicious food upstairs. The tres leches cake was one of the best I ever had!

One of the artists at Fabrica de Carretas: oxcart factory in Sarchi, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at San Rafael Church in Zarcero. The grounds have beautiful topiary gardens that you can explore. The church was constructed in 1895, and is worth taking the time to view. They had this beautiful aqua fabric decorating the interior…maybe it was for a wedding, but it added to the church’s appearance.

San Rafael in Zarcero, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

Interior of San Rafael at Zarcero, Costa Rica

The gardens were created by the artist Evangelista Blanco in the late 1960s. The shrubs are shaped as animals, and different things like tiny houses a hobbit would live in. I had a great time walking through and photographing it.

Gardens created by Evengelista Blanco at San Rafael. Photo by Maria A. M.

View of Arenal Volcano from the Arenal Springs Resort. Photo by Maria A. M.

I was so excited to visit Arenal Springs resort which is next to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, northwest of San Jose. The resort pumps water from the springs, and the water is supposed to take years off…of course I slept in it like it was the Lazarus Pit. Happy to say I shaved years off my life.

Drinks at Arenal Springs Resort, Costa Rica

The pool area is amazing since you can be in the springs, and still order your tropical drink at the bar. The Costa Rican specialty is a Guaro Sour, made with guaro cacique, which is alcohol made from sugar cane. The drink also has lime and sugar cane juice…I like it since it’s tart like a classic margarita.

There are also different pools at different temperatures. So do as the Romans did, start with hot, then warm, and finish with a swim in cold water…it’s good for you! I enjoyed my downtime at the pool. But some friends took a cab to La Fortuna for some shopping, and enjoyed their afternoon.

The wayfaring gals on the Rio Frio cruise

In order to see some native wildlife, the tour took us on a cruise on the Rio Frio at Los Chiles. We even crossed to the Nicaragua side of the border…got to take some steps there. On the cruise, we saw a family of white headed capuchin monkeys. The alpha got mad and told us off since he thought we were too close. I also got to see a howler monkey…they were sitting in the same spot a while, unfazed, posing.

Howler monkey on the Rio Frio Cruise in Los Chilitos. Photo by Maria A. M.

I was pretty giddy to see a family of brown nosed bats! They are so small and are hard to see without a better camera lens. I hope you can see them lined up on the underside of the log. I have a thing for bats ever since I visited Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, and learned how important they are. Plus, I like anything that feasts on mosquitoes.

Brown nosed bats on the Rio Frio cruise. Photo by Maria A. M.

We also saw water walking lizards aka “Jesus” lizards, iguanas, and birds galore. A dog even accompanied us on this cruise. The tour guide tried kicking him off the boat a few times, and he would just follow us by swimming next to the boat. He was so persistent! On the way back we crossed “Iguana Bridge” where the reptiles are found in a cluster on the trees there.

Iguana Bridge in Muelle, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

After my fun excursions, I was happy to be back at the resort. I relaxed in a hammock then went swimming in the thermal springs. It was great to have a glass of wine and soak my muscles.