The Japanese Alps offer enchanting mountain villages and scenic towns steeped in tradition. This week, we traveled through Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa—places that felt like stepping into Japan’s living history. Here, ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly, with centuries-old customs, architecture, and cultural practices still woven into everyday routines. Matsumoto captivated us with…Continue reading Japan – Matsumoto & Takayama & Shirakawa & Kanazawa
Japan – Tokyo & Mt Fuji & Kamakura & Nikkō
Japan offers an incredible mix of energy, culture, and natural beauty. Our first week was based out of Tokyo where we not only explored the city but did a couple of day trips. The capital city of Tokyo dazzled with its electric neighborhoods, world-class food, and seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Just beyond the…Continue reading Japan – Tokyo & Mt Fuji & Kamakura & Nikkō
Ecuador – Cuenca, Galápagos, Chordeleg, Gualaceo, Vilcabamba & Cajas National Park
Back to Ecuador for the first time since COVID and we forgot how much we enjoyed being there! Our first two weeks were spent in Cuenca, slowly getting our apartment in order and adjusting to the elevation. At the midway mark, two friends joined us for a week-long budget adventure in the Galápagos Islands. We…Continue reading Ecuador – Cuenca, Galápagos, Chordeleg, Gualaceo, Vilcabamba & Cajas National Park
USA – Arizona (Havasu Falls & Phoenix)
We originally scored permits to visit Havasu Falls in the fall of 2020 but COVID put a damper on our plans. Access to this remote wonder was shut down by the Havasupai Tribe in March 2020 and it remained off limits for nearly three years! In February 2023, access to the reservation was granted again…Continue reading USA – Arizona (Havasu Falls & Phoenix)
Bonaire
Since we enjoyed Bonaire so much the first time in 2022, we decided to have a family reunion here. For the first half of the week, we dove familiar dive sites while the other half of the family got SCUBA certified. The second half of the week was spent diving together. It was great showing…Continue reading Bonaire