South Tasmania

Port Arthur We drove there again.  People told us we should.  Once a granary converted into a prison exclusively for men and boys the grounds occupy 334 acres on a circle of land connected to mainland Tasmania via a narrow and short neck of land, Eaglehawk Neck.  Prison guards and dogs positioned on the neck …

Hobart, So Much to See

On Saturdays, the Salamanca Market takes place in Hobart.  It’s just south of the wharf and hosts over 300 open-air stalls every Saturday.  While scrubbed and appealingly bunched fruits and vegetables are on display for sale in several stalls, the real attraction is the vast collection of artisan products and produce.  Tasmania, it seems has …

Here We Are in Hobart, Tasmania

Tasmania . . . how exotic sounding!   I wonder . . . what does the name conger in the imagination?  I asked Tessa that question a few nights ago when we talked.  She said, “I don’t know.  Maybe a jungle???”  Come to think of it, that’s what I pictured as well. Just as we were …

¡Adiós CDMX!

Before spending time in Mexico City, my knowledge of Mexican culture was very limited.  My perception of Mexico came from the news and visits to border cities like Tijuana and Juarez, or resort towns like Cozumel, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas.  While these towns are certainly colorful and offer great bargains, fun and magnificent beaches, …

Fine Days for Us

The last few days have been perhaps the best on this trip so far.  We saw two absolutely world-class city highlights.  On Saturday we visited the National Museum of Anthropology in Parque Chapultepec.  We could see that it was a very special place the moment we entered the property.  It is enormous and is set …

City of Relics

The city’s historic district lies at the point where the city was born on Lake Texcoco. No lake exists today, but evidence of the ancient water foundation shows itself in the angles of some buildings gently leaning this way and that.   Work is done continually to combat the city’s sinking of about 4 inches per …

Still in Awe

There is so much to see in Mexico City.  It is a huge city with an abundance of history and likewise, an abundance of space and people. So far we have spent three afternoons in Parque Chapultepec (Cha-pull-teh-pec).  It’s an easy walk there from our apartment.  I was surprised that the walk is two miles …

Charming Mexico City

I’ve often said I could eat Mexican food every day and never tire of it.  I think I’m going to give that thought a chance to prove its truth.  The fragrance of just patted-out corn tortillas cooking in a big pan on a gas-fired cart on the street is heavenly.  The flavor of roasted corn …

Notes on Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a reputation for having long, beautiful beaches, mountains, volcanos, and incredible beauty.  It is for sure a very engaging country and I am thankful for our chance to see this wonderful place ourselves.  While I’ve shared many of our experiences, I feel it’s important to touch on some incredible characteristics to which …