To Travel is To Live

Selecting a resort can often be stressful. I use Trip Advisor and other independent reviews to read through what others have to say, but even this can be deceptive once you arrive. The Dreams Riviera resort was not a disappointment. This resort is absolutely beautiful with lush gardens, comfortable and modern rooms, and plenty to eat and drink! Below is a view from our balcony, a room on the 4th floor of building #1. We faced an old, rundown resort that is in need of a new owner and major TLC. With oceanfront property, I wish I had the investment capital to take on such a large project because the area is beautiful and sits between two expansive, high-end resorts. The soundproofing in the rooms was very good from the outside noise (locals seemed to hang out in the next door property, playing games, partying, and I ticking their dogs to bark furiously all day), but, like any tropical resort hotel, every single noise from the halls was amplified by the tile flooring. I think thi

Today we experienced the Caribbean Sea from a diver's perspective. Well, it was my first time diving these waters anyway. A few uncertain moments this morning led us to wonder whether we would make these scheduled dives - Bryan was hit by tummy troubles late last night that also seem to be hitting a few others this week. Luckily he is determined and we made it to our dive. The first dive was to the wreck, a purposely sunk C-56, former US Navy minesweeper retired in 1946. Compared to the battleships and air craft carriers we have toured recently, this ship was quite small. All I kept anticipating was that slow view of a massive ship wreck as we descended....and I totally missed it! I hit the bottom and turned around, and there it was. Not nearly as magnificent as I had hoped. We were, however, able to swim through the ship, checking out the engine rooms and some living quarters. It wasn't completely dark and holes had been cut into it for quick exit, but it would have b

An hour and a half from our resort there is a collection of caves that the Mayans found many, many years ago. Accessible in only a few locations, these caves are mostly filled with water, providing divers with yet another underwater experience. Known as "cenotes", the entrances are actually a result of sinkholes causing exposure to the underground caves beneath. Mayans used these areas for sacrificial ceremonies, many of which sound quite awful. To dive the cenotes, you need a sense of adventure and no fear of either the dark or confined spaces. We were provided with powerful torches so we could always see around us, but there are times when no natural light can be seen. The spaces and caverns were usually quite large but swimming between some rocks were tight on occasion. We were kept out of the official caves, though, as our group did not have that experience. Yet (this is one of my diving goals). I did well. I didn't panic or get scared, but afterward I though

Well, it's settled: IF I ever get married, having it in a beach is the way to go!!! With a group of about 30 people, Jen and Simon were able to say their vows in a small area on the left side of the beach. She wore no shoes, perfect when she was standing next to Simon right in the sand. After walking down the aisle, the ceremony consisted of a few minutes' worth of advice from the wedding official and Jen and Simon's own vows. It was short, sweet, and lovely. During their pictures, we all went to the lounge before heading to the cocktail hour down by one of the jacuzzis. H'or duerves were served, along with an interesting blue drink (which Jen's 12 year old niece kept trying to get her hands on). Dinner was served buffet-style on a deck by the beach, a beautiful setting that included the bride and groom with the rest of their guests. Few of the traditional weddings events occurred, such as endless speeches and toasts, but those that mattered still were bui

It is, yet again, so fabulous to be away from Calgary (and the cold and snow) in a place lush with green vegetation, clear blue skies, and a beautiful ocean backdrop. I have been lucky this winter to have been to 3 great tropical locations and I think it's going to be tough to go home and not really have that next vacation to look forward to. But, you know me...I will have something planned in a few months again! We are in Cancun/Puerto Morales celebrating the wedding of our great friends, Jen and Simon. The group is wonderful - friendly, relaxed and a joy to talk with. Jen and Simon both seem excited and laid back about their upcoming wedding tomorrow. Jen has rejoiced at how little planning and choosing of wedding "stuff" she has had to do. I think this is the way to do it - pick a package, sit back and just have fun while someone else gets it organized. We are staying at the Dreams Riviera Resort and Spa south of Cancun. For a "small" resort, it sure has

When I was first told I would be going to Hawaii, the first place that popped into my head was Pearl Harbour.  I had to see this museum and monument and learn more about what happened that fateful day.  The more I learn about the wars that shaped our world, the more aware I feel I become about keeping the peace and what is important.   We chose the Passport ticket option from one website .  For $65, you have access to all four museums on site at the memorial.  The USS Arizona museum is filled with educational and informative tidbits - the audio tour guide is a great way to experience the museum and really feel the emotion and heartbreak that the survivors, to this day, felt.  Not only does the tour give you facts about the events leading up to, and including, the bombing by Japan, but actual stories are told, bringing those few hours to life once again.  Walking through the museum in my own world, listening to the tour, I was overcome by emotions that I didn't really expect.  I w

On the southwest coast of Kauai is the island's "resort town" - Poi'pu.  Approximately 30 minutes by car from Lihue, this town pops up on you as you enter from nearby Koloa.  When I hear "resort town" I expect a particular landscape and atmosphere - tall, skyscraper hotels, each taking up acres of land; insanely busy, tacky tourist-trap shopping sections; and an overly groomed, extensive beach with attendants, chairs, and umbrellas. Poi'pu is none of these things.  In fact, it is actually a town in which locals may want to live!   One long stretch of road (Poipu Road) connects the homes, hotels, and local businesses to each other.  Well-known hotel chains can be found with oceanfront property - Sheraton, Hyatt and Marriott are just some of the examples.  However, dispersed among these are residential sections, with both condo or apartment-style housing as well as small to large vacation homes.  Many of these homes located close to the beaches and sea a