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This Way To Paradise

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Travel Tips
  • Escape Guides
    • Belize
      • Ambergris Caye
      • Caye Caulker
    • Cambodia, Koh Rong Samloem
    • Costa Rica
      • Arenal and La Fortuna
      • The Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park
      • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
    • Dominican Republic
    • Guatemala
      • Lake Atitlan
    • Indonesia
      • Ambon, Maluku
      • Bali
      • Gili Islands
      • Kai Island, Maluku
      • Raja Ampat
      • Sumatra-Belitung Island
    • Mexico
      • Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
      • La Paz
      • Patzcuaro
      • San Miguel De Allende
      • Todos Santos-The Antidote To Cabo!
      • Zipolite Beach: A Complete Travel Guide
    • Portugal
      • Beach Porn Alert: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Put Lagos, Portugal On Your Bucket List Now
      • The Top Portugal Beaches To Visit
    • Sri Lanka
      • Colombo, Sri Lanka
      • Ella
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Yala National Park
    • Thailand
      • Bangkok
      • Koh Lipe
      • Phi Phi
      • Phuket
      • Railay Beach-Krabi Town
      • Your Thailand Songkran Water Festival Guide
  • Places To Stay
  • Food
  • Contact Me

Recent Posts

  • The Power of Adventure Vacations: Exploring Nature and Curiosity
  • The World’s Most Exciting Long-Distance Travel Routes
  • What to pack for the Camino de Santiago (and what to send ahead)
  • Trading Palm Trees for Twinkle Lights: Finding Winter Paradise in Europe’s Festive Old Towns
  • Hidden Alpine Destinations That Deserve More Attention
Escape Guides

10 Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

If you’re looking for an uncrowded escape, you need to know about these hidden beaches in Mexico. Everyone tends to gravitate towards Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and to Cabos,…

read more
May 29, 2026
Escape Guides

From Dolphins To Fish Tacos: The Best Things To Do In Loreto

I just returned from Loreto, Mexico, and while I can’t say it was my favorite place in Mexico, it still had its charms. Zipolite still gets my vote for being…

read more
August 5, 2025
Travel Tips

Unforgettable Things To Do in Portland, Oregon

I moved back to Portland, Oregon after living in Charleston, SC and St Pete, FL the past four years. Moving back has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever…

read more
April 1, 2025
Escape Guides

The Ultimate Olympic National Park Itinerary: Best Things to See and Do

It can definitely get a little overwhelming when trying to plan an Olympic National Park itinerary. There’s a lot of beautiful things to see and do, and you definitely will…

read more
September 5, 2026
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My Favorite Greek Island
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Sacred Sites of Mt Shasta
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Best Things To Do in Milos, Greece
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The Secret Beach on the Big Island
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Do You Know About the Florida Springs?
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Some of the Best Florida Beaches
  • Travel Blog

    You Must Speak Like Water

    January 24, 2013 / No Comments

    “You must speak like water,” were the words spoken to me by Rafa,  my new friend from Spain.  He and his girlfriend, Kristina, were trying to teach me Spanish. I was speaking too slowly for them and not flowing in my words. It was then that I realized this really should be a metaphor for our lives. We should live like water. Flowing gently, turning and twisting to form our own path but never losing that power that makes water so strong.  So strong to even make rocks smooth.  You must speak like water. Live like water. Shaping our own paths and influencing other peoples lives. We had met on…

    Read More
    paradise

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    Archangel Michael Celebration, San Miguel de Allende

    Slowing Down: How I’m Learning To Live The Good Life In Mexico

    September 30, 2013
    An Alternative To Staying In Touristy Waikiki: Rent This Condo In Makaha

    An Alternative To Staying In Touristy Waikiki: Rent This Condo In Makaha

    June 27, 2016
    SUNSET FOR ONE: THE GOOD AND BAD OF TRAVELING ALONE THROUGH THE REMOTE ISLANDS OF INDONESIA

    Sunset For One: The Good and Bad Of Traveling Alone Through The Remote Islands of Indonesia

    July 24, 2017
  • La Teca owner and me
    Food

    A Perfect Meal At La Teca

    January 21, 2013 / 1 Comment

    Yes, I have had many blissful food moments in my life, but very few that have actually transformed me. Today, I met a woman, who I believe, was even more passionate about cooking than me (and that is hard to do!). To get there I had to take the first taxi that I’ve had to in Oaxaca because this restaurant was a little far from the main tourist area. I considered this a good sign already.  But, when I got there, I arrived to find a big black door and a closed garage door at the address. They didn’t appear to be open. However, my timing was perfect as a…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Sankampaeng Hot springs

    How To Boil An Egg In Thailand: My Visit To Sankampaeng Hot Springs

    June 30, 2014
    Cajeta Churro from San Augustin Chocolates and Churros, Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende

    San Miguel de Allende Restaurants: 7 Cheap Eats

    November 6, 2013

    How to Enjoy Local Food Adventures Without Overlooking Food Safety

    September 16, 2026
  • Fish at Belize Barrier Reef
    Uncategorized

    Belize Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye

    January 20, 2013 / 6 Comments

    If you are looking for a beach escape where you can relax, be transported to a place that tropical dreams are made of, and taste of foods that are absurdly delicious,  then Ambergris Caye is your place!  The pace is slow, the people are laid back and friendly,  and when you go, you will quickly feel like you don’t have a care in the world.  The people drive down the streets in golf carts instead of cars, ride their bikes, or just walk.  There is a central town area where there is a lot of activity going on, so there is always something to do. The snorkeling off of the Belize…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    San Miguel de Allende hotel

    Casa de la Bu: A Charming San Miguel de Allende Hotel

    November 23, 2015
    View from the Kei Islands

    Planning A Trip- Should I Plan Everything Ahead Of Time Or Just Wing It?

    March 23, 2013
    Discover Beauty Au Naturel At This Bend Bed And Breakfast Paradise Resort

    Discover Beauty Au Naturel At This Bend Bed And Breakfast Paradise Resort

    July 3, 2018
  • Riding an Elephant
    Travel Blog

    White Knuckles-Surviving Scary Situations And Letting Go of Fear

    January 20, 2013 / No Comments

    So, I am used to having blisters on my feet when I travel, but it is new for me to have blisters on my hands. Today, I chose the new, the adventurous route. I had planned to take the train to Ayutthaya, a city of temple ruins. Looking it up on the internet, I discovered that I could actually take a minivan for much less cost and it would take only one hour instead of two. Interesting that it didn’t mention this in my guidebook, but I decided to do it. I went to the correct subway stop only to find a madness of many minivans, a market that was…

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    You May Also Like

    Cape Horn: The Pacific NW Hike That Will Leave You Smitten

    Cape Horn: The Pacific NW Hike That Will Leave You Smitten

    April 17, 2018
    Val eating fish in Mexico

    Lost In Translation-How My Spanglish Almost Caused Me To Starve To Death

    February 25, 2013
    Es Vedra At Sunset

    10 Reasons Why Ibiza Is The World’s Utopia (#4 Will Take Your Breath Away)

    April 29, 2014
  • A plate of various Thai desserts
    Food

    Cravings And Why I’m Not So Vanilla

    January 20, 2013 / No Comments

    Every now and again in life you will reach a moment when, for all intents and purposes, you were happy, but then there comes another moment and you realize that all along you had a deep craving.  A craving so long-buried that you were unaware that it was even there, but you know now because that craving, at this very moment, is being fulfilled. Mine is this- these flavors of salt, sweet, sour, and ocean on my tongue all at once. It is the amazing spread they serve at breakfast for the toast-sang khya-sort of a creamier less sticky, less sweet version of dulce de leche made with coconut milk,…

    Read More
    paradise

    You May Also Like

    Food and Wine You Can’t Miss in Lanzarote

    January 27, 2026
    Plaza Athenee

    The Sunday Brunch You Shouldn’t Miss In Bangkok At Plaza Athenee

    April 5, 2015
    Durian in Ambon, Maluku

    Was That Dog I Just Ate? Uncovering The Food Of Maluku

    March 24, 2013
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About Me

I am always looking for the perfect escape, the perfect paradise, the kind of place that tosses your cares into the sea. Fortunately, I have discovered many! I created this site to show you where to go and how to get there. My goal is to show you that Paradise is only a plane ticket (or boat ride) away. I have inspired many others to travel and to create a better life. I am available for inspirational speaking, coaching, writing, travel planning, and photography.

©2026