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

Post author By Maria
Post date January 8, 2017
No Comments on Cancun Part 2: More Caves, Chichen Itza, and Chocolate Churros!

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
No Comments on Cancun: Caves, Islands, Pyramids, and a Real Infinity Pool!

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
No Comments on Costa Rican Adventure: Suspension Bridges, Dinosaurs, Crocodiles and More!

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.

Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Coffee, and Butterflies Galore!

Post author By Maria
Post date November 26, 2016
No Comments on Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Coffee, and Butterflies Galore!

I had heard so many great things about Costa Rica, and seen the pictures so I knew I had to take a trip there. I decided to go with Caravan Tours since it was the best value I could find for all the activities included. Most of the tours were more expensive and offered less. I really wanted to see Manuel Antonio Park, which some tours did not include. A huge bonus is all your meals are included so that cuts down your trip costs exponentially. You just need spending money for drinks, souvenirs and snacks…The tour is 9 days but you really get seven full ones. I do suggest adding on extra day or two so you can stay longer at Manuel Antonio Park. I went off season during Costa Rica’s rainy season (May-Nov). The most popular time to go is December-April. I like going when it is less crowded and touristy. I was lucky since it only rained at the end, and didn’t prevent me from doing anything I had planned. Also, the currency of Costa Rica is colones, but you don’t even need it since they take US dollars…but you will receive change in colones. I also recommend bringing plenty of bug spray, and long sleeved tops/bottoms since you will be going to tropical areas with allot of mosquitoes.

Doka Coffee Estate in Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

My sister and two more friends joined me on the tour so it made the trip even more fun. If you are wondering about the age composition of the tour, most of the people on it were retired seniors. We were the youngest people there. I had no problem with any of them, and thought they were very nice and respectful. I find people around my own age and younger to be generally inconsiderate, and late, which is annoying when you are on a schedule. But if you want a younger crowd, go with Contiki, or an adventure type of tour. Otherwise you can always do it on your own. I just don’t think you can beat the price or amount of activities we did. If you want to mainly be on a beach or a hotel pool, then a tour isn’t for you.

Plaza de la Cultura in San Jose, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, and where I flew in. About a million people live there, but many more come for work and to shop…about 4.8 million is the total population of the country. I only drove through some of the city, and didn’t spend much time there. I went to Plaza de la Cultura to see the National Theater. The homes in the city are painted in vibrant colors, and decorated with beautiful gates, in intricate designs. It is important to keep your home secure, so you might as well do it in a pleasing way. We started off our activities in Alajuela city and the province.

Home in San Jose, Costa Rica. Photo by Maria A. M.

The tour has allot of activities and starts out with a visit to Poas Volcano …Costa Rica has over a 100 active volcanoes since it is on the ring of fire. There are 48 tremors daily, and a major earthquake occurs every 10-12 years. The area is a national park. Poas Park has trails that you can hike, especially if you want to see the lagoon. The hike is about twenty minutes uphill, and not difficult if you are in shape.

Trail at Poas National Park in Costa Rica

The trails looked spooky since it was so cloudy, and reminded me of the dark hedges of Ireland. This area is in a cloud forest tropical zone. We were about 8000 ft above sea level so it was much cooler at Poas. It was so cloudy and rained when we were there so my pictures do not do the place justice. That is one of the hard parts about going during the rainy season. Plus when you are so high up, cloud cover is always a factor. The same thing happened to me when I went to Mount Rushmore…

Poas National Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

Costa Rica is known for its coffee production, so I wanted to try it straight from the source. I was excited to visit a coffee plantation called Doka Estate, which is located on one of the fertile slopes of Poas volcano in the Alajuela province. Costa Rica only produces Arabica, which many consider to be the best coffee. The plantation is beautiful, filled with blue hydrangeas, and coffee plants of course. When the berries are red, it is ripe to be picked! We had lunch there and the food was delicious! The coffee tour then takes you through the making of coffee process. Our tour went through each process. They put me to work raking coffee beans, which is part of the drying process.

Raking the coffee beans at Doka Coffee Estate

As a reward for taking the tour, we got to sample chocolate covered coffee beans and coffee. Step six is my favorite in the tour…I enjoyed the dark roast and the breakfast blend best. I also learned that the blonde roast has the most caffeine since it is roasted for the shortest period of time, and the dark the least…I thought the opposite.

The Coffee Tour at Doka Estate. Photo by Maria A. M.

One of the best parts of the estate is the butterfly garden where I got to see a Blue Morpho up close. There are also owl butterflies galore.

Blue morpho butterfly. Photo by Maria A. M.

There are many beautiful flowers and plants in there as well. The butterflies are not scared and will land on you, or even let you come close. I have never seen such large butterflies. The garden is beautiful!

Butterfly Orgy at the Butterfly Garden at Doka Estate. Photo by Maria A. M.

After the activities, I spent some downtime at the bar by the pool, sampling Imperial, which is the local Costa Rican beer. The guacamole was amazing, and when I complimented it, the chef sent a second batch, free of charge. The hotel grounds had a beautiful path that many in group got up to go bird watching at. The hotel also had a great view of the San Jose valley, so I enjoyed having drinks, good conversation, and time to journal in the evening. The trip started off great from the get go!

Hotel Barcelo in San Jose. Photo by Maria A. M.

Chicago Travel

Fun Things to Do in Chicago During the Fall Season: Part 2!

Post author By Maria
Post date November 4, 2016
No Comments on Fun Things to Do in Chicago During the Fall Season: Part 2!

Day of the Dead Festival at Chicago's Mexican Museum of Art — Day of the Dead Festival at Chicago’s Mexican Museum of Art.Photo by Maria A. M.

The Day of the Dead festival is held at the Chicago National Museum of Mexican Art in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. The line to get into the museum stretched across the block, so be prepared to wait. Otherwise you can see the exhibit another day, which is what I did. The museum is great, and their Day of the Dead exhibit is highly recommended. At the fest, I really liked how the field next to the museum was set up as a Mexican graveyard with altars dedicated to loved ones that passed.

"Graveyard" of Altars at the Day of the Dead Fest in Chicago — “Graveyard” of Altars at the Day of the Dead Fest in Chicago. Photo by Maria A. M.

It is such a beautiful, loving tribute. The young ones whose lives were cut short are particularly sad. There are also vendors there selling homemade desserts, bread, and my favorite, Mexican hot chocolate. There is live music, and people dressed in beautiful costumes with elaborate face makeup. I admire the beautiful dresses the women wear that are colorful. I’m glad that I finally went to the Day of the Dead celebration…one day I will go to Mexico City to see it as well.

Jill Thompson Painting at Third Coast Comics in Rogers Park. Photo by Maria A. M.

If you like painting and sculpture, there are many events around the city to support small businesses. Third Coast Comics had comic book artist Jill Thompson do a watercolor painting demonstration. She explained her process for creating a comic book page from start to finish. The shop also sold her newest graphic Novel: Wonder Woman: the True Amazon, which is beautifully painted. It’s a great addition to my collection of Wonder Woman books. Third Coast Comics is one of my favorite comic shop in Chicago. It located right off the Loyola Red Line stop. The shop posts a lot of fun events throughout the year, so like their Facebook page in order to get the updates of what’s coming up.

Mask by Vanessa Thomas at Obverse Gallery. Photo by Maria A. M.

I also went to Obverse Gallery in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood for an exhibit on masks. The gallery’s mission is to offer affordable art, while making sure the artist receives most of the profits from their art. I picked up a steampunk style mask by local artist Vanessa Thomas, which I’m delighted with…I’ve also gotten many compliments on the piece. I also enjoyed the show, and the cocktails were fantastic! The exhibit showcased masks from different cultures so I was happy to see some art inspired by Eastern European folklore. I’m hoping there will be more great events coming up so I can visit the gallery soon.

Changing Leaves at Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL

It’s so beautiful that you should visit the Botanic Gardens and/or the Morton Arboretum to see the changing leaves. Or you can walk along many of the parks in the city like Jackson Park in Hyde Park where the 1893 World’s Columbian Fair was held. Chicago is a city filled with trees so going to some of the gardens is well worth it.

At Jackson Park where the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition took place in Chicago — At Jackson Park where the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition took place in Chicago

I recommend Weird Chicago Tours for a haunted history of Chicago. You will go to the Biograph Theater where Dillinger was killed, and other sites like Valentines’ Day Massacre. However, my favorite tour from Weird Chicago is the Devil in the White City tour. It takes you through the different settings in the book from the Union Stockyards, to Jackson Park, to Englewood where the Murder House was (it was destroyed and is a post office now). We had a great guide that even made us characters in the story when he was retelling different parts of the book. I think it lasted a few hours, and was definitely worth the price. Probably the best tour I have ever taken. A vampire tour I took in New Orleans is a close second…

"Stole" this photo taken by a talented friend, David A., in Hyde Park — “Stole” this photo taken by a talented friend, David A., in Hyde Park

There are so many fun things to do here in Chicago any season. I will also write a post for the winter season since many have the blues and want to stay in…but I never let the weather get me down. But I will be going to Costa Rica and Mexico so I will update you all on my adventures when I return.

Chicago Iowa Travel

Fun Things to Do in Chicago During the Fall Season!

Post author By Maria
Post date November 1, 2016
No Comments on Fun Things to Do in Chicago During the Fall Season!

Love how they decorated for Halloween, in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago. Photo by Maria A. M.

Fall is my favorite time of the year, and Halloween is the best holiday, my opinion of course. A friend suggested writing a post about some fun things to do in the Chicagoland area during the autumn season. Luckily, this year the weather has been fantastic so the outdoor events were bearable, and even pleasant most of the time.

Night of a Thousand Jack'o'Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Gardens — Night of a Thousand Jack’o’Lanterns at Chicago Botanic Gardens

A Night of a Thousand Jack O Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Gardens was an evening well spent for me. The pumpkins were amazing! I could not believe how beautiful they looked. The classic movie monster series was probably my favorite, which closely tied to Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin. Sports fans will love that series as well, focusing on Chicago teams. There are also characters dressed in costume to entertain the kids. You can have cider, or even have it spiked at the café. It was very crowded, and I am happy I went on a weeknight since it took a while to park then the line was gigantic. Hopefully, next year the festival will last longer than four days since it was popular and sold out quickly. I am so glad to have gone and seen all the amazing jack-o’-lanterns!

Playing with some of the props at the Edgar allan poe Theatrical Reading at Pleasant Home — Playing with some of the props at the Edgar Allan Poe Theatrical Reading at Pleasant Home

I finally got to go to an Edgar Allan Poe theatrical reading since I have wanted to go for a few years now. This one was hosted at Pleasant Home in Oak Park. The actors performed the Black Cat, the Raven, and the Oval Portrait. The Raven gave me shivers…I forgot what a sad play it is. I also liked that they served us wine and cheese during the intermission. As an added treat, we got a story about the Mills family that owned Pleasant Home. All three performances took place in different rooms to show off the beautiful, historic home. I want to come during the day for a tour, and any other fun event in the future. If you like Edgar Allan Poe, you should definitely see a theatrical performance of his works. Fall is the perfect season to celebrate his work!

Apple Fields Forever at Jonomac Orchard in Malta, IL

Apple picking is a fall must do for me. I like Jonomac Orchard in Malta, Illinois. There are so many activities for the kids like a bouncy house, petting zoo, park, and hayrack rides. They also have pumpkin picking there as well. I really like the wine tasting where you can try a variety of apple wines, as well as hard apple cider. The country store sells delicious apple donuts and a variety of baked goods. My brother enjoyed the apple shooting, so there’s something for the fellas there too. It takes about an hour to get there from Chicago, but it’s well worth it to get away from the city, and experience the Illinois countryside. I should mention that the apples are delicious too. And you can always pick pumpkins there as well…

I found Zoltar at Skellington Manor in Rock Island, IL

During the fall season, you should go to a haunted house, even if they don’t scare you, and especially if they do. It’s best to go with a group since seeing the people’s reactions you are with is the best part for me. I went to Davenport, Iowa for a weekend in October, which is an annual tradition for me since a great friend of mine lives there. My friends took me to Skellington Manor, which is a haunted house set up in an old home in Rock Island. It took a while to get through, and it was set up really great. A couple of the rooms really surprised me. Plus the actors can’t touch you, so there’s no need to fear them. I should mention that haunted houses do not scare me, I just laugh. I enjoy going with others since I like watching their reactions. A treat for me was finding a Zoltar machine, which is what grants Tom Hanks’ wish in the movie Big. My wish to be small didn’t work though…

At the Attic's Halloween Party in Wicker Park — At the Attic’s Halloween Party in Wicker Park

I went to the Attic’s Halloween Party that was hosted by the Saved By the Bell Pop Up Shop & Diner in Wicker Park. It was 80s/90s themed, and the two floors featured music from both decades. I prefer 80s, but I had a great time dancing on both levels. I went as Wonder Woman, who is my icon, but is timeless as well. A few of my friends came along, which made it merrier. The drinks were good, and featured some good ingredients like cider and champagne. The party was filled with couples, so if you go, bring a date. It was reasonably priced, and your ticket included a drink. People did a great job with themed costumes. I like a woman that went as a Lite Brite, as well as Macho Man. There are Halloween parties all over the city that you can go to all weekend. I recommend dressing up, and going to at least one. We all need to let loose sometimes, and let our inner child out…

I will write a second post since I couldn’t fit it all into one, so stay tuned…and yes, a lot of the things I like to do in the fall are Halloween oriented…

Cleveland Ohio Travel

More Midwest Fun: Cleveland Roadtrip

Post author By Maria
Post date October 25, 2016
No Comments on More Midwest Fun: Cleveland Roadtrip

Glass of Wine at John Christ Winery, Avon Lake. Photo by Maria A. M.

A friend of mine invited me to her hometown for the holiday weekend…I have never been to Ohio, so I accepted since I love new adventures. Her family is from Avon Lake, near Cleveland. Avon Lake is a pretty suburb close to Lake Erie. It was about a 5.5 hour drive to get there, so we arrived close to dinner time. After a long drive, we decided to relax at a local winery, John Christ.

President Garfield's Memorial — President Garfield’s Memorial. Photo by Maria A. M.

I spent the next day taking in the sights of Cleveland since my friend’s mom was awesome enough to take me sightseeing. Our first stop was at Lake View Cemetery, which some might find strange. However, not if you are a history buff! President Garfield’s memorial is there, which is worth checking out in itself. He was president for less than a year before he was assassinated in office in 1881. Sadly, the assassination is mainly what he is remembered for since he spent such a short time in office.

Outside of President Garfield's Memorial — Outside of President Garfield’s Memorial

There are eight presidents from the state of Ohio, so I’ll have to look up some more memorial sights next time I visit. There is a statue of the president on the main floor then you can go downstairs to see his tomb where he is buried alongside his wife. It’s a beautiful memorial that is worth taking a look at.

Tiffany Window at Wade Chapel. Photo by Maria A. M.

The Wade Chapel is located at Lakeview Cemetery as well…there is a gorgeous stained glass Tiffany widow called “The Flight of Souls.” It was built to commemorate the passing of Jeptha Wade, who was one of the founders of Western Union Telegraph. There some beautiful mosaics on the two different sides of the wall showcasing more images from the Christian stories of death and resurrection. People also marry at the chapel…they cover up the tomb when that happens…that probably would be a little too grim for a wedding. There are other notables like Rockefeller and Eliot Ness that are buried at Lake View as well. It is beautiful and anyone interested in history should check it out. There are tours of the cemetery that you can take, which I will do next time since there is so much I’m sure I missed.

Public Square is nice to walk around in downtown Cleveland. There is an installation of outdoor art created by Cracking Art Group from Italy. There are colored, plastic animals on display all around the city. There are some by the fountains that children can push and move around. I had to climb one of them too. I couldn’t resist playing with them either. They add a lot of color to the city. The plastic animals are there to remind people about conservation and the importance of recycling.

Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Cleveland.Photo by Maria A. M.

Next to the snails is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument honoring those that died in Cuyahoga County during the Civil War…it also has a tribute to the women who volunteered in the war effort, which I haven’t seen anywhere before…the man working there is knowledgeable and will gladly answer any questions you have. It brings to life many of the famous players from the Civil War.

Portrait of Lisa Colt Curtis by John Singer Sargent.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a great place to spend a couple hours in the afternoon. It’s in University Circle where there are other museums nearby. The Cleveland Institute of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, and Museum of Natural History are all within walking distance of each other. It also is the home of Severance Hall, where the Cleveland Orchestra resides. Also, University Circle is primarily known the academic institutions that are apart of this neighborhood, one of which is Case Western Reserve University. The campus is beautiful and you will enjoy walking the grounds. The museum is free which is amazing. When I visited, they had some pieces on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. I was excited to see a painting by Frida Kahlo, as well as a beautiful painting by John Singer Sargent.

There are works by El Greco, Caravaggio, Dali, and I could go on and on…The museum is also well known for its collection of Egyptian art. The addition to the museum houses modern to post modern art.

Live Reenactment of the Munich Glockenspiel at Cleveland's' Oktoberfest — Live Reenactment of the Munich Glockenspiel at Cleveland’s’ Oktoberfest. Photo by Maria A. M.

When I visited Oktoberfest was going on that weekend at the Berea Fairgrounds. I have been to one in Chicago’s Germantown, so I wanted to experience the fest in another city. I tried some beer from Great Lakes brewery, and ate potato pancakes like I normally do at German festivals. What I particularly enjoyed about this fest was the live reenactment of Munich’s Glockenspiel on the Rathaus, which I have seen when I visited Munich (was not there for Oktoberfest). I liked that artists had tables to sell jewelry and artwork. All in all, I had a great time, and was glad that my friend took me.

Maria's Field of Hope, Avon — Maria’s Field of Hope, Avon

While driving in Avon, I had to stop at Maria’s Field of Hope. The donations go to brain cancer research for children in honor of Maria who died at 8 years old. You can purchase different things or donate to the cause. Part of the donations go to planting more sunflowers, and the field of flowers keeps growing. The field is beautiful, a loving tribute for Maria. If you like sunflowers, stop by, and (if you can) donate to Maria’s Field of Hope.

West Side Market is a neat place to spend a Sunday afternoon. You can try all kinds of ethnic food, and purchase fresh vegetables and/or fruit. Lots of delicious meat from different Eastern European vendors, as well as amazing pastries. It is crazy crowded, but definitely worth checking out. Any foodie will appreciate and like the market.

West Side Market, Cleveland. Photo by Maria A. M.

Before I left I went to a local café Cravings in Rocky River since we all need a chai for the road. There are many more other things to do, and when I go back I’d like to see an Indians game, see the Rock Hall, see a show in Playhouse Square, and check out some of the other museums. I enjoyed my weekend getaway, and plan on visiting again. I end this post as to be continued…

Rock Hall Guitar at Cravings Cafe, Rocky River, Ohio. Photo by Maria A. M.

Chicago Travel

Fun and Free in Chicago!

Summer is a great time in Chicago, and there are a lot of great activities you can do…and many are free. Most people are on a budget, so I’ll go through some free or relatively affordable things you can do to entertain yourself. Facebook is a great way of finding events that are going on in the city. You also get notifications of events that your friends are interested in. People ask how I find the activities I do, and that’s my secret.

Watching Purple Rain at Millennium Park, Chicago

You can get the list of all the movies in the park, and pick and choose which ones you want to go to. I prefer Millennium Park since you are in the heart of downtown with amazing views of the city. There is also a list of free concerts that are held there. I recommend going when Lyric and Broadway in Chicago host because you can get a taste of the music, since going to the theater can be pricey (but worth it). The Symphony concerts are also a treat. I try to go to at least a few concerts and movies there every summer. I was lucky enough to get seats at Purple Rain, since it was so packed security stopped letting people in. There is nothing like singing Purple Rain with thousands of Prince fans…

As You Like It, performed by Chicago Shakespeare Theater

This year I went to see the theater in the park. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater toured the parks and put on performances. I got to see As You Like It in Ping Tom Park in Chinatown. Bring a blanket or chair, and you can have a picnic while enjoying Shakespeare on a beautiful summer day. The company even gave out Shakespeare shaped fans to help with the sun/heat. I also went to Evanston to see a Shakespeare inspired play performed by a small theater group there. I enjoyed the shows, and think they are a great way to spend the afternoon. Ping Tom Park is a good place to take a stroll, and I went walking around Chinatown to explore and get some iced tea after the play. Chicago has so many great neighborhoods that you can easily explore.

At As You Like It, Ping Tom Park, Chicago

The Forrest Preserve hosts many events that are outside the city and require driving. I did go for an event at Trailside Museum in River Forrest where artists painted at the pond there; then put up their paintings from the event for sale. The Little Red School hosts events where you can look for bats, while learning all about them. If you are a fan of astronomy, there are some stargazing events as well. All the Cook County Forest Preserves have a whole calendar of events that are free. I did not regret checking those out…

Northerly Island Stargazing Event, Chicago

I enjoyed the telescope viewing at Northerly Island the most. They were able to use high powered telescopes from the Adler Planetarium. The astronomers had them lined up, and you could see the surface of the moon, Mars, and Saturn…I geeked out when I saw the rings around Saturn. The park district had marshmallows that you could toast as well. That night was a good one for seeing bats flying around. I got to see one up close as well at the park district. Yes, I am probably nerdy for spending a Saturday night looking through telescopes, watching bats, and toasting marshmallows, but it was a blast!

With ladies at Yoga on Foster Beach, Chicago

Millennium Park hosts yoga and different workouts, like pilates and zumba, on Saturday mornings for those that are early risers, and love their exercise. I prefer yoga, and there are different parks across the city that host it outdoors as well. I enjoyed the free session before Fire Jam at Foster Beach which is once a month until October. Fire Jam is allot of fun as well. My friends and I bring food to share and enjoyed the show…some of the artists can do amazing things with fire. You’ll feel great after doing yoga for an hour, then you can eat and chill with your friends at the beach…a recipe for a great evening.

P.S. I am on Instagram as @wayfaringgal…follow me for more ideas and adventures!!!