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Isla Taboga, Panama

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

One of my top five, all time greatest places I’ve been, is a little island on the Pacific side of the Panama Bay called Isla Taboga. The island has a rough history, as it’s been used for US World War II artillery practice (you’ll get some odd photos – there’s you, there’s your friend in the beautiful blue water, there’s the white sand… there’s the artillery weapon getting engulfed by vines on the tiny island in the background), and there’s a large looted cemetery that had something to do with one of the French attempts to build the Panama Canal. But the Island is covered, covered, *covered* with flowers, and as you stroll down the islands one main road, through it’s “city” of San Pedro, (turn left after getting off the ferry – the only way to get to the island) you can breathe in their delicious scents. You’ll see friendly people walking aimlessly about, with various states of housing (but mostly brightly colored and sea-weathered) and the odd chicken or cat. Pay tribute to Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of the island, and, if you ask nicely with a smile (and ask in Spanish) the caretakers of the island’s main church will let you up into the bell tower, where you not only get a great view, but also a great sense of peace. There’s snorkeling available, as well as a short hike up Cerra de la Cruz (where more WWII leftovers dot the landscape, as well as a giant cross), and you can always check out the bird refuge, the Refugio Vida Silvestre Islas Taboga y Urabá, on the south side of the island. But the best thing to do during your stay on the island? Swim, sun, sit, and relax.

Filed under: Central America, Latin America, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Tavernier, FL

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

When I stayed at my friend’s house in Tavernier, FL, we gave manatees fresh water out of a hose. Manatees like fresh water, and, though it’s illegal to touch them, you can reach out and pet their rubbery, nubby skin. Tavernier is one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever been to; there’s a laid-back attitude that’s hard to beat. Tavernier is part of the Florida Keys, so you’re surrounded by sun and sea, so get yourself ready for some serious hammock time. You don’t have to spend much cash to have a good time here; check out the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier, which runs entirely on donations, or you can just take a swim. Divers will rejoice in the plethora of opportunities in the area (the better diving spots, from what I’ve heard, are technically in nearby Islamorada), and the Island Grill is a fun spot to people watch, grub up, and tuck in a divine slice of Key Lime Pie. Dillon’s Pub and Grill is also a leisurely spot to soak up the insouciant Keys vibe without putting a big hole in your wallet, and check around the area for various activities involving Wetland Rehabilitation and, on another end of the spectrum, live music. Don’t blame me if you suddenly find the urge to strum a guitar and drink your dinner; you’re in Tavernier, and you deserve to relax and enjoy it!

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Ocean Isle, NC

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

My mother’s side of the family is large, with multiple cousins, aunts, uncles, second cousins, siblings, etc., and they all like to get together every few years or so, en masse, in Ocean Isle, NC. As a consequence, many of my childhood beach memories center around Ocean Isle, a rare strip of beach front property that isn’t taken over by condos, hotel chains, and kitsch stores. Ocean Isle has rental properties and two hotels – that’s it – and the end of the island is a gated community. There’s no shortage of sand for your sunning and swimming desires, and you can easily grab beach gear at Surf Unlimited or any of the revolving-named stores near the bridge. It’s easy to rent a bike and tool around the island that way, or you can easily stroll from where you’ve decided to stay (cheaper rentals are on the inlet/intercoastal waterway) to the “town” area, which has a couple of bars and restaurants (Sharkey’s = no, the Giggling Mackerel = maybe), an ice cream parlor, and a putt-putt course. There used to be a water park, but if you’re looking for that sort of beach-shabby-chic, check out the arcade and boardwalk area. Grab an ice cream cone at the Ocean Isle Creamery, then take a walk on the quiet beach. A leisurely walk to the Shalotte Sound offers a great opportunity to watch crabs scuttle about the muddy sand, but if you get too bored, you can always take a plane ride over the area – it’s cheap, it’s scary, but it’s something one can do. Ocean Isle is calm and sedate, and it’s one of the quietest beaches at night. If you’re looking to party, head south to Myrtle or Sunset, but if you’re looking for relaxation, not much beats Ocean Isle.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Corolla, NC

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

The Outer Banks of North Carolina draws thousands of visitors every year; maybe it’s because of the history and lighthouses, maybe it’s because it’s so hard to get to, but, to this traveler, Corolla, near Duck, is like an outpost on the edge of the sea. There’s a general store, a pint-size library (I still have my card), and sandy roads that, if you venture too far off of them, you’ll need four-wheel drive. The Currituck Lighthouse, stately in it’s red brick, is a great way to catch a breeze (and great views) while you’re relaxing at the shore; make sure to note all the iron detail on the inside of the lighthouse, and try to spot a wild horse while you’re up there. Speaking of the wild horses, the folks in Corolla respect their equine neighbors, and certain areas of the island are kept wild and rugged in order to deter you from interfering with the horses, though there are some “tours” available if you really must seek them out. There are some great little boutique shops if you’re looking to spend some cash or soak up some AC, and jewelry, along with ubiquitous sand dollar art, are available for your purchasing pleasure. The main point of Corolla, along with the rest of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is to rest and enjoy the unspoiled prettiness that the local residents have worked so hard to preserve. The proximity of the area to pirate treasures and graveyards only enhances the vibe that you’ve truly gotten away from it all, and that you are on an adventure, even if it’s just to see how many sand crabs you can find between naps on the beach.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Grasmere, England

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

“Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, the periwinkle trailed its wreaths;  And ’tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes.” – “Lines Written in Early Spring”

William Wordsworth was able to write lines like this because he lived in the southern part of England’s Lake District, which is a place that tells you why the word “pastoral” was invented; this beautiful, quiet, sleepy area is still wild and gorgeous and simply beautiful. Sheep are grazing under intermittent rays of sun that slip through the trees over hills of verdant green… It’ll make you poetic, this area; you can really get into the beauty of nature with a nice stroll up to Helm’s Crag, where you can pretend you are Samuel Taylor Coleridge (or Bob Ross) as you revel in the natural world. Or you can take a sleepy walk from Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s home in the hills, through the village to St. Oswald’s Church, where Wordsworth is buried. Contemplate life’s journey on this short one, then stop in at Reekie’s for some of Grasmere’s famous gingerbread, or, if you’re in the mood for pub atmosphere, check out the Lamb Inn. If you still have energy and don’t long to sit by the fireplace contemplating Wordsworth’s “spontaneous overflow of emotion” theory, take a trip up to Rydal Falls, just shy of Wordsworth’s other home at Rydal Mount. There’s not much flashy fun to be had in Grasmere, but it’s a charming village whose quiet roads are perfect for walking yourself through your own thoughts while wrapped in a one of the most peaceful atmospheres on Earth.

Filed under: Europe | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Ft. Fisher State Park, Kure Beach, NC

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Admin of TBJ

Ft. Fisher is one of the coolest spots on the North Carolina coastline because it’s a pet-friendly beach; want to see what your dog will do when confronted with seagulls, sand and surf? Take him/her here, just make sure to pick up after your mutt:)  Ft. Fisher is surrounded by salt marshes and tidal creeks, and there’s a boardwalk that allows you to enjoy the pristine dunes and coastal wildlife (crabs to birds to dolphins, oh my!) without traipsing all over them.  The usual swimming and sunning can be done at Ft. Fisher, but if you get tired of that, you can take the ferry over to Southport, NC and grab the usual rock candy and salt-water taffy that’s being hawked to tourists; a better bet would be to visit the North Carolina Aquarium.  You’ll trip over history, as Ft. Fisher was a Civil War site and now houses a Civil War museum, but, overall, Ft. Fisher is one of more calm and relaxing stretches of sand in NC, and I’m glad they keep it that way.

Filed under: North America | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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