Hey,
My week began with a police truck that didn't let me cross the street at a crosswalk yesterday. Instead, it drove straight through a huge puddle, splashing water all over me.
I'm looking forward to a better day today... Given how this year has gone, spending Thanksgiving on the beach last Thursday was ideal. A small group of friends and I went to Punta Venado, a super relaxed beach spot about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. With a gorgeous stretch of sand, hammocks, bean bag chairs, palm trees, excellent food and about 12 total people scattered around the beach at safe distances, it was perfect. As you drive along the dirt road through the jungle to reach Punta Venado, you'll swear that you've taken a wrong turn. But once you arrive and find yourself plopped down on a chair, staring out at the turquoise water, listening to chill music and soaking up some sun, you won't want to leave. I guarantee it. --- Of course, when I got home later that day, I discovered that the new 20 liter barrel of drinking water I had put onto the dispenser in the morning had leaked all over my apartment. And it turns out that 20 liters is enough to cover the entire kitchen, dining room and living room floor. I needed a solid 3 hours to clean it up, calling on all mops, towels, paper towels and toilet paper in my apartment to assist. It was not fun, especially considering that my mop soaks up as much water as a pencil. --- Cat lesson of the week: Your cat will not have a good day if you leave her alone in a flooded apartment for 7 hours. She might not be too happy with you when you return. But she will have a lot of fun chasing the mop around.
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Travel-related (usually) tidbits that appeared in my inboxes this past week. - LOS ANGELES: Check out the hidden beauty of LA through photos like you've never seen before.
- UNESCO FROM ABOVE: Sticking with links to photos that I received this week, these are some really cool shots of UNESCO World Heritage sites from above.
- HOMESICKNESS: Here's an interesting look at the psychology and history behind feeling homesick when we travel or live overseas.
- FREE TRIPS TO COSTA RICA: The tourism board of Costa Rica is giving away fifteen 7-day trips for 2 people. The way it works is you nominate someone who is 'essential to you' by telling a story about that person. Winners will be chosen at the end of January 2021.
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From my last trip to Morocco - going for dinner in the medina of Marrakech, a
UNESCO World Heritage site. (Photo taken by my friend Sebastian Bularca) |
AROUND THE WORLD In Indonesian Borneo, the Wehea forest is home to orangutans and an indigenous population that has now become protectors and tour guides. I'd never heard of the charming Greek town of Parga until this week and it looks like a place I'd want to visit. And in Saudi Arabia, the impressive ancient city of Hegra, previously undisturbed for two thousand years and a sister city of Petra, will now be open for visitors. PRIVATE JET SERVICE FROM COSTCOFor a price of $17,500, you can now purchase 1 year of private jet service from Costco. But that price only gives you access to the jets. You still need to pay for each trip you take! And finally.... |
Beatrice Nyariara lives in Nairobi's most dangerous slum, where attacks on elderly women became far too common. But Beatrice fought back, creating a community, gaining respect and as a result, drastically reducing the attacks. |
Any comments or questions, just let me know! Regards,
Derek (my middle name is Earl) *If you received this email from someone else and want to sign up, just visit A Life of Travel. |
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