Latin America & Caribbean

  • Into the Dark

    I always find it hard to fall asleep. As an insomniac, I know all about the bumps in the night. Sometimes they frighten me. But at the same time, the night has always inspired and energized me. I love the sounds of the night creatures. As a teenager, I loved the feel of the cold morning dew on my bare feet when I snuck back…

  • Machu Picchu was just as I imagined: Beautiful. Ancient. Inspiring.

    I was first introduced to Machu Picchu when I read the Celestine Prophecy nearly 20 years ago. From that point on, I wanted to visit Peru. It seemed inaccessible at the time, but that didn’t stop me from dreaming. I imagined hiking the Inca Trail and watching the sunrise over the historic site. I imagined feeling the energy of an ancient culture long since passed….

  • Take My Breath Away

    Traveling on the northern edge of Patagonia was absolutely stunning. The views will take your breath away, and the fresh, crisp air will restore it. No words or pictures can adequately describe this experience, and it has enticed me to one day explore the southern parts of the region. Rain, fog, and wind alternated with warm, beautiful sunshine and freezing cold. The weather mostly worked…

  • A Suitcase of Memories

    While I’m presently packing and planning out four months of travel spanning all four seasons (make that five seasons, considering India is supposed to reach 104F/40C degrees), I’m continuing to reminisce about my first trip to Europe in January 1998. Oh my, did I learn a lesson about packing! First, I’m American, that means I absolutely wouldn’t dream of wearing the same outfit twice on…