New England Aquarium, Boston

New England Aquarium   By Beyond My Ken   Wikimedia Located at 1 Long Wharf, the New England Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families, marine enthusiasts, and curious minds. With its innovative four-level design, the aquarium offers an immersive experience of the wonders of the aquatic world.

At the heart of the aquarium stands the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story cylindrical exhibit holding 200,000 gallons of saltwater. This Caribbean coral reef habitat is home to a diverse array of marine life, including eels, barracuda, sea turtles, cownose rays, and hundreds of colorful reef fish. A notable resident is Myrtle, a green sea turtle who has been at the aquarium since 1970. Visitors can enjoy daily feeding dives at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Central Aven - Wikimedia - JCordovaPhoenix, one of the largest metro areas in the USA is also known as the "Valley of the Sun" due to its warm weather and sunny days.

Before you enter the city center you will encounter the usual American urban sprawl but with desert landscaping, a lot of cactus trees, and stark black hills. 

If you love the hot-dry desert climate, then you will enjoy living in or visiting Phoenix. A lot of people do, and that is why it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

Oahu Surfing Lesson

Oahu Surfing lesson On a sun-drenched day in Oahu, I ventured into the heart of Hawaii's surf culture, embarking on a journey to master the art of surfing.

With no prior experience but a heart full of excitement, I turned to Surf Hawaii Surf School, renowned for its beginner-friendly approach to this revered sport. Their promise of a group Surfing Lesson on a secluded beach north of Honolulu was the perfect invitation to dive into the waves.

Jordan - The Desert Kingdom

nullJordan, throughout history was a crossroad between east and west. Ancient roads through the desert connected civilizations like the Greeks, Nabataeans, Romans and more recent states like the Umayyads and the Ottomans.

In modern days, Jordan still strives to connect western style economy and culture to more traditional Arab and Muslim values. The result is an eclectic melding of cultures that makes this desert kingdom unique in the world. 

Another great attraction for visitors is the political stability in Jordan. The Kingdom is one of the few Arab states that remain peaceful and inviting. Another big attraction is the temperate weather. It is not as warm as the Gulf States and not as cold as most of Europe. 

San Jose, Costa Rica

Central Avenue in San Jose, Costa Rica Our journey in Costa Rica took an exciting turn upon our arrival in San Jose, the vibrant capital city teeming with life and culture. Often bypassed by travelers eager for beaches and rainforests, San Jose is a treasure trove of cultural experiences and historical insights that offer a deep understanding of the Costa Rican identity.

The city's mix of architectural styles, bustling markets, and peaceful green spaces tells the story of a nation committed to democracy, education, and peace.

San Jose Costa Rica - Central Market We began exploring with a leisurely walk along the Colón Promenade, a bustling avenue pulsating with the rhythm of daily life. Street vendors, local artisans, and musicians added color and vibrancy to the scene, leading us directly to the heart of San Jose's commerce—the Central Market (Mercado Central).