spybird travel

spybird travel

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Brickell Village, Miami

       I know that the uber-hip, the fashionistas, and the real players all flock to Miami Beach for their thrills, but frankly, it can feel a little…plastic. I was conscious of being a stranger. On the outside looking in. I was too far north of the dress code, a fish out of water, and I couldn't afford a decent drink.

      But Brickell is better. It's fun, has plenty of sights and things to do, and it just feels good. Mary Brickell Village is a small stretch of urban Miami, extending through 9th and 10th Streets of Miami, but expanding even further on weekends. It is in striking distance of a handful of museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art. There are also plenty of parks and good shopping nearby. You can look at The Shops of Mary Brickell Village here: http://www.marybrickellvillage.com

     Now let's talk food, as I've two recommendations for you:

     First, the fabulous Fontainbleu on Collins Ave., "a spectacular blend of Golden Era glamour and modern luxury" is an incredible property even to visit for a drink. Originally built in 1954, the 20-acre oceanfront hotel went through a $1 Billion reinvention in 2008. It is gorgeous. And there are fantastic food options if your budget doesn't mind. We visited Hakkasan last year and enjoyed it immensely. This is new-school Cantonese Chinese food, served and presented with style. The beef dishes were superb as was the sweet and sour pork with pomelo. Read more about the restaurant here:
http://www.fontainebleau.com/web/dining/hakkasan/hakkasan_at_a_glance

    I like the second option even better. Truluck's is a chain, I believe. But the restaurant we visited, at 777 Brickell Ave. (305-579-0035) did not seem formulaic in the least. The seafood, a specialty here, was absolutely delicious. Some of our party had the famous stone crabs. I went with a blackened grouper served with a creole sauce that had plenty of crawfish and crab ($36.). The ambiance is wooded and uncrowded, the service is excellent. When one of our party had to wait a few minutes for her dinner because of a mix-up in the kitchen, the Manager (without a word from us) sent over an enormous shrimp cocktail "to get you started." And she came back to check on and apologize again. That's good customer service.
    Save room for the desserts. The carrot cake with caramel sauce and the chocolate layer cake were both worth writing home about:

     After dinner, wander around the shopping area, shake it up at a local club or hit a cafe for a coffee. Hope you enjoy it.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Away to the Bay of Bengal

       Many Western travelers are pouring into Myanmar (some still prefer to call it Burma) these days since the welcome mat has been put out by its government, and Hillary Clinton visited to make it all official. The temples of Bagan and the incredible Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon are exquisite, but know that the tourist infrastructure is still in its infancy (for better or worse).  And there is every reason to be concerned long term about the preservation of the wonderful architecture and colonial buildings; I hope that organizations such as Yangon Heritage Trust will prevail.

       Last month I saw an article in Conde Nast Traveler about Ngapali Beach, a spectacular swath of fine sand beach way down in the South of Burma, in the Bay of Bengal. The article  said the area "calls to mind the Thailand of decades ago." Cheryl and I stayed at the Amazing Ngapali Resort (95-1-434-2011) so I wanted to put my two cents in.

       First of all, the beach is fantastic ---- large, uninhabited, great for swimming, clean, and it is directly adjacent to the resort:
Ngapali Beach, taken from the Ngapali Amazing Resort
Besides swimming, you can arrange snorkeling (not great because no reefs), boat rides and fishing. The boats can take you to a spit of an island where excellent fresh fish and booze are available from a simple shack. Well worth doing.

       The accommodations at ANR are very comfortable, clean and large enough. Most, if not all, have a small balcony/lanai with a view to the ocean. The food is very good, but stick with the fresh sea food, as one of the guests had a burger she regretted for a few days :(. The vibe is friendly and low key. 

     I have read lots of the reviews on Trip Advisor, and I was not quite as impressed as many of the reviewers. At least in 2012, the staff was still learning service, did not explain procedures and activities well, did not speak English well. The natural warmth and hospitality you find in, say, Thailand, was not evident.  But perhaps this is an unfair comparison, and I'm sure management has been working on service.

     Would I go back? Yes, for sure. We enjoyed ourselves, relaxed, ate and drank well, and the cost was only about $200. per night. That's a bargain. And, of course, the sun setting into the Bay of Bengal is lovely:

sunset from our balcony


       


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Green Hotels: Here to Stay

       More and more, travelers are taking their ecological consciousness on vacation with them. They are making their plans taking into account the impact of their travel on the earth and its natural resources. They want to have a positive effect (or at least not a negative effect) on the beautiful places they visit. They are seeking out options that will make them feel good about the way they see the world, travel for business, or visit a new city. You may have noted recently that Trip Advisor, one of the premier travel web sites, now includes "Green Leaders" to help point travelers to environmentally aware properties and places http://www.tripadvisor.com/GreenLeaders.

       The hospitality industry's response to both An Inconvenient Truth http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Inconvenient_Truth and the desire of enlightened travelers to "go green" came in large part from a man who is, and for many years has been, a visionary and leader in the movement to make the business world respect and even protect the Earth.

       Enter Tedd Saunders* and his company Ecological Solutions http://www.ecological-solutions.net/index.htm. Tedd is true believer when it comes to saving the environment, and I can tell you, the man "walks his talk" in every aspect of his daily life.  He is also an activist when it comes to getting the business community to practice what he calls "sustainable management" ---- leadership and practices designed to reduce waste and increase efficiency while providing customers, clients and guests with a great, even luxurious, experience.
Tedd Saunders: man with a green mission
     In 1989, Tedd and his family began to implement small and large environmental improvements at the hotels they own and operate in the Boston area, including their flagship property The Lenox in Back Bay http://www.lenoxhotel.com. In 1992, Tedd founded Ecological Solutions, a company whose mission is to take the best practices learned from his experiences at The Saunders Group hotels and use them to help hotels around the world, including Taj Hotels in India.
     Tedd says "Nothing we do is extraordinary... it's all good old common sense and smart business." So how do these green hotels treat the environment responsibly? The hotels have implemented a constantly-expanding set initiatives related to all of its systems, including energy use, insulation, recycling, PERC-free dry cleaning, healthier paints and cleaners, etc. etc. Below you can look at some of the environmentally-sustainable features of a guest room at The Lenox:


1. super-insulated windows      2. locally produced room products reduce truck exhaust     3. high-quality low-flow fixtures     4. attractive in-room recycling     5. 4,800 energy-efficient bulbs throughout the hotels     6. FSC certified wood used in renovations     7. eco-friendly cleaners



Two particular examples are compelling. Amenity dispensers --- large, good-looking, refillable containers for providing guests with shampoo, body lotion and the like --- have saved about 8300 pounds of wasted plastic compared to the traditional small bottles since 2000, and also saved 85% of the liquid itself, which is usually thrown away unused.  Also, using compressed natural gas for one hotel's airport shuttle vans has reduced costs considerably and saved carbon emissions with every usage.

      By its leadership in this area, Saunders Hotel Group has garnered some serious awards and attention. The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and NBC Nightly News among others, have reported favorably on SHG's contribution to sustainable tourism. And, importantly, all kinds of travelers who have an environmental consciousness patronize their hotels over and over again. Shared values become a major marketing strategy.

     Far from being content with its contribution to green travel, SHG has set up some ambitious goals for its business model, including diverting 80% of its waste to recycling and reducing greenhouse emissions 20% by 2020.

       There is no doubt that savvy travelers are trending toward more awareness of their environmental footprint. This awareness will continue to drive choices in accomodations, among other things. For those who are ready to make their travel greener, hotels like The Lenox are ready to serve in style and comfort.

*Happy Disclosure: In the service of transparency and authenticity, readers should know that Tedd is one of my closest friends, and I have known him and his family for many years.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Is ParisTourist-Friendly?

    An article published in the travel section of The New York Times about a month ago describes efforts of the French Tourist Board to make Paris a more welcoming, cordial city to international tourists. The thought-provoking article is here: http://nyti.ms/16I7cGq .

     True, Paris has a bad rep with many travelers, at least in America. We have all heard tourist tales about surly waiters in Left Bank cafes,  being treated rudely in stores or markets, and having our attempts at French received with sarcasm or worse. Also true, 30 million tourists a year can be a trying experience for locals and service workers alike. But why take it out on the hands that feed your dependent tourist industry?
Always lots of visitors to Notre Dame
    Is there a real problem here? If so, who or what is responsible? Is there a cultural disconnect?

    My own experience is like Mr. Sanger's in the article, the Atlanta native who has visited 100 times without experiencing any rudeness. I've never had a problem, and neither have travelers in my party, in the four times I've visited. Is that coincidence? Maybe. But I think that as tourists we can conduct ourselves in ways that smooth feathers and soothe service people around us. And this is a skill set worth implementing, to maximize the potential of a good experience. Some points are found in the Times article. Allow me to add my own:

     1. Do say please and thank you, of course. Don't shout; be patient and smile. In other words, act like a good guest. Let service people do their work around you without a lot of interruption. I'm happy to engage if they seem friendly or conversant; I'm happy to just keep things polite and simple if that seems the better way to go.

     2. I don't travel in groups any more. I think big groups in restaurants, hotels and tourist sites can be a nightmare for the staff, as well as for other guests. And groups in a celebratory mood, fueled by wine, well, I would just prefer not to be around them. They are stressors. Sorry; does this make me a downer?

     3. I ask permission before I touch things in stores.

     4. For this and many other reasons, I travel at off-peak times whenever possible. I recall one summer traveling in Florence, Italy in July, where the small historic city center can be packed with international tourists. It was hot, crowded and over-run. After a few days I wondered how the locals could tolerate the invasion, and saw civility stretched to the max.

     5. Try traveling off the well-worn tourist pathways. Always good advice.

     6.  The language thing can be tricky. I always speak my first greeting in the local language if I can. Then, I take my cue from the person I'm speaking with. If they answer in English, I'll go with that. No need to force my poor French on anyone.

     7. Give compliments freely. They are a great social lubricant.

     Well, back to the original question. Will Paris benefit from the Tourist Board's campaign and become a kinder and gentler tourist destination? It will interesting to see whether the number of visitors increase in the next few years. Personally, I think the world is shrinking as travel routes increase and infrastructure is built in new and developing areas, especially in Asia. Expanding tourist horizons may account for the drop-off in people visiting The City of Light.

      But "we'll always have Paris," as Bogie said in Casablanca. It is such a beautiful city with great sights, shops and incredible food. And I, for one, can't wait to return.

Have you had dessert at Angelina? Oh, my word!


 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Falling For Midcoast Maine (part 2)


     I’ve just returned from our “camp” (a Maine-ism for seasonal lake cottage) up in Damariscotta, Maine, where I have been preparing a special post about the joys of fall in mid-coast Maine.

     It must be said by way of introduction that summer is clearly “prime time” around Damariscotta and the Pemaquid Peninsula. There are numerous lakes, including 9-mile Lake Damariscotta, streams and riverways, beaches, ponds and all the water sports, camping, and warm-weather activities you could ask for, set in a landscape of rolling hills, farms, and beautiful New England coastline.

     But this area, about an hour north of Portland, saves some of its best and most family-friendly activities for post Labor Day. Most of the stores, seafood shacks, and restaurants stay open until Columbus Day. Traffic is no longer a bother, and the fall colors are bold and beautiful. I have invited some of my ESL students from other countries to experience a weekend in mid-coast Maine for a taste of New England, and all of them have returned raving (in a good way).

     So let me hook you up. Below I have set out some of my own suggestions and asked some local friends for theirs.

     The Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest http://damariscottapumpkinfest.com is probably the major event of the autumn, and with good reason. It runs this year from October 5-14 with the culminating events sprinkled over the Columbus day weekend. Enormous pumpkins are artfully decorated and placed all over town; other pumpkins are hollowed out, decorated and raced with outboard motors on the river. Lots of activities, food and fun for all ages, and well-organized.
a hollowed out pumpkin
for the race

 
carved pumpkin from the Fest
The wonderful Mill Pond Inn in Damariscotta Mills http://www.millpondinn.com is a perfect place to stay. This sweet spot on the southern edge of Damariscotta Lake is conducive to swimming and kayaking, and the Inn makes an ideal base for exploring. My friends Bobby and Sherry Whear have owned the Inn for 29 years and they share my enthusiasm for the Pumpkin Fest:
“Folksy, all locals, lots of public support and the carved pumpkins are lovely,” Sherry says. Bobby chimes in “Just enough people.” Sherry and Bobby will help you plan a few outings according to your interests. [Enjoy art? Maybe you would like to visit the gallery of painter Abby Williams or artist John Whalley http://www.johnwhalley.com, whose studio is walking distance from the Inn.] Ask Bobby to make his famous blueberry pancakes. Rooms are $140/ night.
 
back yard at The Mill Pond Inn
     I asked another friend and local, Deb Wilson, to suggest her fave pick for fall fun in Damariscotta. She suggested an event that is near and dear to her:

 “The Fish Ladder Restoration Celebration is held on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend each year to celebrate the return of juvenile alewives and the success of the restoration. It's a one day event held from 11 to 3 pm and food is one of the main events! We serve a variety of homemade soups and chowders in fish ladder mugs that guests take home. The fish ladder is open for viewing and if the fish cooperate, there are plenty of juvenile alewives to see. The spring migration of adult alewives is fairly predictable--they arrive in late April in schools and keep coming until early June. The juveniles spend anywhere from a month to 6 months maturing in Damriscotta Lake before descending the fish ladder and heading to sea, where they will grow for four years before returning to spawn in Damariscotta Lake. Many of the juveniles stay in the lake or up small streams until fall rains drive them out-- they then come down in "clouds", descending backwards over the small falls that provide transitions between pools.
Each year at the festival we have - "running of the alewives contest." Neighbor Leigh Morrill makes and numbers wooden alewives, which can be decorated (for a small fee) and entering in a race. They are thrown into the fish ladder and the first one to "swim" under the Route 215 bridge gets a prize.


Leigh Morrill's wooden alewives race to the bridge
We'll also be declaring the winner of our $10,000 raffle at this year's festival.
Check out our website-- www.damariscottamills.org for more information.”

This event is great local color, educational and the small cost of any activity at the celebration supports the rebuilding of the fish ladder. Again, you can walk to the festivities from the Mill Pond Inn.

         On September 29, the annual Pemaquid Oyster Festival http://pemaquidoysterfestival.com will be held at Schooner Landing at the bridge in downtown Damariscotta. If you enjoy these tasty bivalves you can sample some of the very best in an informal setting, along with chowder and other treats. Very reasonable prices, musical entertainment, and educational exhibits round out a fine fall afternoon.

     You won’t want to miss the lighthouse at the tip of Pemaquid peninsula http://www.lighthouse.cc/pemaquid/. Perched on the craggy rocks with bold oceanfront, it is the most photographed lighthouse in Maine, and appears on the Maine quarter. 
    
The Pemaquid Lighthouse
     
      Stop by the Damariscotta River Association on Belvedere Road (www.damariscottariver.org) for a great walk on its property, special weekend naturalist programs, and a wonderful Farmer's Market on Friday mornings until October 25.

      I asked local celebrity Charles Chiarchiaro, Director Emeritus of the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum www.ohtm.org to sum up the fall vibe in mid-coast Maine. With a poetic style so natural to him, Charles said, “Maine is very special. The loons cry, the eagles soar. So John, it’s about diversity, and it’s about natural and human resources during a wonderful show of color.”

     Who can argue with that?

     Come to mid-coast Maine for a fantastic fall getaway. You won’t be disappointed.

     [See my post entitled Fried Fish Freak for a few eating suggestions in this area.]

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Plastic Fantastic Pouches (Update!)

     Just to let readers know, I heard from Mike at Igas Island products today. Turns out he was away on vacation with his family, camping near Prince Edward Island in northeast Canada.
   
     Mike assures me he is still in business selling his wonderful travel pouches. You can reach him by telephone at 207-832-1133 and his latest e-mail address is igasisle@midcoast.com. His catalogue is printed online here: http://www.igasisland.com .

     During our conversation today,  Mike mentioned that his electricity is generated by solar power, so you can be assured that the manufacturing process is greener than most. Also, he told me that many of his fine products, including map protectors and the like, were developed and tested in his work as a certified Maine Master Guide.

     Great guy, great product. Check it out!

   

     

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Plastic Fantastic Travel Pouches

     Every U.S. traveler nowadays has to be TSA compliant. We don't carry sharp items or carry suspicious packages. We remove our shoes and belts when we're told to. And we know that liquids and gels must be 3 oz. or less and packed in a clear, one quart bag.

     My suggestion for today is the purchase of a heavy duty, PVC or vinyl pouch specially made for travel. There are several on the market, all featuring tough, leakproof construction, good quality zippers, and a hang loop. They are great for packing and double as a toilet kit hanging in the bathroom.

      Mine is very fancy, with a big black zipper and a clip. It cost Cheryl $15., and was purchased from Igas Island Company --- "Sewn with solar power in Waldoboro Maine." It looks like this:
Travel Bag from Igas Island Co.
Here is a link to contact info for Igas: http://www.mainemade.com/members/profile.asp?ID=3033. But I did not get a response to my request for a call back to talk about the product for this post. He may be retired...

     Have no fear, however. There are a few more options. This product by TamperSeal looks like it will do the job http://www.tamperseal.com/tsa-compliant-quart-pouch-liquid-bottles.html and it's only 8 bucks. And here is another option by SKS; see under travel kits: http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/Vinyl-Bags.html .

     These travel bags offer smart functionality and don't wear out. They make a terrific and very affordable gift for any traveler.  Highly recommended.


Sunday, September 1, 2013

Fried Fish Freak / Midcoast Maine, part 1

     (This is the first of several posts this Fall about mid-coast Maine. Hope you enjoy and come back.)

     I don't mind admitting that I'm a fried fish freak. I love eating good fried fish of any kind, and will travel far and wide to seek out the best.

     Today's post is about fried fish in mid-coast Maine, specifically north of Brunswick and south of Rockland. This area --- Wiscasset, Damariscotta, and the Pemaquid peninsula --- is my "home away from home." Cheryl and I spend three seasons here, and I make it my business to sample more than my share of fried fish (to help steer friends, of course). The "fish" is almost always cod or haddock, although clams, scallops, shrimp and other seafood is available fried at many of the stands. Fried fish is also available at many lobster shacks and "eat-in-the-rough" joints that Maine is rightfully famous for.

    For a long time, I thought fried haddock in mid-coast Maine began and ended at The Sea Basket in Wiscasset http://www.seabasket.com. Located on Route 1 just south of the village of Wiscasset, The Sea Basket provides good quality and generous portions. There is indoor and outdoor seating and the premises are kept very clean and tidy. The haddock comes in 2-3" pieces with a good, crunchy breading. I believe it cost about $15 for a "basket" with french fries, cole slaw and a roll that's not worth eating. The iced tea is home made and very good.

     My fried fish allegiance switched about a year ago when we started taking friends to Pemaquid Fisherman's Co-op in South Bristol http://www.pemaquidlobstercoop.com/. This is your ideal place for lobster in the rough. You can sit inside or outside, bring your own beer or wine, and enjoy a great view of Pemaquid Harbor. For $12.00, you can get a delicious filet of haddock basket with fries and cole slaw that's worth eating.

Haddock filet basket from Pemaquid Co-op, bottom right

 This is fresh fish delish, and a great value.

    But this past weekend, my fried fish world was changed forever. Cheryl and I met an older couple down at Morse's Sauerkraut a few weeks ago, and they suggested we try Bet's Fried Fish, just north of Boothbay Harbor. Here is a short video made about Bet's : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg5pt5M5cE0.   From Route 1 in Wiscasset, travel south on Route 27; at the village green look left for a sign that says "Free Beer Tomorrow". This place is as basic as it gets; it's a shack and some picnic tables, with two soda vending machines. There is nothing but fresh haddock and fries on the menu.  But let me give you my most earnest assurance: this is FRIED FISH HEAVEN. There is no better --- incredibly fresh, perfectly breaded, served hot with home made dill tartar, home made french fries from local spuds, and an enormous portion. My "basket" (actually two baskets for one portion) was $16. but could easily feed two people:

Bet's --- simply the best!
I learned from a Mainer in an old Chevy truck with a "Bet's Fried Fish" bumper sticker that Bet was originally in the fishing business and had at least one commercial boat herself. She has obviously retained her connections to the good stuff. Her fish is "just off the boat" and she stops cooking when it runs out. I looked into that shack and saw her frying righteously for the people.
Lunch time at Bet's.  So good!
     Everyone says that Red's Eats in Wiscasset http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red's_Eats is the best lobster roll in Maine; honestly, I think so, too. And they do a pretty good fried fish basket. But it is a heavy beer batter breading and is often too greasy. If your companion insists on waiting an hour for her lobster roll, a haddock filet is worth having but sorry, it cannot hold a candle to Bet's.

     Last place and dishonorable mention in the fried fish / fish chips awards goes to Coveside Restaurant in South Bristol http://www.covesiderestaurant.com/restaurant.html . We are attracted to this location in lovely Christmas Cove in South Bristol. Coveside is a great place to meet friends, have a drink, check out the fancy boats at this working marina. But my fish and chips were terrible and Cheryl's fish tacos ditto. The fish tasted frozen and soggy (a friend who joined us for lunch asked "How can you mess up a ham and cheese sandwich?"). We did not finish our meals. And it was expensive. Next time, we'll stick with a beer (if it's bottled).

      Enjoy and tell me what you think.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Solo Travel?


Do you like to go solo?

Recently I had my first two tastes of traveling alone. I noticed a number of interesting differences in the experience, and found myself analyzing them. I also began soliciting comments from some veterans who have a good basis for comparison.

Traveling solo presents an excellent opportunity for adventure on one’s own terms. You can come and go as you wish, without negotiations. When one’s schedule is her own, everything from bedtimes to meals and departure dates become imbued with flexibility and spontaneity. An extra day here or a day excursion there? No problem. If you want to tarry at an outdoor market or just enjoy your hotel for an afternoon, no need to explain or affect someone else’s plans. My friend Jessie says:

“You can do what you want when you want to. There’s no feeling bad ‘cause you slept all morning, or because you’re desperate to see an art exhibit that you know your travel partner has no interest in seeing.”

The power to satisfy your own agenda in real time is HUGE, and not to be underestimated. Freedom is the greatest adventure. One voice of experience says: “The best moves I made were the last minute ones.”

But beyond freedom and spontaneity as Master of Your Own Logistics, there is something even more compelling. Many people find that solo travel is a richer, more intense experience. Why is that?

Well, owning your itinerary and controlling your travel destiny to some extent is empowering, no doubt.

And let’s be honest here. Some travel partners --- even (especially?) friends and lovers --- can be needy and demanding. Travel with people you know can keep you psychologically confined to the social world and connections you share. On the other hand, traveling solo means that the only baggage that comes along on your trip is your luggage.

Finally, solo travel requires a continuity of sustained attention to one’s surroundings. Circumstances require that you be both observant and present because so much --- your transport, your safety, your food ---depends on it. One of the side benefits of that kind of attention is the ability to notice detail and nuance. Being there “in the moment” translates into a very vivid, conscious travel experience (as any vipassana meditation yogi will tell you).

To be sure, single travelers are more approachable, and obviously this can be a mixed blessing:

“I visited The Red Fort in Delhi in 1993. Everyone there wants to be your tour guide. I happened to meet a local guy, a student from Calcutta who had never been to the Fort, and also wanted to visit Gandhi’s grave, like I did. So we decided to do some sight-seeing together. When the would-be tour guides set upon me, I smiled and told them ‘My guide is my new friend Ahmet.’ The local guys started beating my new friend up! I had to intervene to stop them! But Ahmet and I ended up having a great day.”

This leads us to the biggest cause for concern in going it alone: security. And for women especially, this can be a challenge, even a deal-breaker. Overly aggressive men in Bordeaux, ass-grabbing in the Marrakesh medina, and crowded bemo rides with overly-friendly strangers in Java can put a real damper on one’s trip. Theft and rip-offs are perhaps easier to work against a single person.

Still, with a modicum of caution and an ounce of prevention, solo travel can be extremely rewarding. Here are some suggestions to those who would “go it alone:”

1. Be sensible in your dress and appearance. You’ve heard these words of travel wisdom a million times: no expensive-looking jewelry or watches, keep money and cameras hidden, don’t “flash your cash.” And don’t show a lot of skin; it’s provocative and often seen as disrespectful.

2. Share your itinerary or contact info with a few friends or relatives, even on the fly. If you’re staying in a guest house or hotel, let them know when you can be expected, and provide a cell number.

3. A phrase book or google translate is always helpful. Learn how to say “Please leave me alone or I’ll call the police” in the local language, or write it down in block letters and keep it handy. Also keep a card with your local address and phone.

4. Don’t carry a lot with you. Pack as light as possible (here is an old post on this subject: http://monterisiinmondoindo.blogspot.com/2012/12/packing-smart-and-simple.html )
Keep your arms free when possible.

5. Wear a whistle around your neck. I often carry a pocket knife or industrial razor blade with me, and I like those small traveler’s lights sold at camping stores.

6. Stay away from unlighted, unpopulated areas.

These are precautions worth taking, of course, but I hope you will not be deterred from going it alone. It’s a wonderful experience, and you will remember it, I promise. 

A Middle Road? Finally, I have a suggestion for those who would like to try solo travel even though they are with a friend or group: spend a day on your own. My nephew and I did this on our last day in Paris. I wanted to visit the old Les Halles and a nearby cafe, and he wanted to go somewhere I had no interest in. We split after breakfast and met back at the hotel later in the evening. It was a great day for both of us, and we had plenty to talk about when we re-convened. Try it!

Do you have any comments on this subject? I would enjoy seeing them.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Awesome Osa


Our weighty conclusion was reached over Tico sours and complementary bar snacks of smashed, fried plantains with guacamole. All of us were seasoned travelers, several from Europe, and two of us were traveling with kids. There were about ten of us in all. We had gathered the last several nights at Bosque del Cabo’s poolside bar before dinner, to enjoy tropical cocktails and compare notes on our day’s activities. And now, the consensus was simply this: eco-lodges on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula are the perfect vacation solution for almost everyone.

Well, maybe not for shopaholics. Aside from small shops at the lodges themselves and a weekly farmers’ market, there are no stores of any kind, only a few basic restaurants, and no power grid on the Osa.

I never heard a complaint about this, however. Perhaps because this shoe-shaped peninsula, which juts out of the southwest Costa Rica into the Pacific, is chock full of incredible flora and fauna. Half of Costa Rica’s and 5% of the world’s biodiversity live here. We’re talking 700 species of trees, 117 species of reptiles, over 360 species of birds. Insects number at about 10,000 varieties. Farmland, rainforests and jungle spread out to meet the blue-green ocean, and all are very much alive with sights and sounds. Indeed, National Geographic calls the Osa “one of the most biologically intense places on earth.” One guest referred to it as “The Garden of Eden.” Without a doubt, this special area is a natural jewel.
Check out the harlequin beetle. So cool.
I have recently returned from my fourth visit to the Osa since 1998. I have stayed at five different eco-lodges --- Lapa Rios, Encanta La Vida, and Bosque del Cabo around Matapalo; Playa Nicuesa reached via a 20 minute boat ride from the town of Golfito; and Luna Lodge, the farthest afield in Carate, a stone’s throw from Corcovado National Park.  Three of these I have visited more than once. The eco-lodges offer different degrees of “luxury” in terms of accommodations, amenities and meals. Four out of five are priced at roughly several hundred dollars per night per person; Encanta is priced at about half of these rates, but the food, digs, and facilities are correspondingly simpler. All of the lodges provide commodious, low-impact cabinas, most with outdoor showers and private porches. All of them include tasty food options with “full board” plans which include local fruit and vegetables. Again, Encanta’s meals are decidedly simpler than the others.  Lapa Rios, Bosque, Encanta and Luna have a pool for relaxing “down-time;” Nicuesa has a small beach and pier for swimming.

With exploration and soft adventure in mind, all of the lodges arrange a myriad of activities, mostly outside of the lodge and for extra charge, such as fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, massage, surfing, waterfall rapelling and in one case (Luna Lodge) panning for gold on the river. Many of the lodges have evocative yoga platforms overlooking the mountains or ocean, and act as venue for yoga retreats guided by a teacher. My stay at Encanta benefitted from a large yoga group that brought its own teacher and a very good chef. Lana Wedmore, owner at Luna Lodge, is also a dedicated practicioner and leads yoga sessions.

Most importantly, a stay at any of these eco lodges provides its guests with access to extensive roads and trails systems, and guides (varying from good to excellent) who will happily show you the natural wonders around you. There are four species of monkeys, hundreds of species of birds, (including scarlet macaws and toucans who look painted by Disney), sloths, tarantulas, tapirs, wild cats, strangler figs, electric blue butterflies called morphos, snakes, and lots more. Encounters with wild things happen constantly; in the Osa, Nature comes to you.

Do-it-yourselfers can spend hours hiking on trails or just roaming the lodge property and see plenty of wildlife. But hiring a guide for $15-20. per hour takes your wildlife spotting up to a new level. Virtually all of the guides are locals, most have taken the rigorous certification required in Costa Rica to be a naturalist guide. Some come equipped with Swarovski scopes and birdcall apps on their smartphones. All have a really good sense of the rainforest and what it holds. --- they know where the red-capped manakin does its “moonwalk” mating dance; they know where the sloth lives hidden in the bamboo tree high overhead; they know the location of the hummingbird nest, and where you are most likely to spot a puma. Trust me: they see things you will never see.


Toucan, four can
Outside our room at Nicuesa
The elusive sloth
Carlos spotted him for us


My traveler’s tale on this subject comes from our first night walk in the jungle with a guide named Tomas at Lapa Rios, back in 1998. About five of us were walking the trail quietly with our flashlights when Tomas said “Oh wow, an adult walking stick.” He led us about 50 feet ahead into the darkness, and then shined his torch on the insect, a stick with thread-like legs, about 3-4 inches. “Where?” I still couldn’t see it. It took me a half a minute to find the walking stick when I was virtually on top of it. But Tomas saw it in almost complete darkness, from quite a distance. It turns out that Tomas had a rep as one of the best guides in Costa Rica, a country that admires nature guides the way Americans admire sports stars. I believe he has since moved to Monteverde. But if you want a great guided experience, you can still hire Oscar at Luna Lodge and Carlos at Bosque del Cabo; both are excellent guides and fine companions.

I love the Osa. I never feel more aware, more in tune with nature, more in synch with the flow of life, than when I am there. One tends to be active while the sun is up, eat healthy foods, and sleep well after a day of fun and exercise. All the while you learn about yourself and the world around you. What more can you ask from a vacation?

Some planning notes and advice. The climate in the Osa is tropical, which means strong sun and high humidity most of the time. The temperature rarely falls below 80 F and often exceeds 90 F with humidity in the 60-90% range. The “rainy season” starts second half of April and extends through November, with heaviest rainfall in October. As a practical matter, this means showers in the afternoon and evening. However, even this general information is subject to the microclimatic differences in the area. We were in the Osa April 20-28, 2013. It rained daily at Nicuesa in Golfito, but we did not see rain at all in Matapalo.

View from inside Sol cabina at Bosque
Views are of the ocean and "the monkey highway"
There are some creepy creatures in the Osa, but they are not likely to be a bother. In my experience, mosquitoes have not been an issue (thanks to the bats?). There are some poisonous snakes, but they are very shy and not commonly encountered. We always shake our shoes and clothes out to make sure no scorpion or other creature has crawled in. Remember you are a guest in nature’s jungle. There is some co-existence involved; in fact, that is the whole idea.

The climate dictates that you hydrate often (all of the lodges make purified water available at all times), not over-exert your body, and use sun protection. Also, it is very useful to have quick-drying, non-cotton clothes that wick away moisture (check out Patagonia, Orvis, North Face, Coumbia, or other “outdoor wear.”) One pair of sandals and a pair of sturdy “trail shoes” are a must. You may also want to have a swimsuit along. And, of course, bring binoculars and the best camera you have.

One question that many visitors ask is whether a trip to Corcovado National Park, the 100,000 acre parcel on the ocean in Carate, is worth the time and expense. Of course, if you visit Luna Lodge the park is just 15 minutes down the hill. However, my personal advice is not to bother. For one thing, access to the park is restricted for most visitors to just a few trails. It is fairly hot and steamy there, adjacent to the sand beach. And you will probably see just as much wildlife outside the park as inside it. That was my experience, anyway.

Lodge web sites:
Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lounge http://www.nicuesalodge.com
Encanta La Vida  www.encantalavida.com

Transportation: Most travelers come from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. From there, the Osa is best reached by a 50-minute plane ride, booked through either Sansa Regional Air or Nature Air. The small-plane service will take you to either Golfito (Playa Nicuesa) or Puerta Jimenez (all others). The fare is about $130 per person, each way. Many of the lodges will assist with these arrangements, as well as pick you up and transport you from either town.

You must visit the Osa! A great place to educate children, get outdoors, relax, and re-discover nature.