I am a major advocate for visiting other places, immersing myself in the local culture and (if and when possible) trying to blend in and not be a typical tourist. This page will contain slideshows of where I've been, beginning from the most recent. I do not have any of my travel pics from my two month stay in Romania on this computer, so this will just be the last few years. If I had any advice for anyone (including my younger self) it would be this: travel more, travel often, and imbue experience by seeing this world - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Curaçao - December 2023
We spent ten lovely days in the jewel of the Dutch Caribbean, Curaçao, part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao). Being just 12 degrees north of the equator, this made it my most southernmost trip. We enjoyed much sun, sand, and sea, meeting great people. We sang and danced, drank and swam, sunned and toured across the entire island. The country has low crime and is sociopolitically dedicated to unity. What was a real difference compared to other Caribbean islands we have visited was its semi-arid biome, which means one of the most prominent flora on the island are cacti. The land is also filled with a few lizard species and iguanas. The north shore is very choppy and rocky, while the south is a bit calmer. There are not a lot of beaches on the mainland. Mountains and valleys make up the most of the landscape, and although we did have a few instances of rain (it was the tail end of their rainy season), the showers were sudden and never lasted more than 10-15 minutes at most before returning to blaring sun. The mountains actually help absorb and break up the rain clouds, keeping things arid. Ironically, the humidity is always near 100%
Marine diversity was good. I went on a snorkel boat to see a submerged tugboat, and did some off-shore dives. The area we mostly stayed in was not much for coral heads, but certainly plenty of fish. The shore is shallow with a sudden 20-50 foot drop. I also had my first experience of getting stung by jellyfish, which felt a bit like sticking a fork in an electrical outlet, leaving whip-like tentacle marks on my shoulder and wrist. Fortunately, I treated that with vinegar to deactivate the hundreds if not thousands of nematocysts the tentacles impart (think of them as microscopic poison capsules that keep firing). Initially, it felt like bee stings for an hour, but vinegar, sea water, and a dip in the hot tub saw all symptoms clear up quickly. The likely culprit would be the diaphanous and near invisible sea wasp variety, or possibly the long and largely invisible tentacles of an upside down jelly. Thankfully, it was not a Portuguese Man o' War, as those can be lethal! One of the highlights was in finding a reef octopus (Octopus briareus) that changed colours and shapes. Other highlights included seeing two species of trunkfish, and a spotted porcupine fish (although it was always too far away in the murk to get a clear image). The usual sergeant majors, wrasses, groupers, barracudas, surgeonfish, etc., were also encountered, but some of which were positively gigantic compared to those I've swam with elsewhere. Also, I got to swim with sea turtles which was an event that is beyond words. Onto pictures:
Marine diversity was good. I went on a snorkel boat to see a submerged tugboat, and did some off-shore dives. The area we mostly stayed in was not much for coral heads, but certainly plenty of fish. The shore is shallow with a sudden 20-50 foot drop. I also had my first experience of getting stung by jellyfish, which felt a bit like sticking a fork in an electrical outlet, leaving whip-like tentacle marks on my shoulder and wrist. Fortunately, I treated that with vinegar to deactivate the hundreds if not thousands of nematocysts the tentacles impart (think of them as microscopic poison capsules that keep firing). Initially, it felt like bee stings for an hour, but vinegar, sea water, and a dip in the hot tub saw all symptoms clear up quickly. The likely culprit would be the diaphanous and near invisible sea wasp variety, or possibly the long and largely invisible tentacles of an upside down jelly. Thankfully, it was not a Portuguese Man o' War, as those can be lethal! One of the highlights was in finding a reef octopus (Octopus briareus) that changed colours and shapes. Other highlights included seeing two species of trunkfish, and a spotted porcupine fish (although it was always too far away in the murk to get a clear image). The usual sergeant majors, wrasses, groupers, barracudas, surgeonfish, etc., were also encountered, but some of which were positively gigantic compared to those I've swam with elsewhere. Also, I got to swim with sea turtles which was an event that is beyond words. Onto pictures:
Approach From The Air -- Going Over the Other Islands First
The Land: Birds and Iguanas, Cacti, Bugs and Landscapes
Under the Water -- Octopi, Fish, Worms, and More
A Few Short Vids: Boca Pistol and chasing an iguana
Great Exuma, Bahamas - February 2023
Spent a week at the Sandals Emerald Bay property on the island of Great Exuma, Bahamas. Certainly less busy and popular than Nassau, and certainly a more relaxed environment. We haven't left the country in three years (just before Covid shut the world down), so this was far overdue. Definitely a lot of changes to air travel these days, from price to problems, but it was worth it to get reacquainted with that part of the world.
Marine biodiversity was much lower than in other locations in the Caribbean. I only went on one snorkel excursion, so didn't swim with the pigs or visit iguana island. The bay itself, situated on a mile long powdery white beach, has waters a stunning turquoise, but apart from some very tiny coral heads at one edge, is largely a desert. I found my own secluded bay that was more teeming with life (although not in the same density as other locations in the Caribbean), where I also encountered plenty of conchs and sea biscuits. The one sad reality is the amount of plastic in the seas -- it is everywhere.
The only new fish to my fish-spotting collection I encountered was the Nassau Grouper -- the rest were your typical tangs, a few sergeant majors, wrasses, etc. I've already got nine days booked in December to the true snorkeler's paradise, Curaçao. That should prove an underwater bonanza for my marine shutterbuggery!
Marine biodiversity was much lower than in other locations in the Caribbean. I only went on one snorkel excursion, so didn't swim with the pigs or visit iguana island. The bay itself, situated on a mile long powdery white beach, has waters a stunning turquoise, but apart from some very tiny coral heads at one edge, is largely a desert. I found my own secluded bay that was more teeming with life (although not in the same density as other locations in the Caribbean), where I also encountered plenty of conchs and sea biscuits. The one sad reality is the amount of plastic in the seas -- it is everywhere.
The only new fish to my fish-spotting collection I encountered was the Nassau Grouper -- the rest were your typical tangs, a few sergeant majors, wrasses, etc. I've already got nine days booked in December to the true snorkeler's paradise, Curaçao. That should prove an underwater bonanza for my marine shutterbuggery!
St Lucia - February 2020
What an incredible and much-appreciated week in the Lesser Antilles where -- unlike the cold monotones of Ontario winter -- vibrant colours thrive, and the warm breeze blows.
Our resort was located at the northern tip of St Lucia in Castries, along a promontory of sorts known as Gros Islet. We were situated on the Caribbean Sea, but also within viewing distance of the Atlantic Ocean. Our trip began with staying overnight near the Toronto airport, me playing in the airport echo chamber, and up in the air for about five hours. St Lucia operates by AST, so it was an hour later than here in EST. Sunrise was around 6;30 am, sunset around 6:15 pm.
Landing at the Hewanorra Airport also means landing at the southernmost part of the island (it is only 40 miles long), and means taking a shuttle all the way to the northern end. It is not a straight shot, but a very windy two-lane route through very mountainous terrain (it's almost all mountains, really). Some of those hairpin turns can be a white-knuckle experience for some, and the bumpy roads can be a queasy proposition for others. But we arrived safe and sound.
I spent a lot of my time underwater photographing stunning reef fauna, but we also climbed the Pigeon Bay Nat'l Park mountains, visited the British ruins, and delighted in the perfect weather and fantastic people of St Lucia.
Other highlights:
* free-dove for some lovely conch shells that I made sure to put back (it is illegal to remove any sand, living or dead coral, and shells). It is important to preserve the very delicate reef ecosystem, and those shells can be homes for other occupants.
* Had a long, great conversation with one of the vendors on the beach -- an elderly wire sculpture artist named Jason who made me a fantastic wire boxer.
* The resort was lovely, quiet, and very picturesque.
* I encountered so many Caribbean critters new to me. And, thanks to my comrade Ken who gifted me the Caribbean reef fish bible, I was able to identify many of them. I also feel ever more at home in the deep waters.
But enough palaver -- time to get to the picture reel. There's a lot (and many of them are underwater pics). There's a lot here, split in two slideshows. Enjoy!
Our resort was located at the northern tip of St Lucia in Castries, along a promontory of sorts known as Gros Islet. We were situated on the Caribbean Sea, but also within viewing distance of the Atlantic Ocean. Our trip began with staying overnight near the Toronto airport, me playing in the airport echo chamber, and up in the air for about five hours. St Lucia operates by AST, so it was an hour later than here in EST. Sunrise was around 6;30 am, sunset around 6:15 pm.
Landing at the Hewanorra Airport also means landing at the southernmost part of the island (it is only 40 miles long), and means taking a shuttle all the way to the northern end. It is not a straight shot, but a very windy two-lane route through very mountainous terrain (it's almost all mountains, really). Some of those hairpin turns can be a white-knuckle experience for some, and the bumpy roads can be a queasy proposition for others. But we arrived safe and sound.
I spent a lot of my time underwater photographing stunning reef fauna, but we also climbed the Pigeon Bay Nat'l Park mountains, visited the British ruins, and delighted in the perfect weather and fantastic people of St Lucia.
Other highlights:
* free-dove for some lovely conch shells that I made sure to put back (it is illegal to remove any sand, living or dead coral, and shells). It is important to preserve the very delicate reef ecosystem, and those shells can be homes for other occupants.
* Had a long, great conversation with one of the vendors on the beach -- an elderly wire sculpture artist named Jason who made me a fantastic wire boxer.
* The resort was lovely, quiet, and very picturesque.
* I encountered so many Caribbean critters new to me. And, thanks to my comrade Ken who gifted me the Caribbean reef fish bible, I was able to identify many of them. I also feel ever more at home in the deep waters.
But enough palaver -- time to get to the picture reel. There's a lot (and many of them are underwater pics). There's a lot here, split in two slideshows. Enjoy!
Ocho Rios, Jamaica -- The sequel
Field testing the underwater camera resulted in some fantastic marine photos. Let's cue them up here. Not as many pics of the property (but a few). The critters I've had identified by a reef expert (thanks, Ken!) have been marked up with text.
ocho rios, jamaica
Two phenomenal weeks at Ochi. Lots of sun, surf, and sea creatures. The shuttle from the airport to the property was, in turns, culturally fascinating and saddening with respect to the quite visible poverty. Also, due to an uptick in violent gang activity, we had to pass through a military checkpoint not too far from Discovery Bay. But what really stood out on this trip (apart from amazing people and the tropical surroundings that we've come to love) has been the wide assortment of plants and animals of the air, land, and sea. Next year I will be investing in an underwater camera to snap pics of those critters that I only have physical memories of.
So, cue up the slideshow!:
So, cue up the slideshow!:
Kincardine & Area
No, we didn't travel too far this summer, so apart from having gone to Jamaica in December 2017, and a return there this coming December, there were no plane trips. But, we did get out to Buffalo and central NY for a fossil dig. During Deb's week off this August, we decided to spend a few days in Kincardine with a little trip to Sauble Falls. Hey, sometimes nature's beauty is no more than a short car trip away!
After a short trip to Sauble Falls with some friendly ducks, it was back to the nautical and Scottish charm of Kincardine on Ontario's west coast where we were treated to some lovely cuisine, and even a piper parade. We stopped in for some local cheese at Pine River Valley before going for lunch in Goderich where there was a flea market all around the Square. It was then off to walk the beach while a triathlon was going on, and then encountering some mating cicadas.
After a short trip to Sauble Falls with some friendly ducks, it was back to the nautical and Scottish charm of Kincardine on Ontario's west coast where we were treated to some lovely cuisine, and even a piper parade. We stopped in for some local cheese at Pine River Valley before going for lunch in Goderich where there was a flea market all around the Square. It was then off to walk the beach while a triathlon was going on, and then encountering some mating cicadas.
Portugal
We just spent an incredible week in Portugal. We stayed in Lisbon and had day trips to Evora, Sintra, Praia do Magoita, Caiscais, Estoril, and Cabo da Roca. The number of photos are just too numerous to put here, so a separate page can be accessed here.
OTTAWA (with a day trip to Wakefield, PQ)
JAMAICA AGAIN
ICELAND (May 16-23, 2015)
There's a lot of pictures, so go to the Iceland page here