Santa Teresa is a small surf town on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. It’s year-round surf, warm water, and boho-beachy vibe, draws tourists from around the world. Many visitors fall in love with this seaside town and it’s “pura vida” way of life, but, before you pack your bags, consider these quirks and perks of this Instragramable beach town.
“Cenotes are magical!“ said Rachel, another yogi who I’d been practicing next to for years. She was telling me about her recent trip to Tulum where she swam in several wild cenotes in Mexico’s jungle. The sinkholes filled with limestone walls and aqua water sounded mystical and alluring. I was instantly enchanted. Years later, that conversational seed sprouted and a trip to Mérida, Yucatan’s capital city, was born.
(The beach in San Pancho)
During the Pandemic, I fell in love with San Pancho. A small, lively town North of Sayulita. We fly direct flight to Puerto Vallarta and take a taxi 45 minutes up the coast ($40) — it’s that easy! I love San Pancho’s energy!! It attracts creatives like me who want to do yoga, eat fresh food, walk on the beach, listen to live music and chillax under the warm Mexican sun. I wonder if there is an energy vortex here. During our recent visit, we planned to check out La Lancha surf break in Punta de Mita (a town 20 minutes south). Little did I know, I’d be taking a beginner surf lesson!!
Let’s face it Mexico City (known as CDMX = Ciudad de México) has a mixed reputation. Some people identify it with scary kidnappings, drug crime, corruption, pollution, traffic, and dirtiness while others see it as a business hub with deep cultural roots, beautiful architecture, iconic artwork, and world class cuisine.
San Pancho, sometimes called San Fransisco, is a quaint beach town 50 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You won’t find grand hotels or all-inclusive resorts there but you will find a long crescent beach, lively main street, a handful of creative restaurants, boutique lodging, and plenty of local charm. To me, San Pancho feels like Mexico was 20 years ago.
One of the best things that has happened during the Covid Pandemic shutdowns is the regeneration and healing of “touristic” places. Venice’s canals are now clean and clear, coral reefs are returning underwater, wild animals are creeping back into urban areas, wild flamingo populations have expanded, and majestic whales are less stressed and more communicative with reduced shipping noise and traffic. These restorations make me so happy!! On the flip side, traveling has come to a screeching halt. All the major trips I planned in 2020 got cancelled and my heart sank with each disappointment. Without travel, I can fall into a rut and feel depressed. I had to balance my own needs with the heavy restrictions so I planned a few jaunts to Mexico!
I didn’t take many photos but here is the drop zone. The landings are so precise, that you land between the flags.
I was born with an adventurous spirit and each year I honor it by flying somewhere fun and exotic for my birthday. However, with the Covid lockdowns around the world, flying was not possible!!! I pondered this and thought, “Well, I CAN’T fly in an airplane for my birthday – but I CAN jump from one”….So, I went SKYDIVING. I love experiencing things (even though I am typically terrified) and it’s not everyday you get to jump out of an airplane at 13,000 feet. Plus….it’s one gift I won’t have to return (LOL).
Mammoth in California’s Sierra Mountains is best known as ski resort for California winters but it also has an abundance of summer activities like hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking and horse back riding. Until last summer, we hadn’t been to Mammoth in over ten years, but this year we’ve visited three times already. The beauty of the mountains is awe-inspiring but we keep discovering great restaurants, excellent beer and delicious coffee (with plant milk options). Despite having car trouble (every time we go – ugghh), we’ve developed a fondness for Mammoth.
Due to the Covid pandemic, we had to cancel 2 major trips to Europe this summer. With limited international travel options, we opted for a road trip to Durango, Colorado.
Durango is a small mountain town nestled in the San Juan Mountains in the Southwest corner of Colorado. It attracts outdoor enthusiasts like bikers, hikers and skiers as well as retirees. It’s home to the iconic Durango/Silverton coal train and Fort Lewis college. You can hike in the mountains, walk along the Animas river or sip beer at craft breweries. Several parks and hikes were closed due to the Corona virus but there are still fun things to do.
I wanted to be in the desert for my birthday. The profound silence, the shimmering sand dunes, the mid-night sky, the colors that change throughout the day. It intrigued me!! Even though going to the Sahara is completely impractical, I was willing to bear the 10 hour drive (each way) across Morocco to get there. The Agafay desert (rocks not sand) lies a mere hour outside of Marrakech, but I envisioned riding camels high along the tangerine dunes while watching the sun slowly set. Unfortunately, my desert dream — was more like a desert disaster — so here are things I wished I’d known before I booked this extravagant excursion.