Travel

Category

van Gogh graves in Auvers, France

What van Gogh saw: 5 Nights in France

I had five nights in France, and I went on a quest to follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh and see what saw that inspired his paintings. I’ve long been intrigued by the troubled painter and I figure I may understand him better by seeing some of the places he lived and worked. Here’s what I found as I traveled through Paris, Arles, St. Remy, and Auvers to see the places that inspired van Gogh’s most revered art....

Bones in the Paris Catacombs

What It’s Like Exploring the Paris Catacombs Alone

Visiting the Paris France Catacombs is likely among the most morbid and scary tours you will ever go on. I had no idea what I was in for – especially because I did it alone – which I do not recommend. The Paris, France Catacombs are an ossuary created in the tunnels of former quarries in the late seventeen hundreds outside of Paris. Fun fact: An ossuary is a container or room to place the bones of dead people. This...

Sculpture of a nude female with her head thrown back and wings stands abover a series of colorful masoleums

An Adventure Finding Waterfalls in Costa Rica

I accidentally went on a hike while looking for waterfalls in the Costa Rica rainforest. The fact that I’m alive to tell this is nothing short of a miracle. I joke, but only sort of. Some people told me there was a beautiful waterfall a few towns over in Hermosa Playa in the Guanacaste province. I could visit by taking a bus. Once there, I just had to walk up a short road, and there would be a beautiful waterfall....

Chicago Magnificent Mile with image of Marilyn Monroe on building

Monuments, Shopping and Art: How to Spend 3 Days in Chicago

Chicago is a great city for any variety of activities, especially those that keep you outdoors, involve culture, dining, shopping, or any form of entertainment. So, no matter what is happening in the world, there’s always something to see, do or enjoy in Chicago. Day 1 Parks and the Outdoors “The Bean” – technically named “Cloud Gate” in Chicago’s Millennium Park is everyone’s park and spot to take pictures. There’s activity, food vendors, street buskers and more happening around the...

Surfboards on the ground

Learning to Surf in Costa Rica

It was 6:30 a.m. in Costa Rica, and I was struggling to carry my oversized surfboard across a footbridge in the middle of the rain forest. I was slipping in the early morning mud as I slapped at mosquitos large enough to carry a small child. I was in my mid-40s, didn’t know anyone I was with, couldn’t speak the language, and had never surfed before in my life. How, I wondered, did I up here? Technically, we ended up here because of...