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Mardi Gras World paints

It’s a Mardi Gras World, We’re Just Livin’ in It

Floats at Mardi Gras World are not like floats you’ve ever seen before, unless, of course, you’ve been to Mardi Gras. If you grew up anywhere else in the world as I did, your idea of a parade float probably involves paper or plastic-colored flowers shaped into semi-recognizable figures made by high school students. I remember once seeing a series Disney princess floats and the only way you could tell what princess you were looking at was by the colors....

Bayou Sign

Touring the Bayou in Jean Lafitte National Park

Before booking a kayak tour through the Jean Lafitte National Park bayou, I messaged the host. The tour promised a slow paddle through the bayou with likely sighting of swamp birds, turtles, and maybe some gators. Kayaking and alligators didn’t seem like they should go together, so I asked,  “Are there alligators? I want to do this, but it seems totally crazy to me. Am I nuts?”  “There are alligators, but you’re not crazy!! It’s an awesome time!!”  A friend...

Saguaro National Park cactus with orange sunset

5 Beautiful Places to See Near Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is a rare and beautiful place. I didn’t know much about it before I went there, and that’s because the people are chill, and I think maybe they’re trying to keep this fantastic place a secret. You know a place is spectacular when it has two unique lifeforms that only live there – the Saguaro and Pipe Organ Cactus. Here are five places near Tucson that I loved 1 Saguaro National Park Saguaro Cactuses are an icon of the...

Old Tombstone sign

Ghost towns? Visit Tombstone and Bisbee, Arizona

Imagine that you create a town where thousands of people live and work at the mine and associated businesses. Then, one day, the mine runs dry, and everyone leaves. Boom. Ghost town. There are a lot of ghost towns in the southwest, even those that don’t officially call themselves one yet, but none are more famous than Tombstone. America’s Famous Tombstone Ghost Town Tombstone, Arizona, is way down in southeast Arizona and is home to some of our favorite wild...

colorful Xochimilco boats

10 Things to Do Near Mexico City

Mexico City is a land of enchantments. It’s seldom that you’ll find a place so filled with art, culture, food, people, and things to do. I spent two weeks in the city and barely touched the surface of all there is on offer. If you’re planning to visit, and like to have a lot to do, extend your time as much as you’re able and you’ll never get bored. Despite working remotely the entire time I visited, I was still...

colorful Xochimilco boats

Visiting the Disappearing Xochimilco Floating Gardens

In Xochimilco, at least 25 colorful trajinera boats were stacked next to each other at the dock, and I needed to get to the one at the end. So, I jumped from boat to boat and tried not to fall into the water as I leapfrogged. Floating through the canals of Xochimilco on a trajinera is a cultural pastime, popular with tourists and Sunday favorite activity for locals. The once pristine canals and waterways were beloved by the likes of...

Close up of Caterina mural by Diego Rivera

6 Mexico City Museums You Must Visit

Mexico City has more than 150 museums, but most are pretty obscure. There are museums for engraving, women, the revolution, chocolate, all cultures that have ever existed in Mexico, medicine, photography, constitutions, murals, any remotely famous people (including Jesus) and caricatures, to name just a few. I made it to about half a dozen while I was there—mainly the ones that offered something about Frida and Diego er, Diego Rivera and or Frida Kahlo—since they were the reason for my...

Rene Coyoacán

5 Things to Do In Coyoacán, Mexico

Coyoacán is a small town about a 45-minute drive outside Mexico City, where Frida Kahlo lived. As an avid Frida fan who visited her house/museum twice, I spent a lot of time in Coyoacán. It’s a great place, filled with live entertainments, and if I returned to the Mexico City area, I’d stay here. 1. Take a Bike or Walking Tour One day, I took a bike tour of the city and a walking tour another day, so I explored...

Frida's journal with pen drawings

Going Inside Frida Kahlo’s House in Mexico

Frida Kahlo’s house is the brightest medium blue and maroon colors. It is immediately recognizable if you’ve ever read or watched anything about Frida. She was born, lived most of her life, and died in this house. Much of her work was created here, so of course, it’s a mecca for lovers of the artist. People often ask me how I decide where to travel; this is a good example. I knew one thing about Mexico City before I decided...