Priest’s Pools is one of my favorite sights in southern Guam. The Pigua River cascades along terraces of basalt lava as it heads toward the ocean. The water is cool and somewhat clear. Back when the Spanish first arrived on the island in the 1500s, the priests would bathe in the cool fresh water. The river meanders in the typical volcanic hills and tall sword grass found throughout the south.
Sunset in Hokitika, New Zealand
What can I say in words that these pictures don’t more eloquently express about the beauty of New Zealand, its skies, and its beaches? This set is from the small seaside town of Hokitika, a pitstop on our southerly journey to Franz Josef glacier all the way from Auckland in North Island. Here you finally see the campervan that was our home (and sometimes our burden) in the 9-day road trip.
Picture-Perfect Picton, New Zealand
When I think of port towns, my mind gravitates toward images of feculent water and grimy sea towns rather than say, Portofino. How pleasantly surprised I was to arrive in Picton after the stomach-wrenching ferry ride across the Cook Straight. Picton’s portside park is, as you can see, intensely beautiful with manicured lawns, flowering everything, and a smattering of charming coffee shops and cafes alongside.
Crossing Cook Straight, New Zealand
I imagined crossing the Cook Straight aboard a ferry to be this romantic, tranquil journey with pods of dolphin leaping acrobatically from the surrounding waters and unreal sunsets that would guarantee my place on speed dial at National Geographic. Instead… I nearly lost my lunch.
One Day in Auckland, New Zealand
We spent Day 2 of The Great New Zealand Campervan Caper in modern port city of Auckland. We had no agenda and didn’t need one. Strolling from café to café, pub to pub, and exploring the wharf one boat at a time made for a pleasant and picturesque day. We enjoyed cappuccino and gelato at Valentino’s Gelato, savory mussels with Mojitos and beer at The Occidental, and an awesome Margherita at Pizza Fresco, because what’s better than a pizza with a rocket salad on top?
Rotorua, New Zealand: Te Puia Geothermal Park
Te Puia, a 60-hectare valley with more than 500 geothermal wonders, is absolutely mesmerizing in its beauty, power, and otherworldliness. Where else can you feel like you’re both on the Moon and a Swiss alpine lake? This landscape was begging for an impromptu photo shoot, so I hurried back to our campervan, changed, and twirled my way through the park, undeterred by the curious Chinese tour group cueing up around us. If a heavy rain had not swept in, I never would have left. Truly a magical day.
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Review: Kauri Villa, New Zealand
We awoke to a stunning view of rolling green hills and the sounds of sheep and goats greeting us as we peered out the large bay window. Incredible. We took our coffee, tea, toast, and local jam in the majestic dining room along with a couple from Australia. Our hosts introduced themselves, the farm, and even let us feed the animals. Can you believe this house was transplanted from Auckland?
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Two Lovers Point, Guam
Two Lovers Point is not only the site of Guam’s most famous legend but also one of the best places to really see the beauty of Guam.
5 Things You Must Eat, See & Do in Austin, Texas
Absent the pretension of Dallas (well, mostly), Austin is not only a college town, but situated in some of Texas’ prettiest hill country, so sometimes we would just drive around enjoying the vistas around Lake Travis. From taking in a sunset at The Oasis restaurant to climbing Mt. Bonnell to stocking up on olives at the first Whole Foods ever, I was endlessly fascinated with Austin’s hipster-before-hipster-was-mainstream DIY vibe.
8 Places to Stay, Eat & See in New York City
I’ve been to New York a dozen times, but never completely on my own. I was alone the first night, waiting for my friend Mandy to arrive from upstate on the train the next day. No problem. Have feet, will walk. I found the perfect midtown hotel from which to start my solo journey…